Celebrity lawyer Cochran in deal with LV law firm

Alana Roberts

Tuesday, March 2, 2004 | 11:10 a.m.

Las Vegas personal injury law firm Mainor Eglet Cottle said Monday it plans to merge with the Cochran Firm, led by celebrity attorney Johnnie Cochran.

The merger is set for March 16, and the new firm will be called Mainor Eglet Cottle in Partnership With the Cochran Firm. Terms of the merger were not disclosed.

Cochran plans to attend a March 16 news conference about the merger at the offices of Mainor Eglet Cottle.

The Cochran Firm is one of the country's largest personal injury plaintiff's law firms, with offices in Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., Miami, St. Louis, New Orleans, Atlanta, Chicago and Memphis, Tenn. as well as the states of Florida and Alabama. The Cochran Firm has more than 100 attorneys.

Cochran is known for landmark victories against official misconduct within the legal system and for his work with such high-profile clients as O.J. Simpson, Michael Jackson and Reginald Denny.

Previously known as Mainor Harris, Mainor Eglet Cottle is one of Nevada's largest personal injury and wrongful death firms. The firm has 40 employees, including nine attorneys.

After the merger, the firm will work with other Cochran Firm offices. Cochran will work out of the Las Vegas office from time to time.

Robert Eglet, a partner with the Las Vegas firm, said the merger will offer his firm greater resources.

"It's something we're very excited about," Eglet said.