Johnnie Cochran

Date of Birth: October 2, 1937

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: March 29, 2005

Biography

Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. was an American lawyer best known for his leadership role in the defense and criminal acquittal of O.J. Simpson for the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Cochran moved with his family to Los Angeles, California, where he attended public schools and excelled academically. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1959 and his Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School in 1962. Cochran began his legal career in the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office, where he quickly made a name for himself as a competent and formidable attorney. Over the years, he built a successful private practice, handling a range of high-profile cases that frequently involved issues of police brutality and civil rights. Cochran’s eloquence, charisma, and ability to connect with juries made him one of the most sought-after defense attorneys in the country. Beyond his legal practice, Cochran was an active public speaker, author, and philanthropist. He wrote two memoirs, “Journey to Justice” and “A Lawyer’s Life,” where he detailed his career and the principles that guided him. He also established the Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. Brain Tumor Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

5 Interesting Facts about Johnnie Cochran

1. Johnnie Cochran coined the famous phrase “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit” during O.J. Simpson’s trial.

2. He served as the first African American Assistant District Attorney in Los Angeles.

3. Cochran represented celebrities like Michael Jackson, Sean Combs (P. Diddy), and rapper Tupac Shakur.

4. He was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.

5. Cochran’s successful legal career led to the creation of the Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. Chair in Civil Rights at Loyola Law School.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Johnnie Cochran

1. “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.”

2. “In this country, our courts are the great levelers, and in our courts, all men are created equal.”

3. “I’m a lawyer who represents people. I’m not a celebrity.”

4. “The road to justice is a journey, and the journey is long.”

5. “When you’re in a courtroom, you’re in a theater with the best actors in the world.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Johnnie Cochran’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $8 million.

Children

Johnnie Cochran had three children: Tiffany Cochran, Melodie Cochran, and Jonathan Cochran. Tiffany Cochran is a former journalist, and Melodie Cochran followed her father’s footsteps into the legal profession.