Howard Weitzman, an entertainment lawyer whose client list bristled with the names of some of the nation’s most famous and infamous celebrities, died April 7 at his home in the Pacific Palisades section of Los Angeles. He was 81.

In a career spanning five decades, Mr. Weitzman was the lead attorney in more than 300 civil and criminal jury trials, representing more than 1,000 people, including Marlon Brando, Magic Johnson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Justin Bieber, Ozzy Osbourne, Morgan Freeman and Britney Spears. He also represented major motion picture studios as well as the powerhouse talent agencies William Morris, ICM and CAA. He had a reputation as a fixer, and was often ranked as one of the most influential lawyers in the country.

For all his showmanship in the courtroom, Mr. Weitzman opted out of what the media called the trial of the century: the case against O.J. Simson. Mr. Weitzman had accompanied Mr. Simpson to a police interview after the murders, but in less than 48 hours, he dropped out, saying he was too busy. After the trial and the not guilty verdict, Mr. Weitzman took the unusual step of saying that the jury had reached the wrong conclusion. He said he had no regrets about not participating in the spectacle.