Tahirah R. Payne - Orlando, FL
Attorney at The Law Office of Corey I. Cohen & Associates
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Orlando, FL
21 Park Lake Street Orlando, FL 32803
- Free Consultation
Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyer
Updated: 02/16/2026
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Defense 100%
Litigation: 100%
Attorney Information
Overview
Ms. Payne was born and raised in Bronx, New York. She earned her bachelor of science in Psychology from Mercy College and her Juris Doctorate Degree from Fordham University Law School. During her time at Fordham, Ms. Payne was privileged to represent clients in criminal matters through the Lincoln Square Legal Services criminal defense clinic. Ms. Payne was later honored with the Archibald Murray award for service to the citizens of New York. After law school Ms. Payne began her career at the Bronx District Attorney’s Office in the complaints and arraignments bureau. Ms.Payne relocated to the sunshine state in 2008 and spent the next five years litigating cases on behalf of numerous large corporations, non-profit organizations, small business owners, criminal defense and family law clients. It was also during these years that Ms. Payne became known among judicial officials as “the closer” for her ability to resolve cases through negotiation. In 2016 Ms. Payne entered private practice representing clients facing felony and misdemeanor DUI, drug, weapons, assault and battery, and RICO charges. Ms. Payne went on to serve as an assistant Public Defender for the 12th judicial circuit representing indigent clients in criminal matters including attempted murder, aggravated assault and battery, felony gun possession, and sex offenses. Ms. Payne believes the success of each case depends, in part, on building a successful attorney-client partnership. Ms. Payne's practice is guided by the philosophy that the best legal outcomes are achieved by operating with integrity and practicing in a manner that garners the respect of colleagues, confidence of clients and the trust of tribunal. Ms. Payne endeavors to provide advocacy that is active and accessible even after the retainer is signed. Ms. Payne now brings her 13 years of experience to the team of Corey Cohen & Associates to serve the citizens of Orlando and surrounding areas. "The best "award" I have ever won was hearing my client's say "I trust you".
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Archibald Murray Public Service Award
- Brendan Moore Trial Advocates-Best Overall Advocate
Education
-
Legal Education
-
Fordham University School of Law,
New York,
New York, 2005
J.D.
-
Fordham University School of Law,
New York,
New York, 2005
-
Non Legal Education
-
Mercy College,
Mercy College,
New York
B.S.
Honors: summa cum laude
Major: Psychology
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Mercy College,
Mercy College,
New York
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Associate
Past Positions
- Office of the Public Defender 12th Judicial Circuit, Assistant Public Defender, 2019 - 2022
- Office of Regional Conflict Counsel 12th Judicial District, Assistant Regional Counsel, 2017 - 2019
Languages
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English (Primary)
Bar Admissions
- Florida, 2010
- U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida, 2022
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida, 2022
Fraternities and Sororities
- Psi Chi
Reviews
-
Hired Attorney 2021-2024First time I had to hire an attorney because I was being sued. I had a very bad experience, she refused to meet with me after I requested twice. I felt that I was being represented for free and also think that she treated me this was because of my age. All I wanted was a fair representation but she did not allow me that. I told her the situation over the phone and she agreed to represent me. She ask for nothing from me only her fee. After she receive the $4500 which was the fee up to mediation, she wrote an amended document. Shortly after that she spoke to the respondent attorney and I am not sure what happened, but shortly thereafter she texted me to call her. She had requested no documents, but told me that if I can?t find one check that my son said he paid my ex daughter in law back she was going to withdraw from the case. Ms Payne after that on a couple more occasion threaten to withdraw. Eventually she did without my knowledge and try to inform me only after the trial was set. She also dropped my countersuit without my knowledge. I think it was very malicious to no not inform me of her withdrawal which made it difficult for me to get another attorney. Her behaviour made it very difficult to trust any attorney especially here in Florida. I also think I was discriminated on because of my age.
Photo
Videos
Contact
21 Park Lake Street
Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: 407-680-2093
Fax: 407-246-0883
Email: Send a message
Website: https://www.coreycohen.com
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