Attorney Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. has hired former legal adversary Larry Feldman to defend him against a palimony suit expected to be filed by the end of March, Feldman confirmed Monday.

Patricia Cochran claims she gave Cochran 18 years of her life and is the mother of his 21-year-old son. Cochran, who married twice during those 18 years, has acknowledged that he and the woman were lovers. Attorney Raoul Felder represents the anticipated plaintiff and is expected to file suit on her behalf late next month.

Feldman, a Santa Monica attorney, represented a 13-year-old boy who filed a child molestation civil suit against pop star Michael Jackson. Cochran and others who represented Jackson eventually settled the case for a reported $15 million.