Beth D. Cohen

Beth D. Cohen is a Professor at Western New England University School of Law with a distinguished scholarly career spanning nearly four decades. Her extensive publication record demonstrates deep engagement with legal writing pedagogy, criminal law, and family law, with significant contributions to legal education methodology.

Her research portfolio includes:

• Legal writing instruction techniques and assessment methods
• Criminal law analysis through book reviews of judicial works
• Gender issues in family law, particularly name change procedures
• Legal ethics integration in first-year curricula
• Innovative teaching approaches connecting creative processes to legal writing

Cohen's scholarly evolution shows a progression from traditional legal scholarship in the 1980s toward specialized legal education research. Her 2016 article "What Legal Writers Can Learn from Paint Nite" exemplifies her creative approach to teaching writing through analogies to recreational painting activities. This work, co-authored with Pat Newcombe, demonstrates her commitment to making legal writing instruction more accessible and engaging for students.

Her publications reveal consistent themes of improving legal education quality, enhancing student writing skills, and connecting legal practice to broader humanistic values. The 2013 article "A Name of One's Own" highlights her attention to gender equity issues within legal procedures.

Cohen maintains active involvement in law school administration and community outreach through initiatives like the "Mini-Law School" project, demonstrating her commitment to extending legal knowledge beyond traditional classroom settings.