OJ Simpson Trial Lawyers: “Dream Team” & Prosecutors

The Dream Team, Simpson trial lawyers, and LA County district prosecutors in formal attire in the O.J. Simpson murder trial courtroom scene.

Written by Aaron R. Winston
Last Updated: July 23, 2024 3:24am CDT

The Dream Team lawyers and LA County district prosecutors in formal attire in the O.J. Simpson murder trial courtroom scene.

One characteristic of the O.J. Simpson murder trial (September 26, 1994 – October 3, 1995) is that it had a lot of lawyers working on it, to say the least.

Often called the “Trial of the Century,” it captivated the United States public and the world in real-time through its Court TV broadcast.

The premise of the case was that retired NFL running back O.J. Simpson, nicknamed “The Juice,” was being charged with first-degree murder (with two counts of special circumstances) for the stabbing deaths of:

  • Nicole Brown Simpson, Simpson’s ex-wife and mother of his two school-aged children
  • Ronald L. Goldman, an acquaintance of Brown Simpson

Almost just as central to this high-profile case as O.J. Simpson and the murder victims, were the lawyers, with a dozen on Simpson’s side of the case alone.

It was Simpson’s trial lawyers, famously known as the “Dream Team,” defending him against the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office prosecutors.

List of "Dream Team" lawyers with attorney names and profile pictures featuring defense team members from the O.J. Simpson trial: Johnnie Cochran, Shawn Holley, Carl E. Douglas, Robert Shapiro, Alan Dershowitz, Robert Blasier, F. Lee Bailey, Gerald Uelmen, Barry Scheck, Peter Neufeld, and Robert Kardashian.
This infographic lists all 11 trial lawyers on O.J. Simpson’s “Dream Team.”

Let’s take a closer look at all of the key lawyers on both sides who played pivotal roles in this landmark trial and acquittal.

Table of Contents

List of Lawyers on Dream Team:

The 11 attorneys on O.J. Simpson’s Dream Team included:

1. Johnnie Cochran

Johnnie Cochran (October 2, 1937 – March 29, 2005) was renowned for his charismatic courtroom presence and his unwavering advocacy for civil rights.

Lawyer Johnnie Cochran stands in a courtroom at the O.J. Simpson trial.

His famous closing argument line, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit,” became a defining moment in the trial.

You can watch the original recorded camera footage of Cochran saying his famous from the trial in the clip below.

Cochran’s defense strategies and his ability to connect with the jury were instrumental in securing Simpson’s acquittal.

Where is Johnnie Cochran now?

Johnnie Cochran died on March 29, 2005, and his remains were interred at the Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California (a city in southwestern Los Angeles County).

2. Shawn Holley

Shawn Holley (born Shawn Katherine Chapman Holley on July 17, 1962) is a criminal defense attorney and former public defender who was another important member of the Dream Team.

Lawyer Shawn Holley, in a gray suit, stands in a courtroom reminiscent of the O.J. Simpson murder trial in 1995.

At the time of the trial, Holley worked for Cochran, joining his firm just six months prior.

She handled various aspects of the defense, including jury selection strategy, meeting Simpson in jail, and witness preparation.

Holley’s legal acumen and dedication were crucial to the team’s success, and her ability to connect with jurors was a significant asset.

Where is Shawn Holley now?

Shawn Holley is a partner at Kinsella Holley Iser Kump Steinsapir LLP in Santa Monica, California, representing many celebrity clients.

She also teaches trial advocacy at Cardozo Law School’s Intensive Trial Advocacy Program.

3. Carl E. Douglas

Carl E. Douglas (born Carl Edwin Douglas on May 8, 1955) was a critical member of the Dream Team, known for his meticulous attention to detail.

Carl E. Douglas, a lawyer, in a courtroom setting with a US flag, evoking the atmosphere of the O.J. Simpson trial.

He worked closely with Cochran and played a significant role in the day-to-day management of the defense.

Douglas’s contributions were vital in coordinating the team’s efforts and ensuring that every aspect of the defense was thoroughly prepared.

His impact on the trial is most notably remembered for undermining the reliability of Ron Shipp’s testimony by calling him an alcoholic who was testifying to promote his acting career.

Where is Carl E. Douglas now?

Carl E. Douglas was the managing attorney at the law office of Johnnie Cochran Jr. before leaving to establish The Douglas Law Group in 1998 (now known as Douglas / Hicks Law), where he is a civil rights and personal injury plaintiff lawyer.

4. Robert Shapiro

Robert Shapiro (born September 2, 1942) was one of the first attorneys to join Simpson’s defense team and the initial lead before he ceded the position to Johnnie Cochran.

Lawyer Robert Shapiro was in the Los Angeles County courtroom at the O.J. Simpson trial, with Judge Lance Ito in the background.

Known for his expertise in criminal defense and the representation of several celebrities, Shapiro played a crucial role in the early stages of the trial.

He helped Simpson turn himself over to the police following the low-speed white Ford Bronco chase and was responsible for assembling the Dream Team, setting the foundation for the defense strategy.

You can watch a recording of Simpson’s arraignment with Robert Shapiro standing to his left below.

Shapiro’s strategic thinking and legal acumen were vital in navigating the complexities of the case.

Where is Robert Shapiro now?

Robert Shapiro is a partner at Glaser Weil Fink Howard Jordan & Shapiro LLP in Los Angeles, California. He is also an entrepreneur and co-founded:

  • LegalZoom, an online legal technology company
  • ShoeDazzle, an online fashion subscription service
  • RightCounsel.com, an attorney referral service

Read more about Robert Shapiro in our article about the richest lawyers in America.

5. Alan Dershowitz

Alan Dershowitz (born Alan Morton Dershowitz on September 1, 1938), a Harvard Law School professor, brought his extensive knowledge of constitutional law to the team.

Alan Dershowitz, a lawyer with glasses and a mustache, stands in a courtroom filled with people at the O.J. Simpson trial.

Already famous before the O.J. Simpson murder trial, he was primarily responsible for handling the appeals and complex legal arguments.

Dershowitz’s involvement added significant legal weight to Simpson’s defense, and his ability to articulate intricate legal concepts was invaluable.

Where is Alan Dershowitz now?

Alan Dershowitz is a Professor of Law Emeritus at Harvard Law School and a practicing lawyer who was most recently on President Donald Trump’s defense team (first impeachment trial in 2020).

He is an active public figure who regularly appears in the media to discuss issues of civil liberties and the US Constitution pertaining to contemporary cases and issues.

6. Robert Blasier

Robert Blasier (born Robert Dalton Blasier Jr on February 27, 1942) is a California-based criminal defense attorney who was a student of Alan Dershowitz at Harvard and served as counsel on the Dream Team.

Lawyer Robert Blasier pensively stands in a courtroom, evoking the intensity of the O.J. Simpson trial.

Where is Robert Blasier now?

Robert Blasier practices law in El Dorado Hills, California. He has been a licensed lawyer in California for more than 50 years.

In 2001, he defended Simpson in the civil lawsuit Rufo v. Simpson, a wrongful death claim.

The jury for that civil case found that Simpson committed the homicides of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Lyle Goldman willfully and wrongfully, with oppression and malice.

They awarded the parents of the two murder victims $8.5 million in compensatory damages (that money has yet to be paid, and O.J. Simpson is now dead). Other notable cases where Blasier served on the defense include:

  • United States v. Kaczynski (Unabomber)
  • People v. Spector (murder trial of record producer).

7. F. Lee Bailey

F. Lee Bailey (born Francis Lee Bailey Jr, June 10, 1933 – June 3, 2021) was a seasoned defense attorney with a reputation for high-profile cases, including those of the “Boston Strangler” and newspaper heiress Patty Hearst.

Lawyer F. Lee Bailey stands in a courtroom at the O.J. Simpson trial.

Bailey’s cross-examination of LAPD detective Mark Fuhrman was a turning point in the Simpson murder trial.

His aggressive questioning aimed to discredit Fuhrman and cast doubt on the prosecution’s use of the bloody glove found on Simpson’s property as physical evidence.

Bailey’s courtroom tactics and experience were crucial in challenging the credibility of the prosecution’s case.

Where is F. Lee Bailey now?

F. Lee Bailey died on June 3, 2021, in Atlanta, Georgia (the state of Georgia’s largest city). His body was laid to rest at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton.

8. Gerald Uelmen

Gerald Uelmen (born October 8, 1940) is a law professor and former dean of Santa Clara University School of Law who was instrumental in shaping the defense’s legal strategy.

Lawyer Gerald Uelmen stands in a courtroom at the O.J. Simpson trial.

He was already known for his expertise in criminal law and his ability to simplify complex legal issues for the jury, which he showed by developing the now famous line “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.”

Uelmen’s legal insights and strategic planning were essential in crafting Simpson’s compelling defense and acquittal.

Where is Gerald Uelmen now?

Gerald Uelmen is Director of the Edwin A. Heafy Jr. Center for Trial and Appellate Advocacy at Santa Clara University School of Law, where he previously served as dean from 1986 to 1994.

Uelmen is known for his experience in criminal law and served as Executive Director of the California Commission on the Fair Administration of Justice (2005-2008).

9. Barry Scheck

Barry Scheck (born Barry Charles Scheck on September 19, 1949) is a law professor, legal scholar, and forensic expert.

Lawyer Barry Scheck, wearing a suit, stands in a courtroom with others and an American flag, evoking the atmosphere of the O.J. Simpson trial.

His work challenging the prosecution’s forensic evidence was critical in raising doubts about the reliability of the DNA tests and timeline presented in the trial, ultimately leading to Simpson’s acquittal.

Where is Barry Scheck now?

Barry Scheck is a professor at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law (Yeshiva University’s law school) in New York City and a commissioner on New York’s Forensic Science Review Board.

He is also co-founder and director of the Innocence Project, a non-profit organization that uses DNA evidence to clear the names of wrongfully convicted inmates.

10. Peter Neufeld

Peter Neufeld (born Peter J. Neufeld on July 17, 1950) is a civil rights lawyer and forensic expert.

Lawyer Peter Neufeld, with glasses and a mustache, stands thoughtfully in a courtroom, evoking memories of O.J. Simpson trial lawyers.

Neufeld joined the Simpson defense team to assist with undermining and casting doubt on the prosecution’s DNA and forensic evidence.

More specifically, he discredited the credibility of the blood trail between Nicole Brown Simpson’s body and O. J. Simpson’s car during the trial.

Where Is Peter Neufeld Now?

Peter Neufeld is a founding partner of the civil rights law firm Neufeld Scheck & Brustin in New York, NY. He is also co-founder and special counsel alongside Barry Scheck at Innocence Project.

11. Robert Kardashian

Robert Kardashian (born Robert George Kardashian, February 22, 1944 – September 30, 2003) was a close friend of O.J. Simpson and a member of the defense team.

Kardashian was a key figure in handling the media’s coverage of the trial.

Dream team lawyer Robert Kardashian is smiling confidently in a courtroom, reminiscent of O.J. Simpson trial lawyers.

He sat by Simpson throughout the trial, providing emotional support to Simpson and helping humanize him in the eyes of the public.

By being Simpson’s lawyer, Kardashian could not be compelled or subpoenaed to testify against him in the case, which included Simpson’s past history and behavior with his ex-wife Nicole, and as to the contents of Simpson’s garment bag.

This was a strategic move by the defense, as his testimony would have likely been helpful in proving the prosecution’s case.

The following is a filmed interview with Robert Kardashian, which occurred hours after Simpson was found not guilty.

Where is Robert Kardashian now?

Robert Kardashian died from esophageal cancer on September 30, 2003, when he was only 59 years old.

He was buried at the Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood. His first wife and their four children were the focus of the reality TV show Keeping Up with the Kardashians (2007-2021).

How Many Lawyers From the Dream Team Are Still Alive?

8 out of the 11 Dream Team lawyers are alive in 2024.

  • Robert Shapiro – Alive
  • Alan Dershowitz – Alive
  • Barry Scheck – Alive
  • Peter Neufeld – Alive
  • Gerald Uelmen – Alive
  • Robert Blasier – Alive
  • Shawn Holley – Alive
  • Johnnie Cochran – Deceased
  • Robert Kardashian – Deceased
  • F. Lee Bailey – Deceased

These 11 lawyers, each with their unique skills and expertise, came together to form one of the most formidable defense teams in legal history.

Their combined efforts and strategic maneuvers ultimately led to O.J. Simpson’s acquittal, making the trial a landmark event in the American legal system.

Previous Lawyer: Howard Weitzman

Howard Weitzman (born Howard Lloyd Weitzman, September 21, 1939 – April 7, 2021), known for his work as an entertainment lawyer, initially represented Simpson before the formation of the Dream Team.

Lawyer Howard Weitzman is smiling confidently in a courtroom, reminiscent of O.J. Simpson lawyers.

Weitzman stepped down early in the case after the evidence was revealed, forcing the defense’s strategy to shift, setting the stage for the trial.

Where is Howard Weitzman now?

Howard Weitzman died at his Pacific Palisades home after battling cancer on April 7, 2021. He was buried in Hillside Memorial Park in Culver City, California.

Prosecutors in the O.J. Simpson Murder Trial

The attorneys on the prosecution side of the 1995 OJ Simpson murder trial include:

Marcia Clark

Marcia Clark (born on August 31, 1953) was the lead prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson murder trial, representing the people of California in the seeking to convict of Simpson for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.

Prosecutor Marcia Clark stands in courtroom of O.J. Simpson trial.

Despite her efforts, Simpson was acquitted.

Clark resigned from the LA district attorney’s office. Her performance in the trial brought her significant media attention and later led her to a career in writing and television commentary.

Where is Marcia Clark now?

Marcia Clark lives in California and has capitalized on her prominence in the OJ Simpson into a successful career as a writer and TV correspondent.

She has authored several novels and provided commentary for CNN on the George Zimmerman trial in July 2013.

William Hodgman

William Hodgman (born on December 14, 1952) began the O.J. Simpson murder trial as a co-prosecutor alongside Marcia Clark.

Lawyer William Hodgman, a prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson murder trial, stands in a courtroom smiling.

However, while meeting with fellow prosecutors, he began to suffer from chest pains and collapsed.

Hodgman was rushed to the hospital, where his condition was attributed to stress from his working on the case.

He did not return to trial and was replaced by Christopher Darden as the co-prosecutor.

Where is William Hodgman now?

William Hodgman retired from the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office in 2019, where he worked for 40 years. He served as the Assistant District Attorney for line operations.

Christopher Darden

Christopher Darden (born Christopher Allen Darden on April 7, 1956) was co-prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson murder trial after William Hodgman had to step down due to a stress-related illness.

Lawyer Christopher Darden, the prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson trial wearing a suit in a courtroom.

Darden first became involved in the case as a case manager by leading the prosecution against Al Cowlings, Simpson’s friend and the driver of the white Ford Bronco, who was charged with the crime of assisting a fugitive.

After that case was dismissed for lack of evidence, Darden was asked to act as a case manager responsible for preparing the prosecution’s witnesses for testimony.

Darden is credited with normalizing the use of “the N-word” as a euphemistic term for the racial slur directed at black people.

He was the first public figure to use it, mentioning the term while cross-examining LAPD Detective Mark Fuhrman in the trial.

Where is Christopher Darden now?

Darden resigned from his position at the LA district attorney’s office after Simpson’s acquittal, joining the faculty at Southwestern University School of Law.

He is a regular guest and commentator on Court TV and prominent news networks.

Most recently, in 2024, Darden ran for judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court but lost to incumbent Leslie Gutierrez.

Key Questions About the O.J. Simpson Trial & Its Lawyers Answered

In this section, we delve into 15 of the most pressing questions surrounding the O.J. Simpson murder trial and the legal teams that battled it out in court.

From the strategies of the “Dream Team” to the challenges faced by the prosecution, we uncover the top details that shaped this landmark case.

Who were the main lawyers on O.J. Simpson’s defense team?

The main lawyers on O.J. Simpson’s defense team, known as the “Dream Team,” included Johnnie Cochran, Robert Shapiro, Alan Dershowitz, F. Lee Bailey, Carl E. Douglas, Gerald Uelmen, Barry Scheck, Peter Neufeld, Robert Kardashian, and Shawn Holley.

Howard Weitzman dropped Simpson as a client before the dream was formed.

What was Johnnie Cochran’s role in the O.J. Simpson trial?

Johnnie Cochran was the lead defense attorney for O.J. Simpson. He is best known for his memorable closing argument, which included the famous line, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.”

Cochran’s defense strategies focused on highlighting racial tensions and police misconduct, which was especially relevant at the time in the wake of the Rodney King police brutality case.

How did Robert Shapiro contribute to O.J. Simpson’s defense?

Robert Shapiro was one of the first attorneys to join Simpson’s defense team. He played a crucial role in assembling the Dream Team and setting the foundation for the defense strategy.

Shapiro’s expertise in criminal defense was vital in the early stages of the trial.

What was Alan Dershowitz’s involvement in the Simpson trial?

Alan Dershowitz, a Harvard Law School professor, was the appellate advisor for Simpson’s defense.

His extensive knowledge of constitutional law added significant legal weight to the defense team.

How did F. Lee Bailey impact the O.J. Simpson trial?

F. Lee Bailey was known for his aggressive cross-examination of LAPD detective Mark Fuhrman, which was a turning point in the trial.

Bailey’s questioning aimed to discredit Fuhrman and cast doubt on the prosecution’s evidence.

What role did Carl E. Douglas play in the Dream Team defense team?

Carl E. Douglas was known for his meticulous attention to detail and played a significant role in the day-to-day management of the defense.

He worked closely with Johnnie Cochran and was vital in coordinating the team’s efforts.

How did Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld contribute to the defense?

Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld, co-founders of the Innocence Project, were brought in for their expertise in DNA evidence.

They challenged the prosecution’s forensic evidence, raising doubts about the reliability of the DNA tests presented in the trial.

What was Robert Kardashian’s role in the trial?

Robert Kardashian, a close friend of O.J. Simpson prior to the trial, provided emotional support to Simpson and helped humanize him in the eyes of the public.

His involvement also brought significant media attention to the case.

What were Shawn Holley’s contributions to the Simpson defense team?

Shawn Holley handled various aspects of the defense, including jury selection and witness preparation.

Her legal acumen and dedication were crucial to the team’s success, and her ability to connect with and understand the perspective of jurors was a significant asset.

She understood that the female African-American jurors would be sympathetic to O.J. Simpson (The prosecution ignored that, hurting their case).

Why did Howard Weitzman step down from the defense team?

Howard Weitzman, an entertainment lawyer, said he quit representing Simpson because he was too busy with other work. Here is what the New York Times quoted Weitzman as saying,

I have decided because of my personal relationship with O. J. Simpson and my many other professional commitments, I can no longer give O. J. the attention he both deserves and needs. I will continue to advise and consult with O. J. and provide whatever support I can.

What was the significance of the “Dream Team” in the O.J. Simpson trial?

The “Dream Team” was a group of highly skilled and experienced lawyers who came together to form one of the most formidable defense teams in legal history.

O.J. Simpson stands smiling in his murder trial courtroom; he has confidence in his dream team of lawyers.

Their combined efforts and strategic maneuvers ultimately led to O.J. Simpson’s acquittal, making the trial a landmark event in the American legal system.

How did the O.J. Simpson trial impact the legal careers of the defense lawyers?

The O.J. Simpson trial helped boost the defense lawyers career immensely, as it brought them national and international recognition.

They went on to have successful careers in law, academia, and media, leveraging their experience from the trial.

Shawn Holley said the following in a 2021 interview with the Hollywood Reporter after getting name partner status for her law firm,

I could not believe my great timing and I couldn’t help but think about how there had been a chance I wasn’t going to take the job at Johnnie’s office.

What were some of the key defense strategies used in the O.J. Simpson trial?

Key defense strategies in the O.J. Simpson trial included challenging the credibility of the prosecution’s evidence, highlighting racial tensions and police misconduct, and raising doubts about the reliability of forensic evidence, particularly DNA tests.

How did the media coverage affect the O.J. Simpson trial?

The media coverage of the O.J. Simpson trial was extensive and significantly impacted public perception.

The trial was broadcast live throughout the world, and the involvement of high-profile lawyers and celebrities brought unprecedented attention to the case. People described it as a media circus.

What was the outcome of the O.J. Simpson trial?

The outcome of the O.J. Simpson trial was an acquittal.

O.J. Simpson was found not guilty of the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron L. Goldman, a verdict that was highly controversial and continues to be widely debated.

The Legacy of the O.J. Simpson Trial Lawyers

Our editorial team at Express Legal Funding (pre-settlement funding company) wants to thank you for reading this expert guide about O.J. Simpson’s lawyers with the following closing thought.

In the annals of legal history and pop culture, the O.J. Simpson murder trial stands out not only for its high-profile nature but also for the remarkable assembly of legal minds that comprised both the defense and prosecution teams.

Each lawyer working on the case brought a unique perspective, expertise, and approach, collectively shaping a case that captivated the nation and left an indelible mark on the US judicial system.

About the Author

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Strategy Director at Express Legal Funding | Author Website

Aaron Winston is the Strategy Director of Express Legal Funding. As "The Legal Funding Expert," Aaron has more than ten years of experience in the consumer finance industry. Most of which was as a consultant to a top financial advisory firm, managing 400+ million USD in client wealth. He is recognized as an expert author and researcher across multiple SEO industries.
Aaron Winston earned his title "The Legal Funding Expert" through authoritative articles and blog posts about legal funding. He specializes in expert content writing for pre-settlement funding and law firm blogs.
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