Long before Robert Shapiro became a household name amid the O.J. Simpson trial, the skilled defense attorney had already developed a name for himself among high-profile individuals accused of crimes. From the mid-1970s forward, Shapiro took on cases defending actors, musicians, sports stars, and family members of celebrities. These clients mostly faced illicit drug charges, and Shapiro was the master at this sort of defense.
His first notable client was Linda Lovelace, most known for her lead role in the 1972 adult film “Deep Throat.” In 1974, Shapiro represented Lovelace in court on charges of drug possession. Lovelace had been arrested and charged with holding cocaine and amphetamines while in Las Vegas (per Biography). Other famous clients Shapiro added to his growing resume were Johnny Carson and Christian Brando (son of actor Marlon Brando). The Los Angeles Times reports that Shapiro also defended fellow attorney F. Lee Bailey, sports stars Vince Coleman and Darryl Strawberry, and musician Rod Stewart.
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The Simpson trial wasn’t the first time Shapiro had a notorious case, either. He had the infamous Erik Menendez as a client for a time in 1990, even arranging for the accused murderer to turn himself in to authorities (per Tulsa World). Representing Menendez during his arraignment, he was soon replaced by Leslie Abramson (via the Associated Press).
