Roy Cohn

Biography

Roy Marcus Cohn, a controversial figure in American history, made a name for himself as a lawyer and prosecutor. He gained notoriety as the chief counsel for Senator Joseph McCarthy during the Army-McCarthy hearings in 1954. His involvement in assisting McCarthy's investigations of suspected communists solidified his place in the political landscape of the time.

Born and raised in The Bronx, New York City, Cohn's education at Columbia University laid the foundation for his career in law. His rise to prominence came as a prosecutor in the espionage trial of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, where his successful prosecution led to the couple's execution in 1953. This high-profile case further propelled Cohn into the spotlight.

Despite his early successes, Cohn's reputation suffered in the late 1950s to the late 1970s following McCarthy's downfall. However, he later reemerged as a prominent political fixer in New York City during the late 1970s and 1980s. Cohn's influence extended beyond legal circles, as he also took on the role of mentor to real estate developer and future U.S. President, Donald Trump, during the early stages of Trump's business career.

In 1986, Cohn faced professional consequences when he was disbarred for unethical conduct by the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court. The disbarment came after a scandal involving attempts to defraud a dying client by coercing them to sign a will amendment leaving Cohn their fortune. Despite this tarnish on his legacy, Cohn vehemently denied allegations of suffering from HIV, but he succumbed to AIDS-related complications just five weeks after being disbarred.

Roy Cohn's life and career remain a subject of fascination and controversy, with his legacy intertwined with some of the most tumultuous periods in American history. His impact on politics, law, and society continues to be analyzed and debated by historians and scholars.