Carl E. Douglas

Carl E. Douglas is a nationally acclaimed trial attorney known for his courtroom mastery, deep civil rights advocacy, and landmark victories against powerful institutions. With a career spanning over three decades, Douglas has become one of the most respected figures in American litigation. He is also a compelling storyteller that translates complex justice issues into powerful, audience-moving insights. As the founding partner of Douglas / Hicks Law, he leads with a fierce commitment to justice for individuals and families whose rights and lives have been violated.

Douglas first rose to national prominence as Managing Attorney at the Law Offices of Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr., where he spent 11 years and played a key leadership role on the defense team in one of the most watched trials in U.S. history. Beyond the headlines, his legacy is built on real impact: securing a record-setting $4.9 billion product liability verdict against General Motors, an $8 million police misconduct verdict against the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, and numerous seven-figure wrongful death and civil rights wins across the country.

His clients have included not only celebrity figures such as Michael Jackson, Jamie Foxx, and Queen Latifah, but also grieving families, marginalized communities, and those silenced by injustice. Whether defending the wrongfully accused or seeking justice for the lives lost to police violence, Douglas is driven by one mission: to bring power back to the people.