who was a better lawyer johnnie cochran

by Prof. Chadrick Nienow PhD 10 min read

Douglas. Douglas was widely considered one of Johnnie Cochran's top lawyers. He later became the managing attorney of the Law Office of Johnnie Cochran, Jr.

Who is attorney Johnnie Cochran?

Jan 21, 2016 · Education and Early Career. Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. was born on October 2, 1937, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Hattie and Johnnie L. Cochran Sr. The family moved to California in 1943, where the ...

Was Cochran the'people's lawyer'?

Answer (1 of 3): Inspired by Thurgood Marshall and the legal victory Thurgood won in Brown v. Board of Education, Cochran decided to dedicate his life to practicing law. Cochran felt his career was a calling, a double opportunity to work for what …

Why did Cody Cochran decide to become a lawyer?

Feb 26, 2013 · Johnnie Cochran will always be best remembered as the criminal attorney who defended O.J. Simpson in the most publicly presented murder case in the history of the world. Back when Simpson was on trial for the deaths of Nicole Simpson and Ron Goldman, televised trials were a relatively new type of programming.

Was Johnnie Cochran a good lawyer for OJ Simpson?

Apr 13, 2021 · According to The Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame, Johnnie Cochran became the first African American assistant district attorney in Los Angeles when he was hired to the position in 1978. He said that joining the government was the best way to become one of the "good guys" that can fight for justice within the justice system.

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Was Johnny Cochran a good lawyer?

Cochran, Jr. has been recognized as an outstanding trial lawyer, civil libertarian and philanthropist throughout the world. As a seasoned litigator, Johnnie was considered to be one of the leading authorities on the criminal and civil justice system, as well as an international leader in the legal profession.

Who is the greatest lawyer of all time?

#1 Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln represented clients in both civil and criminal matters. In all, Lincoln and his partners handled over 5,000 cases.

Did Johnnie Cochran defend O.J. Simpson?

Johnnie Lee Cochran Jr.

(/ˈkɒkrən/; October 2, 1937 – March 29, 2005) was an American lawyer and civil activist best known for his leadership role in the defense and criminal acquittal of O. J. Simpson for the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman.

Which lawyer won the most cases?

Gerald Leonard Spence (born January 8, 1929) is a semi-retired American trial lawyer. He is a member of the American Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame. Spence has never lost a criminal case either as a prosecutor or a defense attorney, and has not lost a civil case since 1969.

Who is the richest lawyer in the world?

A Dozen of the Richest Practicing Lawyers in the World
  • Wichai Thongtang. Net Worth: $1.8 billion. ...
  • Charlie Munger. Net Worth: $1.6 billion. ...
  • Bill Neukom. Net Worth: $850 million. ...
  • Judge Judy. Net Worth: $440 million. ...
  • Robert Shapiro. Net Worth: $120 million. ...
  • John Branca. Net Worth: $100 million. ...
  • Roy Black. ...
  • Jane Wanjiru Michuki.
Sep 29, 2021

Was Abraham Lincoln a good lawyer?

One of Lincoln's greatest strengths as a lawyer was to take complex cases, parse out the key points, and simplify it in court. This and his talent for offering persuasive arguments while reading the mood of the jury was of great benefit to him during his law career.

Did Rob Kardashian believe OJ?

He sat by Simpson throughout the trial. The New York Times reported that Kardashian said in a 1996 ABC interview with Barbara Walters that he had begun to question Simpson's innocence: "I have doubts. The blood evidence is the biggest thorn in my side; that causes me the greatest problems.

Was OJ at Nicole's funeral?

Did Johnnie Cochran have two wives?

According to The Los Angeles Times, Cochran had a relationship with Patricia Sikora while he and Berry were still married. Sikora and Cochran had a child together, Jonathon, who was working as a California Highway Patrol officer as of 2005.Mar 15, 2016

Who is the best lawyer in the United States?

Six Lawyers Named to 2018 Best Lawyers in America Listing
  • David F. Bienvenu – Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Litigation – Insurance.
  • Daniel J. Caruso – Litigation – Construction.
  • Jay H. Kern – Construction Law, Litigation – Construction.
  • Susan B. ...
  • Denise C. ...
  • H.

Who is the most successful attorney in the United States?

1. Richard Scruggs. A well-known trial attorney, Richard got a $246 billion settlement from the big four tobacco companies in 1998.Aug 19, 2015

Who has won the most cases before the Supreme Court?

CARTER G. PHILLIPS is one of the most experienced Supreme Court and appellate lawyers in the country. Since joining Sidley, Carter has argued 79 cases before the Supreme Court, more than any other lawyer in private practice.

Who was Johnnie Cochran?

Johnnie Cochran established himself as a sought after attorney dealing with high-profile police brutality cases involving the African American community . He attracted famous clients like Michael Jackson and led O. J. Simpson 's defense team in the 1995 murder trial.

When did the trial of the century start?

The “trial of the century,” as it was dubbed, began in January 1995 and was among the most publicized in history, followed by millions around the world. Cochran, displaying his trademark style, came to lead the team, with some conflict rising among the attorneys amidst sensational proceedings.

Who killed Leonard Deadwyler?

In 1966, a Black motorist named Leonard Deadwyler, while attempting to get his pregnant wife to a hospital, was killed by police officer Jerold Bova. Cochran filed a civil suit on behalf of Deadwyler's family; though he lost, the attorney was nonetheless inspired to take on police abuse cases over the ensuing years.

Where did Johnnie Cochran go to law school?

With an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of California at Los Angeles, Johnnie attended Loyola Law School in Los Angeles where he received his Juris Doctor.

Who was Johnnie Cochran's friend?

It was here that Johnnie Cochran started his life-long friendship with Elmer “Geronimo” Pratt. Two years later, in December of 1971, Johnnie Cochran rose to make his closing arguments in defense of Willie Stafford and the other Panther’s on trial with him. Eleven days later the jury reached its verdict.

Where was Johnnie Cochran born?

Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. was born on October 2, 1937 in Shreveport, Louisiana. His great-grandparents were slaves, and his grandfather was a sharecropper. His father, Johnnie Cochran, Sr., and mother, Hattie B. Cochran, instilled in Johnnie a work ethic that would take him from the Jim Crow Era South to the upper echelon of the American Legal System. Young Johnnie grew up with two sisters, Pearl and Martha Jean, and the siblings grew up in a time when Louisiana was still dealing with effects of The Great Depression and with Jim Crow laws still deeply entrenched. Despite the times, Johnnies time in Shreveport was a happy time and the memories that always stayed with him were made on Sundays with his family and his church.#N#In the fall of 1943 Johnnie’s father set out to California and quickly found work as a pipe fitter with Bethlehem Steel in the Alameda Naval Shipyards. Just as the young Johnnie Cochran was turning six he and his family boarded the Southern Pacific and headed to California as part of the second wave of the Great Migration, where 6 million African Americans moved to the Northeast, Midwest and West. Initially they lived with Aunt Lucinda, but soon found their own place near the shipyard. It was the family’s first experience with an integrated neighborhood where working class people of all races and religions lived side by side.

Who was Leonard Deadwyler's wife?

One night, in May of 1966, Leonard Deadwyler, his pregnant wife Barbara, and a friend were on their way to purchase baby clothes.

What happened to Ron Settles?

He was running late and decided to take a shortcut through the city of Signal Hill, a city that was notorious for corruption and famously avoided people of color, especially at night. Settles was pulled over by Signal Hill police officer Jerry Lee Brown. The next morning, he was “found” dead in his cell.

Who was the preacher at Bethel Baptist Church?

The preacher was Reverend Charles Hampton and the verse was John 3:16. At the end of the sermon Johnnie made an agreement with the Lord that he would never regret.

Who was the man who made the decision to end racial discrimination in the United States?

The man who ensured that this happened and inspired 16-year-old Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. in a way that would change his life forever was Thurgood Marshall. Mr. Cochran immediately began reading anything and everything he could about Thurgood Marshall. To Johnnie, Marshall was living proof that a single dedicated man could use the law to bring about change in society and that is exactly what he set out to do. Despite his mother’s insistence in Johnnie pursuing a career as a doctor, both parents fully supported his decision and after graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles he was enrolled in law school at Loyola Law School.#N#Johnnie L. Cochran graduated from U.C.L.A. in 1959 and made the decision to attend Loyola Law School. On top of the grueling regimen at Loyola, Johnnie worked, was married in his first year, and had his first child during his third year. He had also found a job in his chosen profession and became the first African American law clerk in the office of the Los Angeles city attorney. The city attorney and his deputies represent the city government and its agencies in all legal matters. When his superiors noticed Johnnie’s fascination with trial work, they assigned him to represent the city in small claims court. On June 1, 1962 Johnnie graduated from Law school and began preparing to take the California bar exam. He took the bar and returned to work at the city attorney’s office to start the month long wait to hear if he had passed. On Monday, December 17th Johnnie was awoken at 2:30 a.m. by a friend who had call with the news that he (the friend) had passed. Johnnie didn’t get back to sleep that night and at 8:30 a.m. he and a colleague called the clerk at the state supreme court to get their results. Not only had Johnnie passed, but two of his closest friends from law school passed as well.#N#A few weeks later Johnnie knotted his tie and returned to work, not as a clerk but as a freshly minted deputy attorney. On January 10, 1963 Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. went to work as an attorney for the first time.

Who was Johnnie Cochran?

Johnnie Cochran was a very flamboyant performer in the court room. He was a dramatic actor, a preacher and a master communicator. The secret to his success was being able to capture the attention of the jury and convince them of his client’s innocence. When Cochran uttered his most famous line after O.J.

Who is Peter Wendt?

Peter Wendt is a lawyer turned freelance journalist living and working in Austin, TX. While he is an admirer of Johnnie Cochran’s work, Peter knows that there are tons of other amazing lawyers out there, such as these Philadelphia Defense Attorneys. Bio. Twitter.

Where did Johnnie Cochran go to law school?

He would continue his education at the Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, where he would receive his Juris Doctor in 1963.

Was Johnnie Cochran still in Hollywood?

Despite his work within the Black community and with people without the strongest financial means, Johnnie Cochran was still connected to Hollywood. Cochran's history of representing Black celebrities was well-known even before hitching his wagon to O.J. Simpson. In fact, Simpson was not even the most well-known celebrity Cochran represented in 1994. According to Bustle, that same year, Cochran had represented Michael Jackson in his child molestation trial, which ended in a settlement and no admission of guilt.

Where was Johnnie Cochran born?

Johnnie Cochran's early life. Long before the "Trial of the Century" and parodies on network television, Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, on October 2, 1937, to Johnnie L. Cochran Sr. and his wife Hattie.

What was Johnnie Cochran's highlight?

Simpson trial would be the highlight of Johnnie Cochran's career: He'd successfully acquitted one of his most well-known clients and put the entire Los Angeles Police Department on trial for their history of brutality and racial abuse. However, according to The Washington Post, overturning the conviction of Geronimo Pratt is what Cochran said was "the happiest day" of his legal practice.

Why did Johnnie Cochran keep his private life out of the headlines?

This in part came from some disturbing accusations leveled against him by his first wife and an affair during their marriage.

Do lawyers get blips?

The vast majority of lawyers and attorneys in the United States barely register as blips on the radar of popular culture. In the best-case scenario, they might find themselves in the newspaper or being interviewed on television if a case they're a part of makes national or local news headlines. However, their star typically flames out once the case ends.

Who was the first African American assistant district attorney in Los Angeles?

According to The Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame, Johnnie Cochran became the first African American assistant district attorney in Los Angeles when he was hired to the position in 1978. He said that joining the government was the best way to become one of the "good guys" that can fight for justice within the justice system.

Practice Areas

The Cochran Firm is one of the nation’s largest personal injury, truck accident, and medical malpractice national law firms with some of the most aggressive and accomplished trial attorneys.

Over 30 Billion in Verdicts & Settlements

With 11 unprecedented verdicts in excess of $100 million each and 35 in excess of $10 million, the partners practicing in The Cochran Firm have secured over $30 billion in verdicts, settlements, and judgments for our clients.

Contact us today for your free consultation

Contact us today to speak with a Cochran Firm intake specialist or attorney. Our team will discuss your legal matter with the confidentiality, understanding and respect you deserve.

The Cochran Firm

Founded over 50 years ago, The Cochran Firm is one of the nation's premier personal injury, truck accident, and medical malpractice law firms. The Cochran Firm is a national firm with regional offices throughout the United States.

Cochran Firm Regional Offices

It was the dream of our founding partner Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. to build a law firm with offices across the country that was made up of men and women from all races, religions and creeds to show the world how well we could all work together.

TESTIMONIALS

The Cochran Firm is absolutely hands down the best law firm I have ever dealt with. They were professional, understanding and cared about me as a client. I could call my attorney anytime and they were there to assist me.

Social Media Updates

Community outreach is very important to The Cochran Firm, and our partners across the country are dedicated to continuing our commitment to the people in our neighborhoods.

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Law Career Beckoned

  • Johnnie Cochran, Jr. was born in 1937 in Shreveport, Louisiana, and is the great-grandson of a slave. He grew up in a prosperous and stable family, with a father and mother who stressed education, independence, and a color-blind attitude. While Cochran was still young the family moved to Los Angeles, and he attended public schools there, earning ex...
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Discovered Issue of Police Abuse

  • In May of 1966, a young black man named Leonard Deadwyler was shot dead by police as he tried to rush his pregnant wife to the hospital. Cochran represented Deadwyler’s family, who accused the police of needless brutality in their son’s murder. The Los Angeles Police Department insisted that the officers had acted in self-defense. “To me, this was clearly a bad shooting,” Cochran mai…
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“Best in The West”

  • Returning to private practice in 1983, Cochran established himself as “the best in the West,” to quote Ebony magazine. One of his first major victories occurred in the case of Ron Settles, a college football player who police said had hanged himself in a jail cell after having been picked up for speeding. On behalf of Settles’ family, Cochran demanded that the athlete’s body be exhu…
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The “Trial of The Century”

  • No celebrity trial was more closely followed than O. J. Simpson’s trial, however. In the summer of 1994, Simpson was arrested and charged with the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman. Simpson declared that he was innocent, and he engaged Cochran as part of an expensive “dream team” of lawyers dedicated to his defense. Before long, Cochran ha…
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Personal Tragedy and Professional Triumph

  • After handling the post-trial publicity, Cochran returned to other cases, including pending civil litigation against Simpson. The trial has had its impact on Cochran’s life. Once a celebrity lawyer only in Los Angeles, he was now a celebrity lawyer across America. Cochran, however, has had his share of negative publicity. His first wife, Barbara Berry Cochran, wrote a memoir during the Sim…
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Examined Racism in Business and Sports

  • Cochran felt that the battle for fairness for all Americans was long from over. Along with his move to open the Cochran Firm, Cochran also turned his attention from police abuse to the broader scope of racial inequality in all facets of society. One of his first major cases in this vein was when he joined a team lead by Cyrus Mehri in a suit against the Coca-Cola company in 2000, accusing …
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Sources

  • Books
    Newsmakers, Issue 1, Gale Group, 1996.
  • Periodicals
    Africa News Service, October 10, 2001. American Lawyer, May 1994, p. 56. Corporate Counsel, April 2002, p. 13-14. Ebony, April 1994, pp. 112-16; November 1996, pp. 92-96. Entertainment Weekly, February 9, 2001, p. 13. Essence, November 1995, p. 86. Jet, May 17, 1999, p. 37. Knight …
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