Rachel A. Cohen is a Harvard Law School graduate and former associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, where she specialized in finance law. In March 2025, she garnered national attention when she organized law firm associates to pressure their firms to stand firm in the face of Trump administration attacks on the profession, ultimately publicly resigning from Skadden in protest of the firm's inaction. Shortly after her resignation, Skadden entered into an agreement to provide $100 million in pro bono legal services aligned with the Trump administration's agenda, receiving unclear benefits for the firm itself. Cohen criticized the firm's actions as capitulating to political pressure and undermining the independence of the legal profession. Her resignation letter, which she shared on LinkedIn, sparked widespread discussion within the legal community and beyond.

Following her departure from Skadden, Cohen joined Lowell and Associates, a new law firm founded by prominent attorney Abbe Lowell. The firm aims to challenge government overreach at a time when it is increasingly difficult for clients to find counsel willing to go up against the government. Cohen continues to advocate for the rule of law and ethical standards within the legal profession. Her actions have been recognized by organizations such as the Rosenstrasse Civil Courage Foundation and Principles First, which honored her for her principled stand against political interference in legal matters.