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The Search for Justice: A Defense Attorney's Brief on the O.J. Simpson Case
The architect of O.J. Simpson's Dream Team tells the inside story of the Simpson murder trial from the beginning. In this book, the man who created the defense strategy answers the questions of fact, law, and ethics that were fired at him before and after the jury's verdict. With candor, wit, and compassion, Shapiro brings to light the details of The Trial of the Century, giving us revealing glimpses of O.J. Simpson, Johnnie Cochran, Marcia Clark, Chris Darden, Judge Lance Ito, Barry Scheck, F. Lee Bailey, Alan Dershowitz, and many others.
At the heart of the book is the dramatic story of how Shapiro helped to win what many considered to be an open-and-shut case against O.J. Simpson. In the midst of mounting the legal defense, Shapiro had to deal with the tumult of a media circus, a fractious defense team, and his own priorities as a husband and father. Through it all, he maintained a steady hand and the quiet belief that justice would prevail.
According to Shapiro, the only possible verdict was the conclusion of reasonable doubt reached by the jury.
At the heart of the book is the dramatic story of how Shapiro helped to win what many considered to be an open-and-shut case against O.J. Simpson. In the midst of mounting the legal defense, Shapiro had to deal with the tumult of a media circus, a fractious defense team, and his own priorities as a husband and father. Through it all, he maintained a steady hand and the quiet belief that justice would prevail.
According to Shapiro, the only possible verdict was the conclusion of reasonable doubt reached by the jury.
- GenresNonfictionTrue Crime
411 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 1996
14 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 18, 2009
I met Robert Shapiro many years ago. In fact, it was about 12 or 13 years ago. I was teaching in Sugarland and dating a girl who lived in Pearland. Mr. Shapiro was signing his books somewhere... don't recall where, but my girlfriend was able to show up at the location very early to procure a place in line; in fact, she was first in line.
By the time I showed up, many hours later, a long line had formed, but I simply moseyed my way to the front. I heard whisperings as I got closer, "Must be the boyfriend."
Right before Mr. Shapiro came out, his representative came out and said that Mr. Shapiro would not have time to make small talk. He could only sign and go.
Pulling the lady aside, I said , basically, "Hey, this girl has been here for eight hours. Do you think he'd talk to her?"
When Mr. Shapiro came out, he signaled for my girlfriend to come over to the signing table. I walked up, too, and explained, "I'm the boyfriend."
They had a nice chat about life and such, we got our signatures and were the envy of all.
By the time I showed up, many hours later, a long line had formed, but I simply moseyed my way to the front. I heard whisperings as I got closer, "Must be the boyfriend."
Right before Mr. Shapiro came out, his representative came out and said that Mr. Shapiro would not have time to make small talk. He could only sign and go.
Pulling the lady aside, I said , basically, "Hey, this girl has been here for eight hours. Do you think he'd talk to her?"
When Mr. Shapiro came out, he signaled for my girlfriend to come over to the signing table. I walked up, too, and explained, "I'm the boyfriend."
They had a nice chat about life and such, we got our signatures and were the envy of all.
May 6, 2016
After seeing the recent TV miniseries of the O.J. Simpson murder trial, I am going back and reading some of the books I missed the first time around (a flood of books came out in 1996 and 1997 in the years following the end of the trial). This book is by the original lead counsel for the defense, Robert Shapiro (eventually supplanted as the leader of the defense team by Johnnie Cochran).
I found his recounting of the story to be extremely interesting and he, along with his ghost writer Larkin Warren, was able to keep the narrative clear. He does not hesitate to register his complaints about his co-counsel (famously, his longtime friendship with fellow attorney F. Lee Bailey dissolved during the trial), as well as his thoughts, both positive and negative, about how the prosecutors Marcia Clark and Christopher Darden did their jobs at the trial. I must say I really enjoyed the book. He is careful to explain the difference between being found not guilty by a jury and being innocent of committing the crime; often two entirely different things.
**#50 of 120 books pledged to read/review during 2016**
I found his recounting of the story to be extremely interesting and he, along with his ghost writer Larkin Warren, was able to keep the narrative clear. He does not hesitate to register his complaints about his co-counsel (famously, his longtime friendship with fellow attorney F. Lee Bailey dissolved during the trial), as well as his thoughts, both positive and negative, about how the prosecutors Marcia Clark and Christopher Darden did their jobs at the trial. I must say I really enjoyed the book. He is careful to explain the difference between being found not guilty by a jury and being innocent of committing the crime; often two entirely different things.
**#50 of 120 books pledged to read/review during 2016**
May 11, 2017
Ratings based on how much they contribute to the bigger picture of the OJ criminal trial. So, it's already a fairly high bar for the defense attorneys' books to contribute much thanks to (1) attorney-client privilege which filters out the juicy stuff, and (2) Schiller's American Tragedy which covertly and likely under false pretenses, got all the juicy stuff.
I have an alternate title to suggest: The Search for Justice for Robert Shapiro, Who Was Unjustly Maligned Even Though He's Actually a Great Guy and Knows So Many Celebrities.
Hardest OJ book for me to get through thus far due to all the "sidebars" on Shapiro's own largess and celebrity encounters. And cue the eye-rolling when he simply repeats and accepts OJ's questionable explanations (to be fair, I'm sure that's all OJ would authorize him to reveal due to privilege).
On the plus side, Shapiro is so concerned about his image that he at least tries to be fair in his criticism of Judge Ito and the prosecutors. His dings pale in comparison to those of Marcia Clark's. In that way, he does come across as much more professional.
Absolutely not an essential read.
I have an alternate title to suggest: The Search for Justice for Robert Shapiro, Who Was Unjustly Maligned Even Though He's Actually a Great Guy and Knows So Many Celebrities.
Hardest OJ book for me to get through thus far due to all the "sidebars" on Shapiro's own largess and celebrity encounters. And cue the eye-rolling when he simply repeats and accepts OJ's questionable explanations (to be fair, I'm sure that's all OJ would authorize him to reveal due to privilege).
On the plus side, Shapiro is so concerned about his image that he at least tries to be fair in his criticism of Judge Ito and the prosecutors. His dings pale in comparison to those of Marcia Clark's. In that way, he does come across as much more professional.
Absolutely not an essential read.
May 6, 2017
I have new respect for Robert Shapiro after reading this book. It's easy to assume that all defense lawyers are sleazy money-grubbers willing to do anything for an acquittal. Shapiro's memoir disabused me of this prejudice; he is an ethical, professional lawyer for whom loyalty and his family are his top priorities. Despite the fact that O.J. Simpson, without a doubt, was guilty, Shapiro was hired to fairly represent his client, and work to establish reasonable doubt in a court of law. That is what Shapiro, a successful lawyer, did. I can't hold it against him, and this book proves that point. Oh don't worry, Cochrane....I've got your book too.
November 8, 2025
The way that Shapiro writes this book is nothing short of phenomenal. Seeing how the defense thinks like the prosecution and uncovering each particular obstacle with a solution before it get brought to light is truly impressive. This book further shows just how much money can buy when it comes to a defense in the criminal justice system. It’s a great read for anyone who’s interested in CJ.
Side Note: You do not have to be on a particular side of the O.J. Case for this book to be enjoyable. Whether he is guilty isn’t something that makes this book exceptional. It’s the “behind the scenes” that makes this a great read.
Side Note: You do not have to be on a particular side of the O.J. Case for this book to be enjoyable. Whether he is guilty isn’t something that makes this book exceptional. It’s the “behind the scenes” that makes this a great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2024
The fewer book that is able to keep my hype while reading through. I spend almost an entire week just to complete this book alone, personally this is a book I would recomands to anybody. Is takes about how people dealing with stress, breakthrough point in the cases, and complete transparency seems like no sides bias while his describing the situation. Very very well-written book and thought out, reading this book is no less exciting than watching a documentary or action movie. However after 75% of the book, not that exciting anymore unfortunately
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2024
Mr. Shapiro writes a thought-provoking book, which presents a plausible argument...what a whirlwind he lived through...he just did his job, and a lot of people misunderstood him...I hope he is well now...
April 15, 2025
This was an easy read and very enlightening. I woud recommend it for anyone who loves all things O.J
April 24, 2025
Read this book a few months ago, super interesting perspective from a defense attorney, especially a high profile one. I honestly appreciated Robert Shapiro's candor in his writing
August 3, 2013
Forced by my friend Julie to see Shapiro make an appearance at Chicago's Michigan Avenue bookstore (now closed) around the time of the O.J. Trial with which Julie was obsessed. So, off we went to see Robert Shapiro who looked a bit like plastic man (makeup?) and stood among the other "fans." Once done with his reading, we attendees were each handed a yellow post-it and told to write what we wanted Shapiro to emblazone in our book (yes, I had to buy it) along with our signature. Strangely, I noticed Shapiro kept staring at Julie and, upon nearing the author, she said, "Amy, I don't know what to write!" So I grabbed her pen and Robert Shapiro signed in full for my friend, "Hello Julie! Give me a call next time you get a speeding ticket! Love, Bob"--still have yet to read the tome. But what a roar!
September 19, 2011
Great view on what happened during the O.J. Simpson trial by one of the Defense Attorney. I love how it's not meant to prove him guilty or not guilty, that it was meant for Robert's experience only. I'm passing this book to my friend, my mom, and my grandma.
December 19, 2016
Appreciate the calm and cool approach to book, however, and not surprisingly, frustrated at one sided pro defense perspective
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews