Atty. Benjamin Nisenbaum

Atty. Benjamin Nisenbaum

Benjamin Nisenbaum has been in practice for 13 years. His practice specialty includes 1983 civil rights litigation and California state law civil rights and negligence police liability In 2014, Nisenbaum appeared before the U.S.

Oakland Oakland 24 yrs experience 24 year
Call (341) 205-6304 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Benjamin Nisenbaum at a glance

Benjamin Nisenbaum is an Attorney based in Oakland, California, practicing at Law Offices of John L. Burris. They have 24+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2002. Their practice focuses on criminal defense and civil rights. Admitted to practice in California United States District Court for the Northern District of California United States Distri (2002). Educated at New College of California School of Law (J.D., 2002) and University of California at Santa Cruz (B.S. Psychology, 1997). Serands clients in Oakland, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Benjamin Nisenbaum has been in practice for 13 years
  • His practice specialty includes 1983 civil rights litigation and California state law civil rights and negligence police liability In 2014, Nisenbaum appeared before the U.S
  • Supreme Court for oral arguments in Sheehan v
  • City of San Francisco
  • He also argued the case in the 9th Circuit overturning District Court dismissal in Sheehan and partial overturning District Court dismissal in Han v
  • City of Folsom
  • Some of his other notable cases as lead counsel include verdicts in Northern and Eastern District, Torry Smith v
  • City of Oakland: $6 million verdict (malicious prosecution), Lorenzo Hall v
  • City of Oakland (malicious prosecution) Garcia v
  • County of Stanislaus (excessive force wrongful death verdict)
  • as Co-Counsel: DeSantis v
  • City of Santa Rosa (excessive force wrongful death verdict)
  • Nisenbaum’s previous employment includes being a Law Clerk for the Law Offices of John Burris, Counselor for the Lincoln Child Center, Counselor for Youth Homes, Inc., and he was a research assistant for Foxtree Language Psychology Lab, UC-Santa Cruz
  • Before becoming an attorney Nisenbaum was a competitive swimmer
  • In 1993 he became the ESAL Champion in the 100 Butterfly and an NCS qualifier
  • He also completed the City to the Sea Half Marathon in 2013
  • Civic Groups, Volunteer Organizations and Awards • Rising Stars, 2011-present • Top 40 under 40, 2013-present Professional Associations and Memberships • California State Bar, Member

Practice Areas Explained

Benjamin Nisenbaum's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Benjamin Nisenbaum handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

Benjamin Nisenbaum is one of 214,271 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in California →

Civil Rights

Civil rights attorneys for discrimination, police misconduct, constitutional rights, and civil liberties cases.

Benjamin Nisenbaum is one of 70,245 civil rights attorneys indexed nationally. Browse civil rights attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in California

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Oakland are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Oakland or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Benjamin Nisenbaum

Where is Benjamin Nisenbaum's law office located?
Benjamin Nisenbaum's law practice is located in Oakland, California. The firm is Law Offices of John L. Burris. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Benjamin Nisenbaum handle?
Benjamin Nisenbaum focuses on criminal defense, civil rights. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has Benjamin Nisenbaum practiced law?
Benjamin Nisenbaum has 24+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 2002.
Where did Benjamin Nisenbaum go to law school?
Benjamin Nisenbaum earned their education at (J.D., 2002); (B.S. Psychology, 1997).
How can I contact Benjamin Nisenbaum for a consultation?
You can contact Benjamin Nisenbaum directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.

Education

J.D.
New College of California School of Law
- 2002
B.S. Psychology
University of California at Santa Cruz
- 1997

Bar Admissions

California United States District Court for the Northern District of California United States Distri
Admitted: 2002

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