The name Laura Shusterman often appears in news articles and online sources in connection with Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer. Her personal and family life has drawn media attention due to her husband’s high-profile legal and business activities.
However, the information available online is often inconsistent, with some sources spreading misinformation. Some even confuse her with Neal Shusterman, a famous YA author.
In this detailed guide, we will cover verified facts about Laura Shusterman, her family, her personal life, public perception, common myths, and tips for beginners on how to verify information about public figures.
Who Is Laura Shusterman?
Laura Shusterman is primarily known as Michael Cohen’s wife. Media mentions of her mostly appear in the context of Cohen’s business ventures, legal cases, and family life.
- Marriage: Michael Cohen and Laura Shusterman married in 1994.
- Children: They have two children,daughter Samantha Blake Cohen and son Jake Ross Cohen.
- Family Background: Laura comes from a Ukrainian family; her father’s name is Fima Shusterman.
Laura has largely maintained a private personal life, and her public presence is mostly tied to her husband’s legal and business controversies.
Early Life of Laura Shusterman
- Birth Year: Around 1970
- Birthplace: Ukraine (exact location unclear)
- Migration: Her family immigrated to the U.S. during her childhood, settling in New York City.
While verified details about her early life are limited, it’s known that her family background and cultural upbringing had a significant influence on her later life, including her family and business decisions.
Marriage and Family Life
Marriage to Michael Cohen
Laura Shusterman and Michael Cohen tied the knot in 1994. Cohen’s legal career and his connection to Donald Trump brought media attention to their family.

Children
- Samantha Blake Cohen: Graduated from the University of Pennsylvania; currently pursuing a professional career.

- Jake Ross Cohen: Graduated from the University of Miami; now active in his professional life.

Despite public attention, Laura has kept her family life private, sharing minimal personal details publicly.
Business Ventures
Laura and Michael Cohen were jointly involved in the New York City taxi medallion business, which played a significant role in their wealth during the 1990s and early 2000s.
Taxi Medallion Business
- Taxi medallions were once highly profitable in New York City.
- The initial business success contributed significantly to their financial portfolio.
- Over time, the market value of taxi medallions declined, affecting their business and overall financial stability.
Public Involvement
While Laura’s name appeared in media reports related to business, her involvement in legal matters was limited. She was never formally charged with any crime in connection to her husband’s legal cases.
Common Misconceptions About Laura Shusterman
1. Claim: Laura Shusterman is a famous author
Fact: This is incorrect. Some online sources mistakenly confuse her with Neal Shusterman, a popular young adult author.
2. Claim: She was heavily involved in her husband’s legal cases
Fact: Her involvement was mostly limited to family and business matters.
3. Claim: Laura is a widely public figure
Fact: Laura maintains a low profile, with public mentions primarily in connection with her husband.
Family Background and Influence
- Father: Fima Shusterman reportedly introduced Michael Cohen to Donald Trump
- Ethnic Origin: Ukrainian
- Connections to Trump: Fima and his wife Ania co-owned property with the Cohens in Trump Tower in New York City. A former federal investigator alleged that Fima might have been a quiet business partner of Trump and that Cohen was employed by the Trump Organization as a favor to Shusterman, a claim Cohen denied
- Influence: Her cultural and family background shaped her early life and contributed to her family and business decisions.
Media Attention and Public Perception
Laura Shusterman’s media attention largely stems from her husband’s public and legal life:
- Prosecutors reportedly investigated her involvement but no charges were filed.
- Media coverage often focused on her family, business involvement, and husband’s associations.
How to Verify Information About Public Figures
Beginners should follow these steps to verify information about authors or public figures:
- Library and ISBN Databases: Use WorldCat, Library of Congress, or ISBNdb to confirm publications.
- Publisher Websites: Check if the person is listed as an author or contributor.
- Reputable Media Sources: Interviews, news articles, and reviews provide reliable information.
- Cross-Check Multiple Sources: Never rely on a single blog or website.
Why Laura Shusterman Remains Private
- Media attention is mostly connected to her husband’s legal cases and business dealings.
- She has chosen to maintain privacy in her personal and family life.
- Her business contributions were primarily tied to her husband’s ventures.
Conclusion
Laura Shusterman is a private individual whose public presence is mainly tied to her husband, Michael Cohen.
- Her family and business involvement has been documented but limited in public records.
- Misleading information exists online, making verification important.
- The key lesson for beginners: always use reliable sources to research public figures or authors.
