Best known for his role as one of the high-profile criminal defense attorneys representing football star-turned-murder suspect O.J. Simpson, this American lawyer made a lasting impact far beyond that infamous trial. He went on to help found The Innocence Project, a groundbreaking organization dedicated to using DNA evidence to exonerate wrongfully convicted individuals—people who had been imprisoned for crimes they didn’t actually commit. His work there has helped reshape public understanding of justice and the flaws within the legal system.
Before all the fame and national attention, he built a strong academic foundation. After graduating from Yale University in the early 1970s, he pursued dual advanced degrees at the University of California, Berkeley, earning both a law degree and a master’s in urban planning—a unique combination that reflected his broad interests and analytical mindset.
He was born and raised in New York City, spending his formative years in the diverse neighborhoods of Queens and the Bronx. Those early experiences in bustling, multicultural communities may have shaped his perspective on fairness, equity, and the importance of a robust defense for all, regardless of background.
Over the years, his name has become synonymous not just with celebrity trials, but with a deeper commitment to justice reform. And while many remember him for the Simpson case, it’s his enduring legacy through The Innocence Project that continues to define his career. His name still resonates in legal circles and among advocates for criminal justice reform across the country.
He has represented a number of high-profile clients, including Hedda Nussbaum and Louise Woodward, who were both nannies accused of murder. Additionally, he defended Reade Seligmann, a Duke University lacrosse player who faced rape allegations. He also worked on behalf of Ron Williamson and Dennis Fritz, two individuals who had been wrongfully convicted of murder.