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12

Which lawyer represented Leona Helmsley, Michael Milken, Jim Bakker, Claus Von Bulow, and O.J. Simpson?

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ALAN DERSHOWITZ - people illustration
ALAN DERSHOWITZ — people

Alan Dershowitz, a distinguished American lawyer and law professor, is widely recognized for representing a roster of high-profile and often controversial clients, including those listed: Leona Helmsley, Michael Milken, Jim Bakker, Claus von Bülow, and O.J. Simpson. Dershowitz built a career on vigorously defending civil liberties and ensuring defendants received fair trials, even when public opinion was overwhelmingly against them. He became the youngest full professor of law at Harvard Law School at the age of 28 in 1967, where he taught for nearly 50 years.

Among his notable cases, Dershowitz successfully appealed the conviction of Claus von Bülow, who had been found guilty of attempting to murder his wealthy wife, Sunny. This high-stakes case, involving immense wealth and allegations of foul play, brought Dershowitz significant national recognition and was later adapted into the film "Reversal of Fortune." He also served as an appellate adviser for O.J. Simpson's defense team during his 1995 murder trial, a case that captivated the nation and sparked widespread debate about race, justice, and the legal system.

Dershowitz's involvement extended to the cases of "Queen of Mean" Leona Helmsley, where he worked on her appeal after her conviction for federal income tax evasion and other crimes, and financier Michael Milken, seeking a reduction in his sentence for securities fraud. He also represented televangelist Jim Bakker on appeal, successfully arguing that the judge in Bakker's fraud trial had displayed religious bias, leading to a reduced sentence. These cases underscore his reputation for taking on challenging legal battles for figures who often faced intense public scrutiny.