Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. (1937-2005)

Personal Injury Attorney and Legal Legend

Johnnie Cochran became famous for his flamboyant courtroom style while representing high-profile clients, but he was proudest of his victories for average people.

His career as a lawyer was characterized by three things:

• An incredible devotion to justice and fair compensation for all victims of personal injury
• A firm belief that responsible parties should be held accountable for their actions
• A tireless dedication to building a firm of attorneys who would continue his goals

Humble Beginnings, Gigantic Vision

Johnnie was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, before his family moved to California.  

He earned his bachelors in Business Administration from the University of California at Los Angeles and, then, his Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School. 

He began his legal career in the criminal division of the City Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles in 1963 and spent several years in public service, before entering private practice. In 1978, Los Angeles invited him to return as Assistant District Attorney.  He was the third-ranking lawyer in the nation’s largest law office and responsible for 600 attorneys, but, by 1981, he was ready for private practice again.  

Johnnie’s goal was to bring justice to victims who had been injured by major corporations or municipal powers, including cities and police forces.  He began obtaining record verdicts for victims of personal injuries and attracting celebrity clients who wanted his defense services.

While his career in the public eye climaxed during the O.J. Simpson trial, he stopped criminal defense work in 2005, after defending Sean “Puffy” Combs, in order to focus solely on bringing justice to the injured and disadvantaged.    

Driven by Equality

Johnnie’s career was driven by a love of education and the genuine desire to make a difference for people who considered themselves disadvantaged or disenfranchised.  

His primary inspiration was Thurgood Marshall, the great-grandson of a slave and the African-American attorney who argued the victory in Brown v. Board of Education, which led the way to the American civil rights movement.  

“He was my hero,” said Johnnie in a BET interview. “I knew from that point on—not only do I want to be a lawyer, I want to be a lawyer like Thurgood Marshall.”

The Legend Lives

The Cochran Firm today cherishes the same values Johnnie upheld.  

We believe all personal injury victims deserve passionate representation and fair compensation for their losses.  

Call toll-free 1-866-549-0562 or complete our convenient conact form for your free personal injury law, medical malpractice, wrongful death, auto accident or truck accident consultation. 

If you are facing a legal issue and need help, please contact us. There is no fee or obligation for the first consultation.