What Michael Cohen Does for a Living
Michael Cohen works as an attorney, business consultant, author, and media commentator. He is a former attorney who was disbarred following a criminal conviction. Since release from prison, he has advised businesses, spoken publicly on legal and political topics, and built a consulting practice focused on investigations, compliance, and reputation strategy. This profile explains his current professional activities, background, and how he earns a living.
Professional Focus and Scope of Work
Consulting, Compliance, and Investigations
Cohen runs a consulting firm that performs three primary lines of work. First, investigations and due diligence for corporate clients and legal teams. Second, compliance design and training, especially for industries facing strict regulatory oversight. Third, reputation and risk management strategy for individuals and organizations under media or legal scrutiny.
Media Commentary and Public Speaking
He participates in media interviews, podcasts, and television, offering analysis on legal cases, ethics, and corporate governance. Public speaking engagements and paid appearances form another revenue stream, particularly for audiences seeking insider perspectives on high-profile litigation.
Content, Authorship, and Digital Presence
Cohen has authored books and contributes to digital platforms, where he monetizes through royalties, sponsorships, and affiliate arrangements. He maintains an active online presence that supports consulting inquiries and amplifies his public profile.
Background and Legal History
Cohen began his career in real estate development and later became an attorney. He worked for a U.S. president in a personal and business capacity before opening his own law practice. His practice focused on corporate transactions, litigation, and crisis response. In 2018 he pleaded guilty to multiple felonies, was sentenced to prison, and was disbarred. Since release, he has rebuilt his professional identity outside the traditional practice of law.
How He Earns a Living: Revenue Streams
Cohen’s income comes from consulting fees, speaking fees, media payments, book royalties, and digital content monetization. He also receives strategic advisory retainers from select clients. Because he cannot practice law in most jurisdictions, his business model relies on non-legal advisory services and communications rather than courtroom representation.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Current Roles | Attorney (disbarred), business consultant, author, media commentator | Public records, professional bios |
| Consulting Focus | Investigations, compliance, risk and reputation management | Firm website, service descriptions |
| Legal Status | Disbarred following felony convictions; not authorized to practice law | Court records, state bar records |
| Revenue Sources | Consulting fees, speaking fees, media fees, book royalties | Public disclosures, financial filings |
Consulting Services and Client Work
His consulting practice serves middle-market firms, family offices, and multinational corporations. Projects often involve internal investigations, third-party audits, policy design, and stakeholder communications. Clients typically seek his experience with high-stakes regulatory environments and media-intensive matters. Engagement structures vary from short-term assessments to multi-month retainers.
Comparison to Similar Public Figures
Unlike licensed attorneys in active practice, Cohen cannot represent clients in court or provide legal advice in most jurisdictions. Compared to other disbarred lawyers turned consultants, he leans more heavily on media presence and commentary. This table contrasts common activity areas:
| Activity | Michael Cohen | Licensed Practicing Attorney | General Consultant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Courtroom Representation | No | Yes | No |
| Legal Advice to Clients | Limited; cannot advise in most jurisdictions | Yes | No |
| Investigations and Audits | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Media Commentary and Public Statements | Yes | Restricted | Varies |
| Book Royalties and Digital Content | Yes | Varies | Yes |
Ongoing Work and Public Reception
Cohen remains visible in business and media, with ongoing projects that include new book proposals, podcast interviews, and advisory mandates. Public reception ranges from skeptical scrutiny to engaged interest, depending on the context and audience. His work often emphasizes lessons from high-profile cases, regulatory trends, and the intersection of law, reputation, and business strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Michael Cohen still practice law? No. He is disbarred and not authorized to practice law in any jurisdiction.
- What types of clients does he advise? Corporate clients, family offices, and individuals needing support with investigations, compliance, and reputation strategy.
- Is he involved in politics today? He participates in political discourse as a commentator but does not hold elected office or official government roles.
- How does he generate most of his income? A mix of consulting fees, speaking engagements, media appearances, and book royalties.
Summary
Michael Cohen earns a living primarily through consulting, media, and content creation rather than active legal practice. His expertise centers on investigations, compliance, and reputation risk management for business and public-facing clients. Disbarment has shifted his career away from courtroom law toward advisory and communications-based services.