Date of Birth: June 10, 1933
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Date of Death: June 3, 2021
Biography
Francis Lee Bailey Jr., commonly known as F. Lee Bailey, was a renowned American criminal defense attorney. Born on June 10, 1933, in Waltham, Massachusetts, Bailey became one of the most well-known legal figures in the United States. He attended Harvard College but left to join the United States Navy, where he served as a pilot. Following his military service, he completed his law degree at Boston University School of Law in 1960. Bailey’s career was marked by his involvement in several high-profile cases. One of his earliest notable cases was the defense of Dr. Sam Sheppard, whose conviction for the murder of his wife was overturned, largely due to Bailey’s efforts. He also represented Albert DeSalvo, the self-confessed Boston Strangler, and Patty Hearst, an heiress who was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army and later participated in their criminal activities. Perhaps Bailey’s most famous case was his role as a member of the defense team in the O.J. Simpson murder trial, where he cross-examined Los Angeles Police Department Detective Mark Fuhrman, significantly impacting the jury’s perception of the evidence. Despite his successful legal career, Bailey faced several legal and financial setbacks, including disbarment in Massachusetts and Florida due to misconduct allegations related to handling client funds. He passed away on June 3, 2021, in Atlanta, Georgia.
5 Interesting Facts about F. Lee Bailey
1. F. Lee Bailey was disbarred in Massachusetts in 2001 and in Florida in 2002 for misconduct, including issues related to handling client funds.
2. He was a licensed pilot and used his aviation skills to assist in various legal cases, including flying to gather evidence and witnesses.
3. Bailey authored several books about his legal experiences and high-profile cases, including “The Defense Never Rests” and “For the Defense.”
4. He was part of the legal team for O.J. Simpson during the infamous 1995 murder trial, where his cross-examination of Detective Mark Fuhrman was a pivotal moment.
5. Bailey was known for his innovative legal strategies and his ability to sway juries, often employing dramatic flair in the courtroom.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from F. Lee Bailey
1. “The lawyer’s truth is not Truth, but consistency or a consistent expediency.”
2. “I use the rules to frustrate the law. But I didn’t set up the ground rules.”
3. “Every lawyer knows, try to keep a client off the stand if you can.”
4. “I have never been able to see how a thirty-year sentence can be imposed for a crime committed by a bank.”
5. “In America, an acquittal doesn’t mean you’re innocent, it means you beat the rap.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
F. Lee Bailey’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $10 million at the peak of his career.
Children
F. Lee Bailey had three children: two sons, Bendrix L. Bailey and Brian Bailey, and a daughter, Brittany Bailey.
Relevant Links
1. [F. Lee Bailey on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F._Lee_Bailey
4. [Books by F. Lee Bailey on Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/268158.F_Lee_Bailey
