Her Story
About Raisa
Raisa Cohen is a retired U.S. Immigration Judge and accomplished immigration attorney based in New York, with more than two decades of experience across government service, the judiciary, and private practice. An immigrant and former refugee from Uzbekistan, Raisa developed a passion for immigration law while attending St. John’s University School of Law, where she participated in the Immigrants’ Rights Clinic. After earning her Juris Doctor, she began her legal career with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as an Assistant Chief Counsel and ICE prosecutor, representing the government in complex removal proceedings and handling matters involving national security, human rights violations, immigration fraud, and other high-stakes issues.
Raisa later served as a U.S. Immigration Judge with the U.S. Department of Justice, presiding over removal proceedings and adjudicating complex cases involving asylum, withholding of removal, cancellation of removal, waivers, adjustment of status, human trafficking, persecution, and unaccompanied minors. Her experience on both sides of the courtroom has given her a distinctive 360-degree perspective on the immigration system and a deep understanding of litigation strategy, courtroom dynamics, evidentiary standards, and due process. She retired from the immigration bench at the end of 2024 and now serves as Principal of Cohen Immigration Law Group, P.C., where she represents individuals and families in complex, high-stakes immigration matters nationwide and advises attorneys on litigation strategy, motions, appeals, removal defense, and federal court cases.
Beyond her legal practice, Raisa is an active speaker, educator, and mentor within the immigration and broader legal communities. She regularly participates in professional conferences, continuing legal education programs, moot court competitions, and panels addressing immigration law, courtroom advocacy, criminal-immigration intersections, and enforcement developments. She is involved with organizations including the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the Roundtable of Former Immigration Judges, the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Bar Association. Recognized professionally as a Super Lawyer and among the Top 50 Lawyers, Raisa attributes her success to the hard work, determination, resilience, and commitment to giving back that grew from her own immigrant experience. Her work remains grounded in integrity, compassion, fairness, and a commitment to helping individuals and families navigate an often overwhelming immigration system.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Raisa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, determination, and an immigrant mindset of gratitude and resilience. I believe success comes from taking every opportunity to build a better life, staying committed to your goals, and giving back to the community.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received has come from the many professors, judges, and legal professionals who have mentored and inspired me. Their guidance, leadership, and example helped me build the confidence and skills that have shaped my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the legal profession is to step outside their comfort zones and block out the noise of self-doubt. Believe in yourself, keep trying, learning, growing, and evolving. Celebrate your achievements and measure your progress against where you started, rather than comparing yourself to an ideal or someone else’s journey.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe immigration law is evolving rapidly, creating both significant challenges and meaningful opportunities. As policies and legal landscapes shift, there is a growing need for experienced advocates who can provide knowledgeable representation, educate communities, and promote fairness throughout the immigration system.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are integrity, justice, compassion, perseverance, and service. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, and that true success comes from using my knowledge and experience to help others. I also value family, philanthropy, mentorship, and giving back to the community.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.