Smiling in court, blasting “Giving It `All’ by Tom Grennan for inspiration, and carving out time for tough PT sessions twice a week — Jersey advocate Zandie Cohen brings a rare mix of resilience, warmth, and modern energy to the world of family law. She has built a career — and now her own firm, Cohen Family Law — on the belief that showing up authentically matters as much as expertise.
We sat down with her to talk about why she chose family law, how she’s navigated launching her own practice, and what she hopes her legacy will be.
What inspired you to specialise in family law, and what motivated you to start your own firm at this stage of your career?
“It’s often said that the three hardest things in life are death, divorce, and moving house. In family law, divorce and moving house often go hand in hand. While I don’t deal with the legal side of a property sale, I do help clients get to that point, supporting them through the process so they can move forward. In that sense, I’m helping with two of life’s biggest challenges.
I was drawn to family law because it is one of the few areas where you can genuinely make a difference to someone who is going through one of the toughest times of their life. It is challenging but incredibly rewarding. Starting my own firm was about taking that passion and creating a space where I could practise law in line with my own values and personality, with the freedom to shape my approach in a way that feels authentic to me. If I can make a relationship breakdown even a little easier for my clients, then that’s a win.”
Can you walk me through your career journey so far?
“Interestingly, law wasn’t my first choice; it was my father who suggested I study law. His father was a lawyer who set up his own firm in the North of England (Cohen Gillis & Co). In fact, both sides of my family have legal links. My mother’s ancestor Sir Thomas Plumer was a British judge and politician as well as the first Vice-Chancellor of England (having been Attorney General in 1812) and later Master of the Rolls (1818–1824). I suppose it was in my genes!
I studied at Newcastle University, which has an excellent law school and was a fantastic experience. I later completed the Legal Practice Course at Guildford University of Law and then qualified as a solicitor of England & Wales. After taking the Jersey advocate’s exams, I was then sworn in as a Jersey advocate.
I wasn’t always certain about becoming a lawyer, but over time I built a career I love and ultimately launched my own firm. Now, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
What have been the biggest challenges in setting up a firm?
“Honestly, everything has gone more smoothly than I expected. Potential clients started enquiring straight away, and investing heavily in technology has really helped. Things really have taken off quickly.
If I had to pick a challenge, it would be dealing with the negativity that can come when people hear you’re setting up on your own. But I was determined to back myself and I am glad I have.”
How are you approaching building a client base from scratch, especially in such a sensitive and trust-based area of law?
“Reputation is everything in Jersey. I have worked hard to build mine over the years and was fortunate to have client enquiries almost as soon as I launched. I also make a conscious effort to maintain strong relationships and be visible in the community. People know me for being approachable, straightforward, and values-led, which helps build trust in such a sensitive area of law.”
What has been your proudest moment since you started your career?
“Without a doubt, being sworn in as an advocate. That moment trumps nearly everything — apart from setting up my own firm, of course!”
How do you balance the emotional demands of family law with your own wellbeing?
“Spending time with my siblings (and their spouses), my mother (my father is sadly no longer with us), and my nieces and nephews is one of the best ways for me to switch off and recharge.
I also have PT sessions twice per week, where I am pushed to my limits physically (at my request) which is great for the mind and the endorphins help.
Most importantly, I know I have worked as hard as I can for my clients each day, which leaves me at peace when I switch off at the end of the working day. I genuinely love what I do — it doesn’t feel like ‘work’ most of the time, which is a privilege. Not many people get to have their passion as their work.”
What strategies are you using to stand out in a competitive market?
“My whole brand is built around being myself. I take a modern, human approach: I bring my own style (within reason and always respecting court dress codes), I speak plainly, and I cut through the jargon. Clients are already under enough stress — sometimes formality is not what they need. Most of the time, they just need someone real, approachable, and on their side.
That said, while I run my firm with a modern ethos, I also think it is important to respect tradition. For example, I love the annual ceremony where advocates are re-sworn into court. Moments like that remind you how much you have achieved and the weight of the obligations you carry to the island when you take your oath.
For me, it is about being modern and approachable, without losing sight of the traditions and responsibilities of the profession.”
Where do you see your firm in five years’ time, and what legacy do you hope to build?
“I see Cohen Family Law remaining boutique, staying true to the brand and values I have built it on, and growing at a sustainable pace. My hope is that my legacy will be showing that family law can be practised with genuine care, warmth, and humanity — without losing an ounce of expertise.”
If your firm had a theme song, what would it be and why?
I think this is my favourite question.
I reckon “Giving It All” by Tom Grennan. The title alone says it all, and the fact it comes from an EP called “Release the Brakes” makes it even better. That’s the sort of energy I put into my business and my clients by showing up for people when life feels at its toughest.
I also have to have my own resilience as I still have to show up for my clients, the court and the business, even at times when my own personal life might not be 100%.
The song has a raw authentic energy that mirrors my approach: no half measures, no pretence, just giving it all. I also love that it’s a proper sing along car song.
What’s your “superpower” in the court room?
A judge once told me they love that I always smile in court (which is rare). In such an emotional area of law, that simple human touch really matters.
What’s one thing law school didn’t prepare you for at all?
The gravity of people’s stories and the challenges they face. Law school teaches you the law, but not the human side – the real life events and emotions that come with it. It can be heavy at times, but it also gives you perspective and reminds you to be grateful for things in your own life. For me, helping people through those moments is the best part of the job and some of my own life experiences often help me to do that.
If you could have lunch with any famous lawyer, real or fictional, who would it be?
Amal Clooney. Her style, poise, and career; she’s just formidable. And of course, Elle Woods (Legally Blonde) because she’s unconventional and she persevered in the face of adversity. She’s also smart, bubbly and loves pink (of course!).
If you didn’t do this job what would you be doing?
I actually applied to do forensic science at university initially because I loved CSI (quite unrealistic – I know!). I then changed to maths, and then to law. Looking back, if I had to choose another career, it would probably be medicine – a doctor or nurse.
If you could teleport anywhere after a long week at work, where would you go?
My family home in Somerset West, South Africa. Any day, any time of year.
