Rise to Success: Career Highlights of F. Lee Bailey

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how F. Lee Bailey made an impact.

F. Lee Bailey was a prominent American criminal defense attorney known for his involvement in several high-profile cases. He gained notoriety for successfully defending Sam Sheppard in his 1966 retrial for the murder of his wife. Bailey also played a key role in the defense team for Albert DeSalvo, the alleged Boston Strangler, and served as the lead attorney during the court-martial of Captain Ernest Medina related to the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War. He was also part of O.J. Simpson's defense team during his murder trial. Despite his successes, Bailey's legal career faced setbacks, including disbarment in Florida and Massachusetts due to misconduct related to client funds.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1952: Dropped out of Harvard College to Join the Navy

In 1952, Bailey dropped out of Harvard College to join the United States Navy.

1954: Received Naval Aviator Wings

In 1954, Bailey received his naval aviator wings after flight training.

1964: Bailey Defended Albert DeSalvo

In 1964, Bailey defended Albert DeSalvo for a series of sexual assaults known as the "Green Man" or "Measuring Man" incidents.

December 1966: Bailey Defended Coppolino in New Jersey

In December 1966, Bailey successfully defended Carl A. Coppolino in the New Jersey case over the death of William Farber.

1966: Bailey Won Sheppard a Retrial Before the U.S. Supreme Court

In 1966, Bailey successfully argued before the U.S. Supreme Court that Sam Sheppard had been denied due process, leading to a retrial.

1967: Host of Good Company

In 1967, Bailey became the host of the short-lived ABC television series 'Good Company', in which he interviewed celebrities in their homes.

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1971: Bailey Defended Ernest Medina in My Lai Massacre Court-martial

In 1971, Bailey successfully defended U.S. Army Captain Ernest Medina in his court-martial for responsibility in the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War.

1983: Host of Lie Detector

In 1983, Bailey became the host of a short-lived syndicated television show called 'Lie Detector', where guests were questioned and submitted to a polygraph test.

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1983: Korean Air Lines Flight 007 Case

In 1983, Bailey took on the case of aggrieved families of passengers on Korean Air Lines Flight 007, which was shot down over the Soviet Union, leading to criticism of his commitment to the case.

1994: Bailey Represented Claude DuBoc

In 1994, while the O. J. Simpson case was ongoing, Bailey and Robert Shapiro represented Claude DuBoc, who was found guilty of drug trafficking.

2001: Disbarment in Florida

In 2001, Bailey was disbarred in Florida for misconduct while defending Claude Louis DuBoc.

2003: Disbarment in Massachusetts

In 2003, Bailey was disbarred in Massachusetts for misconduct while defending Claude Louis DuBoc.

March 2005: Failed attempt to regain law license

In March 2005, F. Lee Bailey filed to regain his law license in Massachusetts, but was unsuccessful.

2009: Move to Yarmouth, Maine

In 2009, F. Lee Bailey moved to Yarmouth, Maine, and became a partner in the Bailey & Elliott consulting business with Debbie Elliott.

2012: Maine Bar Examination

In 2012, F. Lee Bailey passed the Maine bar examination and applied for a law license, which was initially denied by the Maine Board of Bar Examiners.

March 2013: Hearing on law license application

In March 2013, a two-day hearing was held by Supreme Judicial Court Justice Donald G. Alexander to examine Bailey's suitability to practice law.

April 19, 2013: Ruling on law license application

On April 19, 2013, Supreme Judicial Court Justice Donald G. Alexander filed a 57-page ruling stating that Bailey was almost fit to practice law, except for an outstanding tax debt of nearly $2 million. Bailey was allowed to move for reconsideration of the decision if he offered a plan to repay the debt.

June 2013: Motion for reconsideration filed

In June 2013, Bailey's attorney, Peter DeTroy, filed a motion for reconsideration of the decision regarding Bailey's law license application. Justice Alexander granted the motion.

2013: Denied Law License in Maine and Subsequent Appeal

In 2013, The Maine Board of Bar Examiners denied Bailey a law license, a decision Bailey appealed that same year. The appellate court overturned the initial license denial.

April 10, 2014: Maine Supreme Court Reverses Decision

On April 10, 2014, the Maine Supreme Court voted 4-to-2 to side with the Bar Examiners and reverse Justice Alexander's decision, preventing Bailey from practicing law in Maine.

2014: Maine Supreme Judicial Court Upheld License Denial

In 2014, The Maine Supreme Judicial Court upheld the original denial of Bailey's law license after the Board of Examiners appealed the appellate court decision.