Johnnie Cochran facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Johnnie Cochran
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Cochran in 2001
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Johnnie Lee Cochran Jr.
October 2, 1937 Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S.
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| Died | March 29, 2005 (aged 67) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Alma mater | University of California, Los Angeles (BA) Loyola Marymount University (JD) |
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| Children | 3 |
Johnnie Lee Cochran Jr. (born October 2, 1937 – died March 29, 2005) was a famous American lawyer. He was known for representing many well-known people. He also worked hard to help people who faced unfair treatment.
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Early Life and Education
Johnnie Cochran was born in 1937 in Shreveport, Louisiana. His father sold insurance, and his mother sold Avon products. His family moved to Los Angeles in 1949.
Johnnie went to local schools and was a very good student. He graduated first in his class from Los Angeles High School in 1955. He then studied at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). In 1959, he earned a degree in business economics.
He continued his studies at the Loyola Law School. In 1962, he earned his law degree. Johnnie Cochran was also a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
Johnnie Cochran's Legal Career
Johnnie Cochran was inspired by another great lawyer, Thurgood Marshall. Marshall won a very important case called Brown v. Board of Education. This case helped end segregation in schools.
Cochran decided to become a lawyer to help make things right. He wanted to challenge unfairness and make a difference. He believed that a single person could use the law to change society.
Starting as a Lawyer
After passing his law exam in 1963, Johnnie Cochran started working. He became a deputy city attorney in Los Angeles. In 1964, he worked on one of his first cases involving a famous person, Lenny Bruce.
Two years later, Cochran started his own law firm. It was called Cochran, Atkins & Evans. By the late 1970s, he was well-known in the Black community. He handled many important cases about unfair treatment by police. He also worked on other criminal cases.
Working for the District Attorney
In 1978, Cochran joined the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office. He became the First Assistant District Attorney. Even though he earned less money, he wanted to work from inside the system. He hoped to help change things for the better. He also built stronger connections with political leaders.
Returning to Private Law
Five years later, Cochran went back to working for himself. He started his own law firm, the Johnnie L Cochran Jr. law firm. He became known as one of the best lawyers.
His law firm, The Cochran Firm, grew very big. It now has offices in many different states.
Johnnie Cochran often represented people who were suing others. He was very successful. His presence on a case could often encourage a fair agreement. Reverend Jesse Jackson said that a call to Johnnie Cochran made "corporations and violators shake."
Cochran was known for his exciting and dramatic style in the courtroom. Being a successful lawyer made him very wealthy. He owned fancy cars like a Jaguar and a Rolls-Royce. He also had several homes in Los Angeles and New York.
Famous Clients and Cases
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Johnnie Cochran became known as the lawyer for both rich and famous people. He also fought for the rights of minorities in cases involving police and civil rights.
He represented many famous people, including:
- Sean Combs
- Michael Jackson
- Tupac Shakur
- Stanley Tookie Williams
- Todd Bridges
- Football player Jim Brown
- Snoop Dogg
- Boxer Riddick Bowe
Cochran often said he worked "not only for the OJs, but also the No Js." This meant he liked to help people who were not famous or wealthy, just as much as he helped celebrities like O. J. Simpson.
Professor Charles Ogletree from Harvard Law School said that Cochran "was willing to fight for the underdog." Reverend Jesse Jackson called him the "people's lawyer." Magic Johnson said Cochran was known for representing O. J. and Michael Jackson, "but he was bigger and better than that."
Illness and Passing
Johnnie Cochran sadly passed away on March 29, 2005. He died from a brain tumor at his home in Los Angeles.
Many people came to say goodbye to him. Public viewings were held in Los Angeles. A memorial service took place at West Angeles Cathedral. He was buried in the Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California. His father and many friends and clients attended the funeral.
Johnnie Cochran's Legacy
Johnnie Cochran left a lasting impact:
- On January 24, 2006, a middle school in Los Angeles was renamed in his honor. It is now called Johnnie L Cochran Jr. Middle School. This was his old middle school.
- In 2007, the street in front of the school was renamed "Johnnie Cochran Vista."
- Also in 2007, the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles opened the Johnnie L Cochran Jr. Brain Tumor Center. This center does research on brain tumors.
- His family created a special fund at his old law school, Loyola Law School. It is called the Johnnie L Cochran Jr. Chair in Civil Rights. This helps support teaching about civil rights.
- Johnnie Cochran's footprints are on the Northwest Louisiana Walk of Stars in his hometown of Shreveport.
