Lawyer Who OJ Simpson
Lawyer Who OJ Simpson had an extensive legal career that brought attention to police misconduct and racism issues. At its apex was his selection as lead defense counsel in OJ Simpson’s trial in 1994.
Cochran was widely revered for his ability to communicate effectively with jurors and put the prosecution on the defensive. His final argument: ‘If the glove doesn’t fit, you must acquit.” was especially memorable.
Johnnie Cochran
Johnnie Cochran was a well-recognized American lawyer known for his representation of high profile cases such as those involving OJ Simpson, Michael Jackson and Sean Combs. Additionally he handled many civil rights and personal injury lawsuits on their clients’ behalf and earned many victories on their behalf. Additionally he published two books: A Lawyer’s Life and Journey to Justice which earned him great renown among legal scholars.
He was raised in Louisiana until his family relocated to California when he was nine years old. Following graduation from college and admission to law school, in 1962 he graduated and was hired by the City Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor but soon transitioned over to criminal defense work.
In 1965, Cochran decided to leave the city attorney’s office and open his own private practice. Soon thereafter he found great success winning high profile cases – such as Geronimo Pratt from Black Panther group who was serving a death sentence without ever having done the deed in question. Cochran successfully argued during Pratt’s trial that prosecution withheld evidence such as police wiretaps and other information which resulted in him having his conviction overturned and was released from incarceration.
Cochran was the star witness in OJ Simpson’s trial and played an instrumental role in creating an outstanding legal team of attorneys including Alan Dershowitz, Barry Scheck and Robert Shapiro – and in raising serious doubts over evidence handling by police officers against Simpson. On October 3, 1995 the jury found him innocent of both murder charges – making Cochran the most recognized attorney in America at that time.
Johnnie Cochran is well known for representing high profile clients; however, he takes great pride in representing lesser known cases too. For years now he has represented underdog clients against powerful opponents in civil rights and personal injury litigation that doesn’t make the news headlines; such successes have earned his firm its renowned reputation of excellence.
Johnnie Cochran believes his legacy will live on through the hard work of his colleagues and clients, who continue to pay homage to him and appreciate all he did to create a more equitable society. He takes great pride in contributing towards this cause.
Barry Scheck
Barry Scheck was born and raised in New York City by parents who immigrated from Europe, working hard to raise their children despite living in poverty. Following the tragic death of one of Scheck’s sisters during childhood, Scheck became involved with civil rights activism, representing high-profile clients such as O.J. Simpson and Hedda Nussbaum among many others. Additionally, Scheck has written numerous articles related to criminal justice issues, and serves as Clinical Law Professor at Yeshiva University’s Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.
Scheck first gained national notoriety in 1995 when he was hired to assist O.J. Simpson’s defense team during the murder case of his ex-wife and her friend. Although initially hired only to evaluate DNA evidence, his role increased rapidly during trial proceedings; at first criticized for his poor-fitting suits and New York accent, Scheck quickly rose through the ranks as an effective cross examiner during eight-day trial; many legal experts crediting Scheck with being instrumental in his eventual acquittal by many legal authorities.
After his trial, Scheck has become an outspoken supporter of forensic science. He lectures to police departments throughout the country about using DNA evidence correctly; assists Cochran in other high-profile cases like Abner Louima’s case and JonBenet Ramsey murder case; co-founds and directs The Innocence Project which helps free innocent prisoners via postconviction DNA testing;
After being cleared in the murder case, Simpson was held liable in a civil trial for Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman’s deaths. Since retiring from football and having suffered financial difficulties since selling off much of his sports memorabilia and being arrested multiple times for armed robbery; Simpson was released from prison in October 2017 and now resides near Las Vegas while seeking employment opportunities within the casino industry.
Marcia Clark
Marcia Clark rose to prominence during the 1994 trial of OJ Simpson for murdering Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, drawing worldwide media coverage. Clark became subject of constant media scrutiny for both her appearance and demeanor; as well as facing public backlash regarding her decision to charge Simpson with first-degree murder charges.
Clark shares her frank memoir to convey her experience as she navigates a legal case and provide readers with insight into her personal life. She highlights her difficult childhood due to her father working for the Food and Drug Administration and often having to relocate their family. Furthermore, she shares how at an early age, she became fascinated with justice after she and some friends were robbed on vacation in Israel by an individual.
After graduating college, Clark began her legal career in Los Angeles as a prosecutor. She handled many cases before being assigned the Simpson trial and became known for her fierce representation and dedication to her job. Alongside practicing law, she has written books as well as served as legal analyst on television shows.
One of her most acclaimed books was Without a Doubt, written with Teresa Carpenter in 1997 and later becoming a bestseller. It provided an honest and in-depth account of the OJ Simpson trial; Clark laid into many key players involved and offered harsh commentary about them all.
This book documents her struggles in working such a high-profile case, including racism and discrimination she encountered while representing herself in court. Reading it gave readers an insightful view into Los Angeles during its turbulent 1990s era, while drawing attention to some issues with police culture that existed at that time.
Since her trial ended, Clark has continued her legal career and advocated for women’s rights. She currently works as a legal analyst for various networks as well as writing numerous crime thriller books – most notably her popular Rachel Knight series of crime fiction novels.
Lance Ito
After an accomplished professional football career and broadcaster career, O.J. Simpson made headlines for the 1994 murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman – his ex-wife and her friend respectively. Following a nationally televised trial that was widely covered on television, Simpson was eventually cleared in criminal court but later found responsible in civil litigation; nevertheless this incident became legendary; inspiring films, parodies, documentaries and even standup comedy routines!
Lance Ito, the judge who presided over O.J. Simpson’s murder trial, has given Christopher Darden’s candidacy for Los Angeles County Superior Court his support. They worked together during the 1990s in the Gang Division of the District Attorney’s office – both are now 67 and possess extensive legal expertise.
Governor Deukmejian appointed Mr. Ito to the Superior Court in 1989 and served on various committees such as judicial council and executive committee. He quickly gained respect among his peers due to his demeanor, fairness and legal expertise; additionally he is known as an accomplished writer on law topics who frequently addresses audiences both publicly and among students.
At the Simpson trial, Ito was widely criticized for allowing too many side-bars and stall tactics, inviting media into his chambers, giving interviews to celebrities such as CNN’s Larry King, inviting media into his chambers, inviting media into court rooms as he gave interviews, as well as telling Larry King how he planned to rule on Simpson’s domestic violence evidence admissibility.
Margaret York was a key witness during Ito’s criminal trial for murder of O.J. Simpson. As Mark Fuhrman was his supervisor on this gang case and Margaret York was under him direct supervision, it has been suggested by him that Margaret York should recuse herself due to this relationship with Fuhrman. Ito also has an accomplished musical career and painting background and served six years with the US Air Force; was a Vietnam veteran, an advocate for equal language access to courts by serving on their Judicial Council Court Interpreters Advisory Panel Board as part of his duties as well.
