“It’s probably the most important award for me in my life. Johnnie and I started doing police brutality cases back in the 70’s.”
On the evening of Wednesday March 30, 2016, the Johnnie L Cochran, Jr. Public Service Award was presented to Los Angeles based attorney, R. Samuel Paz, a zealous civil rights activist; staunch advocate against police misconduct; master trial attorney and defender of justice.
The Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. Public Service Award is presented annually to an individual who embodies the qualities of Loyola alumnus Johnnie Cochran, Jr.’62, who was a trailblazer, innovator, master attorney and mentor.
The reception and award presentation was held in the Burns Lounge of the Fritz B. Burns Building on the campus of Loyola Law School, Los Angeles.
Speaking exclusively with Reel Urban News, attorney Paz discussed receiving the Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. Public Service Award while reflecting on his professional and personal relationship with the late legal giant.
R.U.N.: Attorney Paz, please discuss the significance in receiving the Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. Public Service Award.
“It’s probably the most important award for me in my life. Johnnie and I started doing police brutality cases back in the 70’s. Johnnie was still in the District Attorney’s office until about 1981. But by then I had already started doing some pretty heavy duty stuff. Johnnie joined right in and we worked together on a number of cases. Very few people were doing police brutality cases. I really suffered when he died. It was a real blow to me and our friends. People who had grown up in battle together. So for me this is a wonderful, wonderful experience to meet his family, to walk in his shoes and be a part of my dream to really know him and share with other people what a man he was. A great man.”
R.U.N.: What is your perspective on the legal system as you reflect on it today?
“I’m in the middle of a trial right now, a shooting case. A police shooting. We have a number of witnesses who said the man had his hands up. It’s just as hard as it’s ever been. But the difference is, jurors are now understanding that police officers will lie and do lie and will sometimes not care about the people they hurt.”
“I think we have to speak truth to power. We have to stand up and not be afraid and be true Americans, defend ourselves and defend the people that they hurt. Those were my thoughts when I was in law school and those are my thoughts today.”
R.U.N.: Attorney Paz, you’ve enjoyed a distinguished legal career.
“I’ve had a wonderful career. I’m getting near the end. I’m only sorry Johnnie couldn’t live a little longer. I know that he was a wonderful leader and certainly taught me a lot. I appreciate the legacy that he left.”
Special Appreciation:
Carl E. Douglas and Jamon Hicks ~ Douglas/Hicks Law
Photos/Michael Billings – Reel Urban Images