Michael Jackson's defence lawyer

Mesereau: "sincere belief in the innocence of his clients"

Criminal defence lawyer Thomas Mesereau Jr is defending singer Michael Jackson against charges of child abuse.

In April 2004, Mr Jackson dropped the services of top celebrity lawyers Mark Geragos and Benjamin Brafman, whose previous clients included Robert Downey Jr, Winona Ryder and rap star Sean Combs.

"Based on recent developments and discussions with various persons in the Jackson camp, it became clear that it would be best if Mark and I decided to step down," said Mr Brafman.

By comparison, Thomas Mesereau Jr was then little known to media onlookers.

'Irreconcilable differences'

Until recently Mr Mesereau represented the 1970s TV star Robert Blake in his murder case, but the pair parted company in February, citing "irreconcilable differences".

Mr Mesereau took over the case in November 2002 after Mr Blake's previous lawyer, Harland Braun, quit over a television interview the actor planned to give.

Neither Mr Blake nor Mr Mesereau would give details of his departure from the case in February, but the actor did say he was "disappointed" Mr Mesereau had left.

"I'm deeply deeply grateful to him. Mr Mesereau saved my life. He saved my daughter's life. I wish him all the best," said Robert Blake.

Mr Jackson is pleading not guilty to 10 charges

Mr Mesereau's other high profile clients have included heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson, whom he represented during a 2001 criminal investigation, and US newsreader Larry Carroll who was acquitted over charges of fraud.

Mr Mesereau, who studied at Harvard and the London School of Economics, is also recognised for his notable courtroom victories defending clients facing the death penalty in Alabama and Mississippi.

A regular churchgoer, Mr Mesereau volunteered his trial services in the death penalty cases without charge. He also provides free legal advice to the underprivileged at the First A.M.E Church in Los Angeles.

Born in 1950 into a military family in West Point, New York, Mr Mesereau has been widely praised for his forceful courtroom demeanour.

His diplomatic, yet assertive manner helped him secure bail for Robert Blake last year, leading Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge, Lloyd M Nash, to call him "one of the finest lawyers I have ever seen".

Former federal prosecutor John Potter, who faced Thomas Mesereau in court in a previous case, told the Los Angeles Times he conveys "a sincere and deep-rooted belief in the innocence of his clients".