Brent Cochran Is Named Top ADA

Brent Cocharn, Assistant District Attorney (ADA) in the Ocmulgee Circuit District, was announced as ADA of the Year by District Attorney Stephen Bradley Tuesday afternoon during a luncheon held in the Jasper County Courthouse celebrating the honor.

ADA Cochran handles two counties, Jasper and Wilkinson, within the Ocmulgee Circuit and by doing so carries the heaviest caseload in the district. Brent is a graduate of Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia Law School. He began his legal career as clerk to the Honorable John Lee Parrott in Jasper County. Since then he has served as an ADA for 17 years with the Ocmulgee Circuit District where he now serves as a Senior ADA.

In nominating ADA Cochran for the honor DA Bradley noted that his 2020 nominee is considered the “go to” mentor to the new lawyers in the circuit because of his gentle, laughing guidance.

“Lawyers are umpressed by his even-keeled professionalism and decency,” said DA Bradley. “He neverwhines, he never complains and will often turn up unannounced at a young lawyer’s difficult hearing, just to provide support. Brent exemplifies what I’ve always been taught about professionalism—that the kindest, most interesting people make the best advocates. His tremendous record of convictions in front of a jury prove that.”

ADA Cochran is also admired by law enforcement and defense counsel. DA Bradley noted that he is often told by defense counselors that “it’s great working with Brent” even as he is sending their clients to prison.

Brent is a dedicated family man to his wife Laurie Beth and their three children.

“His unwavering positive spirit, more evident than ever in the COVID era, buoys those around him,” said DA Bradley about his trusted and honored assistant.