We live in an era where the guardrails of democracy often feel like they are being dismantled in real-time. From the upending of long-standing legal norms and the rule of law, to the challenging of judicial precedents, the average American is left feeling exposed and uncertain about the future of their constitutional protections. 
It is easy to feel like a spectator in a system that was designed to serve you, yet feels increasingly out of reach. In our first episode of 2026, I sat down with a man who has spent nearly half a century on the front lines of this struggle: the legendary Attorney Carl Douglas.
As a founding partner of Douglas Hicks Law Firm and a key member of the O.J. Simpson Dream Team, Carl brings a “warrior” spirit to the courtroom that is more necessary today than ever before. This discussion isn’t just a look back at a record-setting year of verdicts; it is a vital roadmap for how we must protect the rule of law in a world that is being tested every single day. You can listen to the podcast below:
Who is Attorney Carl Douglas and Why is His Voice Crucial Today?
Attorney Carl Douglas is one of the most decorated and respected trial lawyers in the nation. With over 46 years of experience, he has transitioned from being a key leader on the O.J. Simpson Dream Team to a powerhouse in civil rights and personal injury litigation.
As the founding partner of Douglas Hicks Law Firm, Carl has spent decades holding the powerful accountable, earning titles like “Trial Lawyer of the Year” and being named a top 100 attorney in California. His perspective is rooted in a career that began under the mentorship of the late Johnnie Cochran, carrying forward a legacy of “doing good and doing well” simultaneously. In a time of societal upheaval, his veteran insight provides the clarity we need to navigate the complexities of 2026.
Protecting the Rule of Law Through High-Stakes Litigation and Accountability
The rule of law is the fundamental bedrock of our society, yet as Attorney Carl Douglas noted during our conversation, it is being tested before our very eyes. For the younger generation, understanding and respecting the significance of legal guardrails is paramount because those protections are currently being challenged by modern political administrations and shifting societal norms.
Timestamps & Highlights
- 0:00 – Testing the Bedrock: Why the Rule of Law Matters in 2026
- 7:33 – 46 Years a Warrior: The “Rush” of the Courtroom
- 11:00 – Mentoring Lawyer-Warriors: Excellence vs. Mediocrity
- 15:30 – The Altadena Eaton Fires: Seeking Justice for the African-American Families Impacted
- 24:00 – Breaking Records: The $3.8M Gluck Verdict and the Lens of Race
- 29:00 – A Call to the Jury Box: Why Representation is Everything
- 37:00 – 2026 Predictions: Positivity, Elections, and the California Progress
“In this time that we live… when all of the political and societal norms are being upended and challenged, it is so very important that younger generations of Americans respect and understand the importance and the significance in the rule of law because it’s being tested every day before our very eyes.” — Carl Douglas
In 2025, the Douglas Hicks Law Firm saw a record-breaking year, securing nearly $20 million in settlements and verdicts. However, for Carl, the financial success is secondary to the mission. He describes the “rush” of standing before a jury of twelve as being akin to the energy of an actor on Broadway or an Olympian.
This passion for the practice of law is what allows him to continue fighting against “soulless corporations” and systemic injustice. He believes that retirement is a concept for “employees,” whereas he views himself as a steward of justice who cannot imagine a life without the thrill of cross-examining a witness.
The One Year Anniversary of the Altadena/Eaton Wildfire: Seeking Justice for Altadena’s African-American Families
One of the most significant applications of the rule of law in Carl’s recent work involves the Altadena/Eaton Wildfire Lawsuit, specifically the Eaton fires. Historically, Altadena was a haven for middle-class African American families who were excluded from other areas due to redlining.
Carl shared the tragic story of his client, Rodney Kent Nickerson—a descendant of “Black Royalty” whose grandfather founded Golden State Mutual Life Insurance and for whom Nickerson Gardens in Watts, CA is named. This Altadena/Eaton Wildfire Lawsuit represents more than property damage; it strikes at the heart of a historic community.
“He is Black royalty… his grandfather was one of the founders of Golden State Mutual, the largest Black insurance company, and he’s the man for whom Nickerson Gardens was named. This makes it more than about money.” — Carl Douglas
Challenging Systemic Misconduct: Landmark Verdicts and the Fight for Transparency
To uphold the rule of law, a police misconduct lawyer in Los Angeles must be willing to challenge the system regardless of the victim’s background. While Carl is a known champion for Black and Brown families, 2025 brought a landmark case involving a Caucasian family that shattered records.
Calling for Justice: Cellin Gluck vs. The County of Los Angeles
In Cellin Gluck vs. The County of Los Angeles, Attorney Carl Douglas represented a 60-year-old photographer who was shot in the face with a “less than lethal” projectile during the George Floyd protests in Los Angeles. This case was unique because it forced a jury to confront police brutality through the lens of a victim who looked like their “neighbor or school teacher.”
The result was an 11-to-1 and 12-to-0 verdict totaling $3.8 million—the largest protest-related verdict in the history of Los Angeles County. By representing a diverse array of victims, Carl Douglas acts as a police misconduct lawyer in Los Angeles who proves that misconduct is a systemic issue threatening the constitutional rights of every citizen.
“Regrettably, race still plays a part in our justice system. I factor in race with everything I do trial-wise in Los Angeles… if you don’t do so, it’s to your own peril.” — Carl Douglas
Related Podcast Episode: From NYPD Police Officer, Detective and Prosecutor to Civil Rights Champion: Attorney Kawan Lovelace on Exposing the System from the Inside Out
Race and the Jury Box: Why Representation is Vital to a Fair Verdict
The success of cases like the Gluck verdict relies heavily on the composition of the jury, leading Carl to issue a powerful “call to action” regarding the importance of jury service. As a premier police misconduct lawyer in Los Angeles, Carl argues that Black and Brown citizens must answer their summonses because Black lawyers need to see people who look like their clients in the jury box to ensure a fair perspective.
Empowering the Citizen: Three Actionable Steps to Protect Your Rights
- Never Ignore a Jury Summons: It is your most direct way to influence the justice system and ensure fair representation for your community.
- Review Employment Contracts for Arbitration Clauses: Understand that by signing, you may be waiving your right to a public jury trial if a dispute arises.
- Stay Politically Active: Participate in local primaries and mayoral elections to shape the policies that govern your city’s legal and social norms.
The Drive for Excellence: Mentoring the Next Generation of Lawyer-Warriors
Success in the legal field requires a “drive for excellence” rather than a search for a simple “life-work balance.” Carl encourages younger “lawyer-warriors” to embrace the grind if they truly want to make life better for another human being. To Carl, working for “soulless corporations” just for a paycheck is like “cotton candy”—it provides a temporary rush but is ultimately unsatisfying.
True fulfillment comes from representing “good people who had bad things happen to them.” This philosophy has been the cornerstone of his career, from his time on the O.J. Simpson Dream Team to his current leadership at Douglas Hicks Law Firm. As we move through 2026, Carl remains a steadfast proponent of positivity, believing that a focused mindset and a commitment to human rights are the only ways to weave a stronger national tapestry.
Stay Informed: Subscribe to the Legal Lens Podcast Today!
The conversation with Attorney Carl Douglas offered a rare and necessary roadmap for navigating the complexities of our legal system during a time of great upheaval. Whether we are discussing justice and the rule of law or the nuances of trending cases, the goal remains the same: bringing the law to light so you can separate fact from spin.
As an employment attorney, mediator, and legal commentator frequently featured on platforms like MeritTV and Extra TV, I have dedicated my career to dissecting the legal issues that shape our public discourse and workplace dynamics. My mission as the host of the Legal Lens podcast is to empower you with objective, expert-driven insights you won’t find anywhere else.
In a world of constant legal shifts, staying informed isn’t just an advantage; it is a necessity. I invite you to join this community of engaged citizens and professionals who refuse to stay in the dark. Subscribe to the Legal Lens podcast today to hear more insights from leading experts like Attorney Carl Douglas.
To follow me and the Legal Lens show on social media, please do so at @iamangelareddockwright.
Also, learn more about my book – The Workplace Transformed: 7 Crucial Lessons from the Global Pandemic – here – https://angelareddock-wright.com/book/.
To learn more about my mediation practice or my work as an employment and Title IX mediator, reach out to me on LinkedIn @Angela J. Reddock-Wright, Esq., AWI-CH.
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This communication is not legal advice. It is educational only. For legal advice, consult with an experienced employment or civil rights law attorney in your state or city.