Johnnie Cochran, Jr. began his legal career in Los Angeles as a Deputy Attorney for the city's criminal division. Cochran worked his way through the ranks to accept a position as Assistant District Attorney for Los Angeles County. While the Assistant D.A. for Los Angeles County, one of Cochran's subordinates was Lance Ito. Cochran left the D.A.'s office to start his own firm, handling both criminal and civil cases.

In addition to O.J. Simpson, Cochran's high profile clients have included Michael Jackson, Reginald Denny, Abner Louima, Geronimo Pratt (former Black Panther), Todd Bridges, James Brown, Angela Igwe, and Cynthia Wiggins. Cochran has been selected as one of the best trial lawyers in the country in 1994. Cochran has written his autobiography, Journey to Justice, and drives a Rolls-Royce with the vanity plate "JC JR."