Johnnie Cochran Net Worth

What was Johnnie Cochran's net worth?

Johnnie Cochran, one of America's most renowned lawyers, had a net worth of $8 million at his death in 2005. He gained widespread fame for representing O.J. Simpson in the highly publicized double murder trial. Cochran also defended numerous celebrities, including Michael Jackson, Tupac Shakur, Todd Bridges, Sean Combs, Snoop Dogg, and Riddick Bowe. Beyond celebrity cases, he was renowned for his strong advocacy against police brutality. After a distinguished career, he retired in 2002 and passed away in March 2005, following surgery for a brain tumor.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Johnnie Cochran was born in 1937 in Shreveport, Louisiana. His mother sold Avon beauty products, and his father was an insurance salesman. During the Great Migration, the family relocated to Los Angeles in 1949. Cochran excelled academically, graduating first in his class from Los Angeles High School in 1955. He then earned a BA in business economics from UCLA in 1959 and a Juris Doctor from Loyola Marymount University in 1962.

Inspired by Thurgood Marshall’s success in Brown v. Board of Education, Cochran dedicated his career to legal practice. After passing the California bar exam in 1963, he began as a deputy city attorney in Los Angeles' criminal division. His early career included prosecuting Lenny Bruce on obscenity charges and establishing his own firm, Cochran, Atkins & Evans, in 1965.

First Major Cases and District Attorney

Cochran's career took a notable turn when he represented an African-American widow against police officers in a major civil case. Though he lost, the case heightened his awareness of police brutality’s impact on the black community. In the early 70s, he successfully defended Stanley Tookie Williams in a robbery trial, establishing his reputation. By the late 70s, Cochran was a prominent figure in cases involving police misconduct.

In 1978, Cochran returned to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office as First Assistant District Attorney. He used this position to build political connections and reform the justice system from within. This period solidified his standing as a powerful advocate for civil rights.

(Photo by Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images)

Private Practice

In the early 80s, Cochran returned to private practice, establishing the Johnnie L Cochran Jr. law firm. Notably, he secured a $760,000 settlement for Ron Settles' family. Settles, a black college football player, had died under suspicious circumstances in police custody. Cochran's eloquent courtroom presence often led to favorable settlements for his clients.

In 1990, he joined Cochran, Mitchell & Jenna, later becoming part of Cochran, Cherry, Givens & Smith. His firm grew, winning significant damages for clients and establishing 26 branches nationwide.

O.J. Simpson Murder Case

In 1995, Cochran famously defended O. J. Simpson in the murder trial of Simpson's ex-wife and her friend. His closing argument, "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit," became legendary. Despite criticism, Cochran convinced the jury of reasonable doubt and police misconduct, leading to Simpson's acquittal. Post-trial, Cochran became a prominent legal commentator and hosted "Johnny Cochran Tonight" on CourtTV.

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Other Cases

Cochran's other high-profile cases included representing Abner Louima, a Haitian immigrant brutalized by police. Louima received an $8.75 million settlement, the highest for police brutality in New York City. Cochran also defended Michael Jackson against child molestation accusations and Sean Combs on bribery and weapons charges, both resulting in favorable outcomes. He retired from criminal cases in 2002.

Personal Life and Legacy

Cochran married Barbara Berry Cochran in 1960, divorcing in 1977. He later married Sylvia Dale, divorcing in 2005. His success allowed him to own multiple properties, including homes in Los Angeles, West Hollywood apartments, and a Manhattan condo. Cochran had three children.

Diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2003, Cochran underwent surgery in 2004 and passed away in 2005 in Los Angeles. He was honored with a memorial service and buried in Inglewood Park Cemetery. In 2006, Mount Vernon Middle School was renamed Johnnie L Cochran Jr. Middle School. The adjacent street was renamed Johnnie Cochran Vista. His legacy also includes footprints on the Northwest Louisiana Walk of Stars.