johnnie l cochran, jr. (october 2, 1937 – march 29, 2005) was an american lawyer. he is best known for his part in the acquittal of o. j. simpson for the murder of simpson's ex-wife nicole brown simpson and her friend ronald goldman. cochran also represented many different celebrities and victims. cochran became known as an early advocate for the victims of police brutality. cochran helped sean combs win an acquittal after being indicted on stolen weapons charges and bribery in 2001. after the case, he decided to retire.