who was johnny cochran an attorney for

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When did Johnnie Cochran become a lawyer?

On January 10, 1963 Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. went to work as an attorney for the first time. As a new attorney working for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office Johnnie was initially assigned to traffic court. On his very first day he tried 28 traffic tickets and won them all.

Who is 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.

Where did Johnnie Cochran go to college?

Born in Shreveport, LA, Johnnie Cochran moved with his family to California. 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.

What did Johnnie Cochran do for tort reform?

In most of his cases Cochran represented plaintiffs in tort actions and opposed tort reform. Due to his success as a lawyer, Cochran could encourage settlement simply by his presence on a case. According to Rev. Jesse Jackson, a call to Johnnie Cochran made "corporations and violators shake."

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What famous people did Johnnie Cochran defend?

Los Angeles, California, U.S. Cochran represented Sean Combs, Michael Jackson, Tupac Shakur, Stanley Tookie Williams, Todd Bridges, football player Jim Brown, Snoop Dogg, former heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe, 1992 Los Angeles riot beating victim Reginald Oliver Denny, and inmate and activist Geronimo Pratt.

Was Johnny Cochran an assistant district attorney?

As a Los Angeles County assistant district attorney, Cochran instituted many lasting reforms, including the Domestic Violence Council and the Sexual Assault Program. He returned to private practice in 1981.

How long was Johnnie Cochran a lawyer?

Career : Attorney, 1963-2005. City of Los Angeles, deputy city attorney, 1963-65; private attorney, 1965-78; Los Angeles County, assistant district attorney, 1978-82; private attorney and head of law firm, 1982-2005; Cochran Firm, founder, 2001.

What did Johnnie Cochran do to Barbara?

In her book, Berry detailed accusations of both physical and emotional abuse and wrote that Cochran cheated on her, according to the Chronicle. She claimed that Cochran had a son outside of their marriage, tying him to what felt like an entirely separate family.

Who said if the glove doesn't fit?

Twenty-five years ago today, in his closing argument at the sensational O.J. Simpson double-murder trial in Los Angeles, lead defense lawyer Johnnie L. Cochran stood before the jurors and urged them to keep this in mind: “If it doesn't fit, you must acquit.”

Who was the lawyer that defended OJ Simpson?

O.J. …as the “Dream Team,” included F. Lee Bailey, Robert Blasier, Shawn Chapman Holley, Robert Shapiro, and Alan Dershowitz; Johnnie Cochran later became the defense team's lead attorney.

Was OJ at Nicole's funeral?

June 16, 1994Nicole Brown Simpson / Date of burial

How much is OJ Simpson worth now 2020?

OJ Simpson Net Worth is estimated to be $7 Million USD. O. J. Simpson nicknamed Juice, is an American former football running back, broadcaster, actor, and advertising spokesman.

Is Johnnie 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 did Johnnie Cochran marry?

Sylvia Dalem. 1985–2005Barbara Berry Cochranm. 1960–1977Johnnie Cochran/Spouse

Who is Marcia Clark's husband?

Gordon Clarkm. 1980–1995Gabriel Horowitzm. 1976–1980Marcia Clark/Husband

Who are OJ Simpson's Kids?

Sydney Brooke SimpsonJustin Ryan SimpsonJason SimpsonArnelle SimpsonAaren SimpsonO. J. Simpson/Children

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. Amidst much debate over the case, Cochran entered the national spotlight and became a celebrity himself, making screen appearances and writing his memoirs.

Who was the attorney who took on the police abuse cases against African Americans?

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. During the early 1980s, he oversaw a settlement for the family of African American football player Ron Settles, who died in a police cell under questionable circumstances. The following decade, Cochran won a huge, unprecedented court payment for a 13-year-old molested by an officer.

Who is the lawyer who wrote Journey to Justice?

Cochran penned the books Journey to Justice (1996) and A Lawyer's Life (2002). He appeared on Court TV’s Inside America’s Courts and was also featured on a number of TV programs, including Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Chris Rock Show and The Roseanne Show as well as the Spike Lee film Bamboozled (2000). Cochran continued to take on new cases into the new millennium, ranging from work for clients like Abner Louima, who was tortured while in New York City police custody, and rapper/music mogul Sean "Puffy" Combs, to an anti-trust litigation issued against racing giant NASCAR.

Who was the Nazi dictator who was found not guilty of murder?

Cochran thus made controversial closing statements in which he compared the detective’s philosophy to that of Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler. Simpson was found not guilty in his murder trial, yet nonetheless faced civil litigation, with millions in damages awarded to the Brown and Goldman families.

Who was charged with attempted murder?

Over the years, Cochran's roster included famous entertainers like actor Todd Bridges, who was charged with attempted murder, and pop icon Michael Jackson, with Cochran arranging an out-of-court settlement for the singer in relation to child molestation charges.

Was Pratt imprisoned?

Pratt was convicted and imprisoned, while Cochran maintained that the activist was railroaded by authorities, pushing for a retrial. (The conviction was eventually overturned after more than two decades. Pratt was released, with Cochran also overseeing a wrongful imprisonment suit.)

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.

When did Johnnie Cochran become famous?

Johnnie Cochran continued to build on his reputation throughout the 1980’s and by the time the 1990’s rolled around he was a household name in California and among his legal peers. By the close of the decade Johnnie Cochran, Jr. would be recognized all around the world.

What was Johnnie's first job?

As a new attorney working for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office Johnnie was initially assigned to traffic court. On his very first day he tried 28 traffic tickets and won them all. Not long after he moved up to trying drunk driving and misdemeanor battery cases. In his first two years Johnnie participated in over 125 jury trials and had begun experimenting with the theatrical courtroom demeanor that he had learned from his pastor at Little Union Baptist Church and would later be famous for.#N#By 1965 Johnnie had become one of the city attorney’s top trial lawyers. Increasingly though he noticed that the cases coming his way were what was called “148s”. This means that the defendants he saw were charged with violating Section 148 of the California Penal Code, or in other words, resisting arrest or interfering with an officer in the course of his duties. LAPD officers privately referred to the penal code section 148 as “the attitude test.” If someone “flunked the attitude test” the officers would administer “curbside justice.”#N#Johnnie would start each week and see a courtroom filled with men who had “flunked the attitude test.” They invariably displayed visual injuries that would range from cuts and bruises to fractured limbs. Aside from the injuries, 90% of the defendants had another thing in common. They were African American men. The police in Los Angeles had become accustomed to exercising their power virtually unchecked by any authority higher than their own headquarters. From day one it was clear to Johnnie way he and his fellow deputy city attorneys were being asked to prosecute these bogus 148 cases. Through pursuing criminal charges against the men who had “flunked the attitude test”, the city made it virtually impossible for them to file civil suits against the city and be compensated for their injuries.#N#Through sleepless nights Johnnie began to listen to the voices that had always been with him. C.A.W. Clarke’s sermons in Little Union Baptist Church; “A man cannot serve two masters”, His mother making him promise to be the best that he can be, Thurgood Marshall speaking on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court, and W.E.B. Dubois describing how Frederick Douglas resolved his own inner struggle. He listened to these voices and in March of 1965 Johnnie left the city attorney’s office and entered into private practice.

When did Johnnie Cochran leave Geronimo Pratt?

On June 10, 1997 Johnnie Cochran finished his work for Geronimo Pratt when Pratt’s conviction was vacated after 27 years. This became Johnnie’s proudest achievement as an attorney and the two remained close friends until the time of Mr. Cochran’s passing in 2005.

What classes did Johnnie take?

He became fluent in Spanish and took classes for French and Italian. His friends were comprised mostly of members of the Honor Society, which he was a member of, and was only open to the top 5 percent of the class. . In 1954 Johnnie was given the inspiration that would shape his future and who he was as a person.

Where did Johnnie's father work?

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.

Who were Johnnie Cochran's parents?

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.

Who is Johnnie Cochran?

Johnnie L. 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.

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. Johnnie’s early legal career began in the City Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles in 1963 where he was assigned to the criminal division. After several years, he entered private practice and founded a Los Angeles-based law firm where he developed a practice handling a substantial volume of both civil and criminal cases.

What was Johnnie Cochran's dream?

It was Johnnie’s dream to bring justice to all Americans who suffer because of the wrongdoing of individuals, corporations or governmental entities. This dream was realized when Johnnie became founding partner of the national law firm of Cochran, Cherry, Givens and Smith, P.C. The Cochran Firm, as it is known today, has become one of the largest law firms serving injured people and their families. Located in major cities throughout the United States, The Cochran Firm offers extensive national resources, legal talent and leadership to its clients.

Is the Cochran Firm Atlanta a good firm?

The Cochran Firm Atlanta has been a great attorney service. They helped me with my case. Attorney Ramsay and Lakia Shelton were excellent, courteous, and…

How many lawyers does Cochran have?

After returning to private practice, Cochran built his firm into a personal injury giant with more than 100 lawyers and offices around the country.

Where did Cochran get his law degree?

After graduating from UCLA, Cochran earned a law degree from Loyola University. He spent two years in the Los Angeles city attorney's office before establishing his own practice.

How did Johnnie Cochran die?

Cochran Jr. ( search ), who became a household name when he defended O.J. Simpson ( search) against murder charges, died of a brain tumor on Tuesday at the age of 67.

What did Jackson say about Johnnie Cochran?

Reacting to news of Cochran's death Tuesday, Jackson had kind words for the lawyer he considered "a great humanitarian.". "Johnnie Cochran was a true gentleman who embodied class, brilliance, honesty and integrity," Jackson said in a statement. "His fight for justice transcended color, age or economic status. ... I loved him, and I will miss him.

What was the Simpson trial known for?

In a trial that involved celebrity and domestic abuse, the Simpson trial became best known for dividing the country along racial lines. Cochran had accused a group of Los Angeles police officers, led by Mark Fuhrman, of framing his client.

When did Cochran help Pratt win his freedom?

When Cochran helped Pratt win his freedom in 1997 he called the moment "the happiest day of my life practicing law.". He won a $760,000 award in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Ron Settles, a black college football star who died in police custody in 1981.

Did Cochran argue before the Supreme Court?

While Cochran never argued before the U.S. Supreme Court, a case involving him is on the docket this session. Tory v. Cochran (search) involves a bitter ex-client who was ordered to never display a sign or speak about Cochran again. During arguments last Tuesday, justices seemed skeptical of Cochran's attorney's claim that the injunction did not violate the First Amendment.

What Are Brain Tumors?

Brain tumors are abnormal growths of tissue found inside the skull. No matter where tumors are located in the body, they are usually classified as benign (noncancerous) if the cells that make up the growth are similar to other normal cells, grow relatively slowly, and are confined to one location.

What Are the Symptoms?

Brain tumors cause many diverse symptoms, which can make it hard to detect them. According to the National Brain Tumor foundation, only about a third of patients survive five years after a diagnosis of a brain tumor.

Making a Diagnosis

When a doctor suspects a brain tumor after reviewing a patient's symptoms and medical history, he or she can run specific tests to confirm the diagnosis. However the first test is often a traditional neurological exam, which includes checking eye movement and eye reflexes.

What is the Cochran law firm?

The Cochran Firm is a national firm with regional offices throughout the United States.

When was Johnnie Cochran appointed to represen?

In 1969, Johnnie Cochran was appointed to represen ... On July 28, 1868, the 14th Amendment was ratified. ... A traumatic brain injury may be defined as any for ... Reckless driving is a leading contributor to auto ... The Cochran Firm’s mission is to serve the nation ...

How to contact Cochran Firm?

If you or a loved one was involved in an industrial injury, contact The Cochran Firm today at 1-800-The-Firm or https://bit.ly/3g24Smk.

Who handled Ron Settles?

This is the fourth part of a multi-part retelling of the Ron Settles case that Johnnie Cochran handled in the 1980s. Keep an eye out for the final part of this story. In the meantime, you can read more about Johnnie’s legacy at https://bit.ly/3l1bHaR.

Who was the first black woman to graduate from Yale Law School?

The Cochran Firm says “thank you” to Jane Bolin (1908-2007), the first African American female judge in The United States. She was also the first black woman to graduate from Yale Law School, join the NYC Bar Association, and join the NYC Law Department.

How long did the coroner's inquest last?

The coroner’s inquest lasted for 11 days, and nearly 30 witnesses testified. One of the witnesses, a white attorney from Long Beach who watched the arrest, flatly contradicted the police department’s account of the incident. Another witness, an inmate in the jail at the time, testified that he had overheard at least two times that police had beaten Ron Settles and was curiously removed from his cell before the police “discovered” Ron’s body.