Court TV’s Dream Team

Time was running short, and noted Atlanta criminal prosecutor Nancy Grace was tapping her foot, glaring impatiently at her new partner, who would not get off the phone.

“There he is, the king of Simpson, talking away,” Grace muttered within earshot of Johnnie L. Cochran Jr., the criminal defense attorney who has become about as well-known as O.J. Simpson, Michael Jackson and other clients of his.

Cochran, who successfully defended Simpson two years ago during his criminal murder trial, smiled apologetically but continued talking to his firm about the day’s agenda.

When he finally joined Grace in the West Hollywood hotel room to discuss their new show on Court TV, “Cochran & Grace,” the pair dutifully answered questions while engaging in an intense joust of barbs and edgy pokes about lie detector tests, the justice system, Simpson, their respective legal perspectives.

“I just wouldn’t like to be in the shoes of a defense attorney,” said Grace, who compiled a perfect record of more than 35 convictions and no losses in handling several of Atlanta’s highest-profile cases involving violent crime. “I like looking at myself in the mirror in the morning.”

“I have no problem at all looking at myself in the mirror, Nancy,” Cochran countered with a sly smile.

Objections sustained.

Cochran and Grace will take on prominent legal issues--and each other--starting tonight in a weeknight talk show on Court TV. The two anchors, who have signed three-year contracts with the network, will also interview guests and take calls from viewers. Tonight’s show deals with Paula Jones and her sexual harassment case against President Clinton.

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The series marks a major departure for both attorneys, who have appeared regularly as legal commentators on news programs but have otherwise largely concentrated on their careers in the courtroom.

Cochran, whose public profile rose dramatically after the Simpson trial, is diminishing his role in his Los Angeles law firm and has moved to New York. He still keeps a hand on his legal briefcase: He is seeking a new trial for convicted murderer Elmer “Geronimo” Pratt, and he’s just been hired by jazz legend Lionel Hampton, who lost his possessions in a fire last week.

The lesser-known Grace has resigned as special prosecutor of the Fulton County district attorney’s office in Georgia and also has moved her base to New York.

Producers are counting on plenty of out-of-the-courtroom drama between the two lawyers.

Cochran said he is particularly amused by bus placards in New York touting the show: “They say something like ‘America’s most famous defense attorney--has he finally met his match?’ ”

“There was a theory by Court TV founder and CEO Steven Brill that putting a hard-driving, articulate prosecutor against a hard-driving, articulate defense attorney together would be very electric,” Erik Sorenson, Court TV executive vice president, said last week. “He was right. They have great chemistry, friendly but competitive chemistry.”

Sorenson added: “She calls him ‘Cochran,’ not ‘Johnnie’ and certainly not ‘Mr. Cochran.’ Both give as good as they get. Johnnie is no slouch, and Nancy more than holds her own in terms of being articulate and quick. For those who like Johnnie, they will like hearing him talk about issues other than O.J. For those who don’t like him, they will love seeing someone stand up to him and get in his face.”

Grace, who said she was “disturbed” by the verdict in the Simpson trial, said during rehearsals last week that more than sparks are flying between her and Cochran: “There is dynamite. It’s been great. I haven’t agreed with one thing Cochran says. I really respect him. Who can deny a real talent like that? But that doesn’t mean I necessarily agree with it.”

Yet the two share an obvious and genuine respect and affection that is evident in their off-screen moments. “We’re really good friends,” Cochran said.

More important, Cochran and Grace said, the show will give them an opportunity to explore legal issues without being restricted by a courtroom setting or a judge.

Said Cochran: “The work ethic I brought to my cases I will bring to this show. I want to define myself rather than others defining me. I want to expose fallacies. We’re going to go to the inauguration, and we’ll do a show about affirmative action and race relations in the Clinton administration. I want to do a whole hour on ebonics. I would like to take the show on location around the country and provoke some discussion on the real issues. Out of that discussion, we can have more reconciliation. This is a show that can do that.”

Grace, an advocate of victims’ rights, plans to address what she says are inadequacies in the justice system: “The system is to seek the truth, but that doesn’t fit in what has happened with the system. It’s about who can sway the jury, who can muddy the waters.”

But viewers who are hoping for discussions on Simpson are likely to be disappointed. Sorenson said “Cochran & Grace” will steer away from Simpson’s civil trial until the verdict is in. Cochran said he also wants to move “beyond Simpson.”

Despite their differences, Cochran and Grace said they agree on several issues, including free speech and affirmative action.

“And sometimes I will convince Nancy of some of my views,” Cochran said with mischief in his voice.

“Yeah, right,” Grace said.

* “Cochran & Grace” airs weeknights at 7 and 10 on Court TV.