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Episode 88 — From Humble Beginnings to Criminal Defense Powerhouse: The Inspiring Journey of Corey Cohen

From Humble Beginnings to Criminal Defense Powerhouse: The Inspiring Journey of Corey Cohen


We recently sat down with top criminal defense attorney Corey Cohen, and his journey from sharing a desk with his first business partner to building a thriving law firm is nothing short of extraordinary.



Starting Small, Dreaming Big

When Corey first started his own practice, he didn’t have a fancy office or a big savings account. In fact, he and his first partner shared a single desk! Can you imagine trying to take important client calls while your partner is sitting right across from you? Talk about humble beginnings!

But Corey didn’t let his modest start hold him back. He knew that keeping overhead low was key in those early days. It took about 3-4 months before he could even write himself a paycheck, but he persevered.

Building the Foundation

One of the smartest moves Corey made early on was focusing on infrastructure. He realized that if he was in court and missed a call, he could lose a potential client. So his first hire was a receptionist, followed by a secretary. These small steps laid the groundwork for future growth.

For about 15 years, Corey operated with just himself and four assistants. It wasn’t until he found himself turning away cases from neighboring counties that he decided to bring on another attorney. This allowed him to expand his reach and take on more clients.

Putting Clients First

Throughout his career, Corey has always prioritized his clients’ needs. He shared a brilliant strategy that has helped set his firm apart:

“Every week, we text message our clients an update. In that way, the client knows what’s going on. There’s not as many phone calls, and they’re happy. I mean, they really like the fact that they are never just in the dark about what’s happening with their case.”

This simple practice has dramatically improved client satisfaction and reduced time-consuming phone calls. It’s a perfect example of identifying a pain point and creating an efficient solution.

Embracing Technology and Social Media

Corey hasn’t been afraid to adapt to changing times. He’s built a strong social media presence, sharing helpful legal advice through short videos. This not only helps potential clients find him but also establishes his credibility as an expert in his field.

He’s even had a client (who happens to be a rapper) write a song about him! Now that’s what we call making an impression.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Corey shared some valuable advice for those looking to start their own business:

1. Don’t worry about having a huge savings account before starting. Keep your overhead low and be willing to hustle.
2. Focus on building a solid infrastructure before expanding too quickly.
3. Always put your clients’ needs first. Word-of-mouth referrals are powerful.
4. Embrace technology and social media to reach new clients and showcase your expertise.
5. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks, like increasing advertising during tough times.

The Importance of Staying Humble

Despite his success (over 1,000 Google reviews!), Corey remains incredibly down-to-earth. He still wears comfortable clothes when he’s not in court and values his privacy. This humility likely stems from remembering his early days of sharing that tiny desk.

Your Turn to Take the Leap

Corey’s story is a testament to what’s possible when you combine hard work, client-focused service, and a willingness to adapt. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, we hope his journey inspires you to keep pushing forward.

Every successful business has a starting point, and yours is no exception. So kick off those high heels, roll up your sleeves, and let’s spark that passion into action! We’re here to support your journey—personally, professionally, and spiritually.

Don’t miss the jingle we wrote for Corey, and be sure to follow us on social media @msbizpodcast for more inspiration and game-changing business tips!

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