Michael Jackson has added another lawyer to his team-- Ben Brafman of New York.

We think we know how this came about--Johnnie Cochran. Geragos acknowledged on Rivera at Large a few weeks ago that Michael had consulted Johnnie. Johnnie no longer takes criminal cases. The last major criminal case Johnnie tried was with Ben Brafman--the defendant was Sean "Puffy" Combs, who was acquitted. Ben was lead counsel. We think it's pretty clear that Johnnie recommended Ben to Michael Jackson.

Mark Geragos says he's happy about Ben's addition to the team.

"Michael and I agreed that expanding the team would best serve his interests as we work toward his acquittal on the false chargesthat have been leveled against him," Geragos said in a prepared statement.

"I felt strongly about working with Ben, someone I have long respected and admired. Ben will join me tomorrow in Santa Maria at Michael's arraignment, where Michael will enter a plea of not guilty," Geragos said.

Brafman is a top notch lawyer. He will be an asset to the team, no question about it.