Roy Cohn
Definition
An American attorney and prosecutor who gained prominence as a staffer for Senator Joseph McCarthy during the 1950s anti-communist hearings.
A legendary, albeit deeply polarizing, legal shark known for his ruthless 'attack dog' tactics, lack of ethical constraints, and lifelong influence on New York City politics and power brokers.
A metaphorical term used to describe a cutthroat legal operative who is willing to do whatever it takes to win for their client, regardless of the reputation or moral consequences.
Examples
If you are looking for someone to redefine the term 'legal scorched earth' with a smirk, Roy Cohn is basically the patron saint of that behavior.
He handled the contract dispute with the same finesse that a Roy Cohn protégé would use to incinerate an opponent's reputation in court.
It is a bold career move to model your negotiation style after Roy Cohn, provided your goal is to be feared rather than invited to dinner.