The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

“I’m a big believer in the fact that life is about preparation, preparation, preparation.” Johnnie Cochran

Five years ago today, the United States of America lost a great man, an outstanding trial attorney, a compassionate philanthropist, and a civil libertarian. Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. died at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 from a brain tumor. Johnnie is probably best known for his litigating skills and his dedication to fighting for the civil rights of all Americans, regardless of race, religion, or socioeconomic status. Johnnie was (and remains) one of the most highly respected attorneys, not just in the United States, but in the entire world.

Mr. Cochran was born in Shreveport, Louisiana; his family moved to the west coast and settled in the Los Angeles area in the late 1940’s. He attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and received a B.S. in Business Administration; he received his J.D. from Loyola Marymount University School of Law in 1962 (now Loyola Law School). In 1963, Johnnie’s legal career began in the criminal division of the City Attorney’s office in L.A. He then entered private practice, handling both civil and criminal cases. In the late 1970’s, he was asked to serve as ADA of Los Angeles County and supervise 600 lawyers. Three years later, he returned to private practice, and the rest, shall we say, is history.

In 1996, Johnnie was elected into the Inner Circle of Advocates, a highly exclusive organization made up of the top 100 personal injury attorneys in the entire country. Another distinction was his induction into the American College of Trial Lawyers, whose membership consists of the top 1% (yes, top 1%) of trial lawyers in America. Johnnie’s list of honors and accomplishments is long and impressive, to say the least.

We honor him today by carrying on his mission: to bring justice to all Americans who suffer due to the wrongdoing or negligence of others. It may have been his celebrity client list that made Johnnie Cochran a household name, but it was his spirit who made him admired, respected, revered, and loved by so many.

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