Roy Cohn: The Controversial Legal Strategist of the 20th Century

Introduction

Roy Marcus Cohn (February 20, 1927 – August 2, 1986) was an American lawyer known for his aggressive and often ruthless tactics in high-profile cases. Cohn began his legal career as a prosecutor in the Army during the McCarthy era, where he gained notoriety for his role in the Army-McCarthy hearings.

Early Life and Education

Cohn was born on Manhattan's Upper East Side to a wealthy and prominent Jewish family. His father, Albert Cohn, was a successful businessman, and his mother, Dora Marcus Cohn, was a socialite. Cohn attended Horace Mann School and Yale Law School, where he graduated first in his class.

McCarthy Era

After graduating from law school, Cohn joined the U.S. Army as a special counsel to the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, chaired by Senator Joseph McCarthy. Cohn quickly became McCarthy's right-hand man, leading the notorious Army-McCarthy hearings, which targeted alleged communists in the U.S. government.

Private Law Practice

After the Army-McCarthy hearings, Cohn entered private practice and quickly established a reputation as a brilliant but ruthless attorney. He represented high-profile clients such as Donald Trump, Carmine Galante, and Robert De Niro. Cohn's tactics often involved intimidation, threats, and behind-the-scenes deals.

Personal Life

Cohn was a controversial figure known for his flamboyant lifestyle and closeted homosexuality. He was a close friend of Roy Halston Frowick, the fashion designer, and was romantically linked to artist Francesco Scavullo.

Controversy and Death

Cohn's aggressive tactics and questionable ethics made him a target of criticism. He was disbarred from practicing law in New York State in 1986 after being convicted of unethical conduct. Shortly after, Cohn died of AIDS at the age of 59.

Legacy

Despite his controversies, Cohn's contributions to American legal strategy are undeniable. His "win at all costs" approach and willingness to push the boundaries of ethical behavior have shaped modern-day litigation tactics. Today, Cohn is remembered as both an effective attorney and a symbol of the dark side of the legal profession.

Roy Cohn's Influence on Modern Legal Strategy

Aggressive and Ruthless Tactics

Cohn's most significant contribution to legal strategy was his aggressive and often ruthless tactics. He believed in going to any lengths to win a case, even if it meant violating ethical or legal norms. Cohn's techniques included:

• Intimidation: Threatening witnesses or opposing counsel with lawsuits, criminal charges, or harm.
• Threats: Making veiled or explicit threats to force a desired outcome.
• Backroom Deals: Negotiating behind the scenes to manipulate the outcome of a case.

"Win at All Costs" Mentality

Cohn's "win at all costs" mentality led him to prioritize victory over fairness or ethical considerations. He was known for his willingness to suppress evidence, attack personal character, and even fabricate evidence.

Modification of Legal Tactics

Cohn's tactics have had a lasting impact on modern legal strategy. While his extreme methods are not commonly adopted, many lawyers have adopted aspects of Cohn's aggressive approach, such as:

• Aggressive cross-examination: Using forceful questioning techniques to discredit witnesses.
• Strategic settlement negotiations: Using threats or pressure to achieve favorable settlement terms.
• Media manipulation: Using the media to influence public opinion or pressure opposing parties.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Emulating Roy Cohn's Tactics

While Cohn's tactics can be effective in certain situations, it is important to avoid common pitfalls:

• Overreaching: Going too far in using aggressive tactics can damage a client's case and reputation.
• Ethical Violations: Crossing ethical or legal lines can result in sanctions, disbarment, or even criminal charges.
• Alienating the Jury: Ruthless tactics can alienate jurors, leading to an unfavorable verdict.

Why Roy Cohn Matters**

Despite his controversies, Roy Cohn's contributions to American legal strategy are significant. His aggressive tactics and "win at all costs" mentality have shaped modern litigation. Understanding Cohn's legacy can help lawyers:

• Recognize and counter aggressive tactics: By studying Cohn's methods, lawyers can better prepare for and defend against opponents who use similar tactics.
• Balance aggression and ethics: Cohn's case demonstrates the importance of balancing aggressive legal strategy with ethical considerations.
• Avoid common pitfalls: By learning from Cohn's mistakes, lawyers can minimize the risks associated with aggressive tactics.

Benefits of Emulating Roy Cohn's Tactics

When used appropriately and ethically, Roy Cohn's tactics can benefit clients by:

• Increasing leverage in negotiations: Aggressive tactics can put pressure on opposing parties, leading to more favorable settlement terms.
• Discrediting opponents: Using aggressive cross-examination or media manipulation can undermine the credibility of witnesses or opposing counsel.
• Achieving favorable outcomes: In certain cases, aggressive tactics can help secure favorable verdicts or outcomes that would not have been possible with more traditional approaches.

FAQs**

1. What was Roy Cohn's role in the McCarthy hearings?

Cohn was Senator McCarthy's right-hand man and played a leading role in the Army-McCarthy hearings, targeting alleged communists in the U.S. government.

2. Why was Roy Cohn disbarred?

Cohn was disbarred in 1986 for unethical conduct, including witness tampering, extortion, and lying to a federal judge.

3. What are some of the most famous clients represented by Roy Cohn?

Cohn represented high-profile clients such as Donald Trump, Carmine Galante, and Robert De Niro.

4. What were some of Roy Cohn's most controversial tactics?

Cohn's tactics included intimidation, threats, backroom deals, and suppression of evidence.

5. How have Roy Cohn's tactics influenced modern legal strategy?

Cohn's "win at all costs" mentality and aggressive tactics have had a lasting impact on modern litigation, leading to the adoption of similar techniques by many lawyers.

6. What are some of the common pitfalls to avoid when emulating Roy Cohn's tactics?

Pitfalls include overreaching, violating ethical norms, and alienating the jury.

Conclusion

Roy Cohn was a controversial figure who left a lasting impact on American legal strategy. His aggressive tactics and "win at all costs" mentality have shaped modern litigation. While Cohn's extreme methods are not universally adopted, understanding his legacy can help lawyers recognize and counter aggressive tactics, balance aggression and ethics, and avoid common pitfalls.

Tables

Table 1: Roy Cohn's Major Cases

Table 2: Roy Cohn's Controversial Tactics

Table 3: Benefits and Risks of Emulating Roy Cohn's Tactics