Thomas Mesereau facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Mesereau
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| Born |
Thomas Arthur Mesereau Jr.
July 1, 1950 West Point, New York, U.S.
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| Education | Harvard University (BA) London School of Economics (MSc) University of California, Hastings College of the Law (JD) |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
| Known for | Lead defense attorney in the 2005 Michael Jackson trial |
Thomas Arthur Mesereau Jr. is an American attorney who is well-known for his work defending famous people in court. He represented Michael Jackson in a major trial in 2005. He also worked on cases for other well-known figures like Mike Tyson and Bill Cosby.
Contents
Legal Work
Mike Tyson's Case
In 2001, Thomas Mesereau represented former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson. This was during an investigation by the District Attorney's Office in California. The legal actions against Tyson were later stopped.
Robert Blake's Case
Mesereau was one of the lawyers for actor Robert Blake. This was during the early stages of a legal case involving his wife, Bonnie Lee Bakley. Mesereau helped Blake get out on bail after he had been held for ten months. He also questioned witnesses during a televised hearing. This hearing showed some weaknesses in the case against Blake. Mesereau later left the case.
Michael Jackson's Trial
In 2004, Thomas Mesereau became the main lawyer for Michael Jackson. He worked alongside attorney Susan Yu. A famous lawyer, Johnnie Cochran, suggested Mesereau to Jackson's family.
Mesereau even called the District Attorney, Thomas Sneddon, to testify in court before the main trial began. The trial itself lasted for several months, from January to June 2005. At the end of the trial, Michael Jackson was found not guilty of all the charges against him. Mesereau later attended Jackson's funeral in 2009. In 2019, after a documentary was released, Mesereau spoke out again in support of Michael Jackson.
Joe Babajian's Case
In 2009, Mesereau and Susan Yu defended Joe Babajian in a federal court case in Los Angeles. Babajian was accused of being part of a plan involving property values and loan documents.
Eight other people involved in the case admitted their part before the trial. Three people, including Babajian, went to trial. On August 10, 2009, the jury decided that Babajian was not guilty of many of the accusations. The jury could not agree on the remaining accusations. The other two people on trial were found guilty.
Helping Others and Awards
Even though he is known for working with celebrities, Mesereau also believes in helping people who cannot afford legal help. He has set up a legal clinic in Los Angeles. Every year, he takes on one serious legal case for someone in the southern United States who cannot pay for a lawyer.
In 2005, Barbara Walters named him one of the "Ten Most Fascinating People" of the year. GQ Magazine also recognized him as one of their "Men of the Year" in December 2005.
He has received awards like "Criminal Defense Lawyer of the Year" from several legal groups in Los Angeles. He was also listed as one of the "One Hundred Most Influential Attorneys in California." Mesereau has received the "Humanitarian Award" and a "Community Service Award" from Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Background and Education
Thomas Mesereau studied at several well-known schools. He attended Phillips Academy, Harvard University, the London School of Economics, and the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
