Johnnie Cochran
Full Name
Johnnie Lee Cochran Jr.
Date of Birth
October 2, 1937
Place of Birth
Date of Death
March 29, 2005
Place of Death
Education
- Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Juris Doctor from Loyola Marymount University School of Law
Spouses Names
Not available
Children Names
Parents Names
- Father: Johnnie L. Cochran Sr.
- Mother: Hattie Bass Cochran
Known Affiliates Names
Affiliated Organizations’ Names
- Cochran Firm (Founder)
Johnnie Cochran was an American attorney best known for his leadership role in the defense and criminal acquittal of O.J. Simpson for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. Cochran’s legal career was marked by his advocacy in high-profile police brutality cases involving the African American community, including representing clients such as Michael Jackson and Sean “Puffy” Combs. He also played a key role in civil rights litigation, notably in the case of Abner Louima, a Haitian immigrant who was tortured by New York City police officers.Cochran was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, and raised in Los Angeles, California, where he excelled academically and developed an early interest in law. After completing his education, he began his legal career in Los Angeles as a deputy attorney for the city’s criminal division, eventually moving into private practice where he gained a reputation for taking on cases involving police misconduct against African Americans.Throughout his career, Cochran became known for his skillful courtroom strategies and memorable phrases, such as “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit,” during the O.J. Simpson trial. Despite controversies surrounding some of his cases, Cochran was celebrated for his contributions to civil rights and his efforts to challenge systemic racism within the legal system.Cochran’s legacy continues through The Cochran Firm, which specializes in personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice cases. He passed away in 2005 from a brain tumor, leaving behind a significant impact on American legal history and civil rights advocacy