Top best R Lawyers in Oakland | 1961 available
1961 R lawyers are available in Oakland, California. These lawyers are rated between 4.2/5 to 4.6/5 and 56% provide free consultation with fees ranging from $45 to $67 per hour.
1176 - 1961
$192 - $544
45% - 67%
4.2 - 4.6 ★
1961 R Lawyers Found Near You
Since 1975, the law offices of Mark E. Rubke has successfully represented people facing an extensive variety of legal issues using litigation, arbitration, mediation and negotiation methods.. Our ApproachMark E. Rubke, Attorney at Law, is committed to helping you navigate complex legal matters. Our founder, Mark E. Rubke, has decades of experience as an advocate and representative for people who live and work in Oakland and the surrounding area.. During your initial consultation, Mark E. Rubke will take the time to understand your problem and gather the information he needs to advise you of your rights and options.. We understand that a legal dispute can leave you feeling anxious and uncertain, and we make it our goal to reassure our clients, handling their legal issues so they can focus on their lives and their families.. Contact Mark E. Rubke, Attorney At LawWe believe that maintaining strong, candid communication is the key to a successful attorney-client relationship. We offer personalized representation tailored to your unique needs so we can solve your problem in the most effective way possible.. Mark E. Rubke is a native of San Francisco, California, and has practiced law in the Bay Area for nearly 40 years. He is familiar with the state and local regulations that affect your case, as well as the nuances of the real estate market.. To learn more about how our experience and record of success can help you, we invite you to call us for a free initial telephone consultation. Please contact us at.
Shauna Madison is a Managing Partner at Medina Orthwein LLP. Shauna has extensive experience in both civil and criminal litigation. She is passionate about pursuing meaningful cases on behalf of underrepresented and underserved communities. In her legal practice, Shauna has achieved noteworthy results through pretrial negotiations, mediations, preliminary hearings, and trials.. Prior to joining Medina Orthwein, Shauna was a criminal defense attorney at the Alameda County Public Defender’s Office, advocating on behalf of indigent clients. During her time at the public defender’s office, Shauna managed hundreds of felony and misdemeanor cases, through all stages of litigation including client interviews, arraignments, investigations, pre-trial negotiations, preliminary hearings, trials and sentencing hearings. In addition to trial advocacy, Shauna provided expert representation in extradition and interstate compact cases. Shauna also facilitated officewide trainings while assisting in the recruitment and retention of attorneys from marginalized communities.. Previously, Shauna was an Associate Attorney at Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy LLP (CPM), in Burlingame where her areas of practice included elder abuse, personal injury, consumer class actions, false claims act, and pro bono immigration. While at CPM, Shauna was most proud of her pro bono representation of unaccompanied minors from Guatemala and El Salvador. These minors were detained by immigration officials at the U.S. - Mexico border, hoping to escape gang violence and join their parents. Shauna assisted them in obtaining U-Visas in partnership with CARECEN, a non-profit which provides legal services to Latino, immigrant, and under-resourced families in the San Francisco Bay Area.. Shauna received her J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law. While at USF Law, Shauna was invited to attend the 2011 White House Black LGBT Emerging Leaders Conference, where she received advanced policy briefing on upcoming LGBT legislation. She also provided feedback to White House administrators on social and legal issues affecting the LGBTQ community. Shauna was also a member of USF Law’s Public Interest Law Foundation Board, student advocate for USF’s Employment Law Clinic, and Finalist in the National Black Law Students Association’s Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition. While at USF Law, Shauna also received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award (highest grade) for her academic excellence in Constitutional Law.. Shauna has also interned at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Federal Public Defender’s Office – Central District, and was a judicial extern to the Honorable Benjamin Gutman at the United States Merit Systems Protection Board.
Senior Associate, specializing in complex construction litigation and project intervention (claims avoidance, preparation, and advancement, strategic consultation, and procedural review).. Claims experience includes advancing and/or defending claims (range: $1-50M) of breach of contract (scope interpretation, indemnity, abandonment, and termination), negligence, professional negligence (design, including extra cost and/or delay resulting from defective plans and specifications, owner-directed changes or scope-creep), scheduling delays, construction and design defects, water and mold infiltration, fraud, false claims, and prompt payment issues.. Project experience range includes a $100 million continuing care facility, a $40 million city hall replacement, a $30M military hotel, a $350M OSHPD hospital replacement, and various other small and large projects including football stadiums, process-piping facilities, hospital renovations and new construction, cast-in-place and retail/commercial construction.. Delivery and contracting methods experience includes design-build, design-bid-build, CM-at-risk, lump sum, fixed GMP, multi-prime, pure CM, and fast-track design & construction.. Core services include litigation preparation (all levels and California courts), discovery management, and pre-litigation and/or on-site issue consultation and claims development.. Specialties: Discovery management, factual investigation, and claim development utilizing advanmced discovery methods, including database management for the review of paper and digital records. Certified Trainer: CT Summation
Scott Bonzell has practiced civil litigation since 1986. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley (A.B., 1983) and the University of Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law (J.D., 1986), Mr. Bonzell has extensive experience in a broad range of litigation fields.. His current practice focuses on bodily injuries, construction defects, employment claims and insurance coverage disputes, including claims of insurance bad faith. He also represents clients in matters involving professional malpractice, police misconduct, real estate non-disclosure, unfair competition, and a wide array of commercial disputes.. Mr. Bonzell began his career as a defense lawyer, working at Popelka, Allard, McCowan & Jones (San Jose) and Gordon & Rees, LLP (San Francisco), where he was named partner in 1993. In that capacity, he represented clients ranging from individuals to Fortune 100 companies. Since 1997, however, his practice has primarily involved representation of persons seeking redress for injuries and other losses. His prior work as a defense lawyer makes Mr. Bonzell an especially skillful advocate on behalf of his clients.. Mr. Bonzell has represented clients in state, federal and appellate courts throughout California, and has tried cases in eight of the nine of the San Francisco Bay Area counties. He has also served as counsel in hundreds of arbitration proceedings. He has been recognized as one of Northern California’s “Super Lawyers” each year since 2010.. scott-debbieIn addition to his litigation work, Mr. Bonzell has often traveled overseas to conduct training in discovery, trial practice and mediation for insurance claims personnel in the London insurance market. He also regularly serves as a mediator to assist others in resolving their disputes short of trial.. Out of the courtroom, Mr. Bonzell devotes much of his time to coaching youth baseball. In 2006, he founded BALL Summer Camp, which provides summer baseball instruction and activities for hundreds of East Bay children each year. Mr. Bonzell lives in Oakland with his wife and their three sons.
Ryan D. Harris is the managing attorney and principal of Harris Personal Injury Lawyers. Ryan has extensive experience in Personal Injury law and litigation. Ryan is a graduate of Brigham Young University, where he majored in Spanish and minored in History. Ryan attended law school at California Western School of Law in San Diego, California on an Academic Scholarship. While in law school, Ryan served as an Editor for the Cal Western Law Review. He finished law school with distinction, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Ryan is fluent in Spanish and has been certified bilingual by the University of Salamanca in Madrid, Spain.. Ryan's early legal experience included clerking for a Superior Court Judge, and working for insurance defense firms. However, his true passion lies in representing injured individuals and their families against major insurance companies. Ryan finds satisfaction in helping these less fortunate individuals. This has served him well, as Ryan has successfully settled and/or tried to verdict numerous cases, both large and small, on behalf of his clients.. After practicing personal injury law for several years, Ryan founded Harris Personal Injury Lawyers. Ryan formed the law firm on the principal that injured persons and their families should have access to the same quality legal representation as large insurance companies. Harris Personal Injury Lawyers is a premiere personal injury law firm. The law firm only handles personal injury cases, and only represents injured persons and their families. The law firm does not represent insurance companies.. Ryan is licensed to practice in all California State Courts. Ryan is a member of the Consumer Attorneys of California, Consumer Attorneys of San Diego, Consumer Attorneys of Los Angeles, the San Diego Bar Association, the Orange County Bar Association, and the American Association of Justice.. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys many recreational activities, including surfing, football, and basketball.
Rob Levy resolves legal issues creatively and effectively. Wheneverpossible, he negotiates a favorable outcome for you, resolving yourmatter without time-consuming, costly litigation. When necessary, heaggressively pursues every reasonable civil remedy available toefficiently achieve your goals.. His highly specialized law practice includes business law and business litigation, real estate law and real estate litigation, and loan modifications and foreclosure avoidance.
Richard C. Bennett cofounded Bennett & Johnson, LLP in 1975. He received his legal education from the University of San Francisco, where he earned his Juris Doctorate, and holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Rick was admitted to the California State Bar in 1974, and has since built a very successful personal injury practice.. If two things can be said about Rick, it is that he treats his clients as if they were his own family members, and that he is at the same time thorough, tenacious, and tough. He is defined by his compassion, respect, and high professional and ethical standards, which are critical to effective legal representation.. Since launching the firm, Rick has successfully arbitrated, tried to verdict, and settled countless cases on behalf of his clients amounting to more than half a million dollars. He rises to the challenge when clients come to him with seemingly impossible cases, including those rejected by other firms for being too expensive or difficult to prosecute. His knowledge, skill, and experience have allowed him to secure some of the highest personal injury awards for cases in Solano, Orange, Kern, Fresno, Santa Barbara, Napa, Alameda, San Francisco, and Los Angeles Counties.. In addition to his accomplishments in his legal career, Rick is also a popular instructor and lecturer in areas of legal education including discovery, professional civility, mediation, trial tactics, traumatic brain injury litigation, and products liability.. Professional Affiliations
Real estate and insurance-related litigation Attorney with over 30 years Experience Serving All of The Bay Area. Free Consultation Call
Re conflict resolution: Cynthia has mediated more than 75 employment-related cases, settlingall of them in a one-day session. She also has resolved countless otherworkplace conflicts without the need for litigation and has been an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association.. Re workplace fact-finding: Cynthia has investigated hundreds of workplace matters as in-house counsel at Intel Corporation, as a partner at Orrick, Herrington & Sutclifee and as a third-party neutral with Remmers Global. While at Intel, Cynthia managed teams of human resource investigators in the U.S. and Asia.. Re litigation advice: Cynthia offers her diverse perspectives, analytical skill and deeplitigation experience to help in-house or outside trial counsel setrealistic outcome expectations and strategies.. Re workplace education: As an adjunct to her conflict resolution, fact-finding and litigationadvice practice, Cynthia provides customized classes to employers andindividual employees. Typically Cynthia works closely with in-housecounsel, compliance and/or human resource professionals to deliverspecialized courses such as 1) investigation basics and advancedtechniques for internal investigators; 2) harassment prevention; and 3)corporate code of conduct compliance.
Rated one of the BEST work comp lawyers by Super Lawyer Magazine, Represented Hundreds of Clients, Mr. Franco has obtained over $150 million in settlements for injured workers. And he offers a free consultation.. He received his law degree from the prestigious University of California, Hastings College of the Law and earned his college degree from UC Berkeley graduating with honors. He has practiced workers' comp law for 7+ years.. **SOME NOTABLE CASES**. *$570,000 Workers' Comp Settlement*: Represented a client who was injured on the job while driving a truck.. *$300,000 Workers' Comp Settlement*: Represented driver in a workers' compensation case who was involved in a motor vehicle accident while working.. *$350,000 Personal Injury Settlement*: Represented a client in a personal injury premise liability claim.. *He has successfully handled and litigated 25+ trials.. **PERSONAL**. Steve lives in Oakland. He represents workers' compensation and personal injury clients throughout California and the Bay Area counties of San Francisco, Marin, San Mateo, Alameda, Solano, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, Sonoma, Napa and Sacramento and the cities of San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, San Leandro, San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Jose, Sausalito, Antioch, Concord, Daly City, Santa Rosa, South San Francisco, Redwood City, San Rafael, Stockton, Novato, Petaluma, Vallejo, Hayward, Antioch, Fremont, Fairfield, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, Richmond and Sacramento.
Randy enjoys playing guitar with his band, attending San Francisco Giants games, and spending time with his wife and their son.
Rachel A. Dodson is an associate at Roisman Henel + Adams LLP. Rachel has been selected by her peers as one of Northern California’s “Rising Stars” for 2015 through 2017. She received the Wiley W. Manuel Certificate for Pro Bono Legal Services in 2015.. Rachel is a member of the East Bay Trusts and Estates Lawyers, AIDS Legal Referral Panel, East Bay Tax Club, Women Lawyers of Alameda County, East Bay Estate Planning Council, and the Alameda County Bar Association. Rachel also regularly consults with attorneys at Open Door Legal regarding estate planning, probate, trust administration, guardianship, and conservatorship matters.. Rachel graduated from the University of Washington School of Law. At UW Law, she was the managing editor of the Washington Journal of Environmental Law and Policy. She was also the Chair of the Art in the Law School committee, where she was instrumental in bringing artwork into the common areas of the school.. While in law school, Rachel was an extern for the Honorable Justice Owens of the Washington State Supreme Court and for the Honorable Judge Barreca of the United States Bankruptcy Court. Rachel was also a student attorney for the Federal Tax Clinic where she represented low-income clients who had ongoing disputes with the IRS.. Rachel earned her Master of Public Administration from the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington, and her Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Pennsylvania.. Rachel is a Bay Area native. She lives with her husband and son in Oakland.. Professional Background:. Roisman Henel + Adams LLP, Associate, 2016 to present Hand & Little, PC, Associate, 2014 – 2016 Kerr & Wagstaffe LLP, Associate, 2013 – 2014. Speaking Engagements:. NBI The Ultimate Guide: Key Parties, Terms, and Legal Concepts; Legal Ethics; Trust Decanting, Modification, and Dissolution, 2019NBI Probate Bootcamp: Ancillary Probate and Other Problem Areas, 2018. Education:. University of Washington School of Law, J.D., 2012 Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington, M.P.A., 2012 University of Pennsylvania, B.A., cum laude, 2006. Professional Memberships:. State Bar of California, Trusts and Estates Section East Bay Trusts & Estates Lawyers East Bay Tax Club East Bay Estate Planning Council Women Lawyers of Alameda County AIDS Legal Referral Panel
Professional Background. A passion for justice drives me to fight hard for my clients' rights. Over the 25 years I have been practicing law, I have developed skills for handling many types of cases, especially cases involving personal injury (auto, premises liability and products liabilitiy), real estate (contracts, neighbor disputes, nuisances, boundary issues, disabiltiy access, etc.), construction (including design, installation, soils, mold and "indoor air quality" issues) and insurance. I have handled cases in both State and Federal courts throughout California, achieving hundreds of favorable settlements for clients, and when needed, successfully trying cases to verdict.. Justice is based on truth, and truth is found by investigation and discovery. When serving as an advocate, I pride myself with skillfully discovering the facts and evidence that will prove up my clients' position in the case, weaken my opponents' case, and help resolve the case. I carefully research the law applicable to the dispute, and consider the effect of the law on the evidence related to the case. I help my clients understand the range of possible outcomes under the law and facts applicale to their case, preparing them to ultimately make an informed decision about whether to resolve the case at mediation, or take a case to trial or arbitration.. When serving as a mediator, I listen carefully to the statements and arguments made by both sides. I find that parties often start with "extreme" positions based on an assumption that if the matter goes to trial, they will get everything they want. When speaking with litigants, I look for the kernels of information which might help build "common ground" on which to reach a compromise agreement. I also help people realize potential weaknesses in their position, and possible unanticipated or unfavorable results which might occur if the matter was tried to a jury or judge. I find that litigants often have not fully considered the "downside" which could occur if a judge or jury does not fully agree with their point of view. By giving litigants a "neutral evalution" and pointing out possible weak points in their case, I help litigants understand how a mediated resolution which they have the opportunity to craft with the other side is usually preferable to a result which will be decided by a judge or jury over whom they have no control.. As an arbitrator, I conscientiously maintain a respectful, neutral demeanor so that parties feel comfortable that I am giving due consideration to all the arguments and evidence submitted by all sides before making a decision. I work hard to assure that the atmosphere of the arbitration remains professional, discouraging bickering between parties and counsel which can lead to unnecessary stress and agitation. Once the evidence is in, I promptly render an award based on my findings after considering all the evidence and arguments.. Personal Information. I am as passionate about life as I am about getting great results for my clients.. In the time when I am not working hard for my clients, I enjoy being active, including biking, tennis, kayaking, hiking with my dogs and almost any outdoor activity. I also enjoy art, spending many quiet hours drawing, painting and writing, mostly for the enjoyment of my family and friends.. I find that taking this quiet time gives me time to reflect even more about the needs of my clients and I often incorporate "inspirations" from my personal time into the strategies I use in my clients' cases.
Philip Bazzano’s current practice focuses on construction litigation and real estate. He has extensive experience with general liability litigation including construction defect, personal injury and workers compensation, toxic mold exposure, insurance subrogation and coverage, real estate boundary disputes and water rights, professional licensing matters, and general business disputes. His expertise includes all aspects of civil litigation and alternative dispute resolution proceedings, such as mediation and arbitration, as well as risk management and preventative counseling for clients.. Mr. Bazzano strives for the effective and efficient representation of his clients’ interests whether during litigation, risk management counseling, contract review, or general representation. He is licensed to practice law in California, and is admitted to the U.S. District Court of Northern California.
Pham and Stevenson Law Group is a bay-area based law firm that specializes in helping consumers file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13 bankruptcy at a low cost. The attorneys at Pham and Stevenson have helped hundreds of individuals obtain a fresh start by reducing or eliminating their debts through bankruptcy while at the same time helping them keep their home, cars and other personal possessions. We provide personal attention to each and every one of our clients and a positive approach to each of their cases. We strive to provide caring, competent, and confidential bankruptcy services at a reasonable price.
Otis C. Landerholm, Esq. is the founding attorney of Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., an immigration law firm based in Oakland, CA. Otis wants to change the world by defending the rights of immigrants who are caught up in the legal system. He speaks Spanish and Mandarin Chinese and has lived in several countries, including Spain, Argentina, Japan, China, and Ecuador. He is a graduate of Washington State University and the Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco. He is a certified specialist in immigration and nationality law from the State Bar of California, having demonstrated a high level of experience in immigration law and been favorably evaluated by other legal professionals. Call now and set up a free evaluation with a skilled immigration attorney in Oakland.
Nicole Fuller is a Personal Injury Attorney in the San Francisco Bay Area who focuses on getting her clients the compensation they deserve when they have been involved in an accident. Call today for your free consultation
My law practice emphasizes representation in the following areas of U.S. immigration and citizenship law:
My goal is to provide my clients effective, attentive legal services at affordable rates.
My desire to practice law began after I graduated from UC Berkeley. While traveling in Europe after graduating, I discovered an innate desire to help less fortunate people. The experiences overseas helped me focus my career on social goals and leveling the playing field for those who needed someone to fight for their rights. I have fulfilled that vision by volunteering at legal clinics throughout the bay area early in my career.. During law school, I worked full time at law firms. It was through this work experience that I gained knowledge in a variety of practice areas. Due to my exposure in many areas of law, I was able to open my own practice immediately after obtaining my California state bar license. Now, I litigate cases in Family Law, Criminal Law and Civil Law.. The delicate balance of giving my time to the community and building a strong clientele base has proven to those who use my services that whether or not there is a financial incentive in my work, the quality is never compromised. I am proud to have provided zealous representation across all economic classes and look forward to helping you resolve your legal issues.
Ms. Price is respected nationally as a tenacious and principled advocate. A former foster kid, she graduated from Yale College and earned her Master's and J.D. from UC Berkeley. She founded her own law firm in 1991. She is one of a handful of Black women to argue a case in the US Supreme Court and she won the case. In 2004, she was recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Northern California. She received the 2002 CLAY Award for Employment Law from California Lawyer magazine. In 1993 and again in 2001, she received the Charles Houston Bar Association's Clinton W. White Trial Advocacy Award. She served as the 30th District Attorney for Alameda County from 2023-2024 and was the first elected, non-appointed, non-appointed District Attorney since 1938.
Ms. Lee is a founding partner at Becker& Lee LLP. She received her law degree, Juris Doctor, from King Hall, UC Davis School of Law in 2003, and her university degree, Bachelor of Arts in Economics, from Barnard College, Columbia University in 1999. Ms. Lee has worked with three immigration law firms in Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area focusing on all areas of immigration law. She has represented clients in removal proceedings before the Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the Ninth Circuit. She has also represented many clients in Federal District Court filing mandamus lawsuits against the U.S. government. Including removal defense, Ms. Lee has experience in asylum, employment based immigration, family based immigration, naturalization applications, hardship and criminal waivers, consular processing, and representing victims of abuse, crimes and human trafficking. Ms. Lee served on the American Immigration Lawyer's Association (AILA) Northern California Council from 2005 to 2011—where she was the Young Lawyer's Division co-coordinator and then the Advocacy co-coordinator where she organized local and national meetings with Congressional representatives to advocate for immigration reform. She is currently a council member of the UC Davis School of Law Immigration Law Clinic Alumni Council (ILCAC). Ms. Lee is a mentor attorney for the pro bono asylum program of the Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights (LCCR), and a volunteer attorney with Centro Legal de la Raza, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and the Asian Law Caucus. During the summer of 2001, Ms. Lee studied international human rights law at the International Institute of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France and interned at the World Organization Against Torture in Geneva. Prior to attending law school, she worked as a community advocate at the Asian Law Caucus, a legal services organization in San Francisco. Ms. Lee is the daughter of Korean immigrants - she is fluent in conversational Korean.
Ms. Desoer serves as an Associate Attorney withScott Cole & Associates, APC. She received her undergraduatedegree in Business Administration from the University of California atBerkeley’s Haas School of Business in 1981 and graduated with honorsfrom the Berkeley Law School (Boalt Hall) in 1985. While in lawschool, Ms. Desoer served on the editorial board of the InternationalTax and Business Lawyers journal. Ms. Desoer is admitted to the NinthCircuit Court of Appeals, and the Northern, Central, Eastern andSouthern United States District Courts of California. In addition to expertise in the areas of employment law and classactions, Ms. Desoer has extensive experience in general andentertainment litigation. She is a member of the California StateBar’s Litigation and Employment and Labor Law sections.
Mr. Tillis’ practice focuses on personal injury, employment harassment and discrimination, medical malpractice, and sexual abuse cases against health care providers. He specializes in cases involving sexual abuse and severe mental and emotional damages. His unique background and experiences enable him to convey complex mental and emotional injuries in clear and simple language.
Mr. Ratto is a local attorney, born in San Francisco and raised in Marin County. His firm has been based in Oakland since his predecessor, Frederick Duda started it in 1960. The firm now concists of six branch offices in Oakland, Concord, San Jose, Salinas, Sacramento and Stockton to serve all of Northern California.. Throughout his career , Mr. Ratto has dedicated himself to representing injured clients in civil and Worker’s Compensation cases in both jury and bench trials. He is the founder of the Ratto Law Firm. Mr. Ratto heads the Ratto Law Firm, which has become one of the most successful Worker’s Compensation law firms in Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area, an accomplishment that results directly from the skill and dedication the firm’s attorneys have demonstrated in protecting their clients interests. Mr. Ratto has represented clients throughout California’s Superior Court’s, California Court of Appeals, United States District Court, Ninth District Court of Appeals and the Worker’s Compensation Appeals Board.. He has primarily represented people who have suffered injuries, many of the result of on-the-job injuries. He has also served as a labor union counsel. Recognizing that is injured clients must also navigate through overwhelming legal and medical issues, Mr. Ratto assists his clients find their way through the related areas of Social Security, State Disability, medical treatment, pension, employment law is and insurance claims. He has lectured before professional groups, doctors, and labor unions. He has been a member of many professional organizations, including Consumer Attorneys of California, California Applicants Attorneys Association, American Bar Association, San Francisco Bar Association, Alameda County Bar Association, and the Italian-American Bar Association.. Areas of Practice. Workers’ Compensation. Personal Injury. Bar Admissions. California, 1983. U.S. District Court. California State Courts and Courts of Appeal. U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit. U.S. District Court Northern District of California, 1983. Education. University of San Francisco School of Law, San Francisco, California. J.D. – 1982. University of California, Berkeley – 1978. Honors: With Honors. Major: Political science and Italian literature