Atty. John J. Bartko
John Bartko is a Founder and a Principal of the firm. He represents both plaintiffs and defendants in complex civil, criminal and regulatory matters.
Commercial Litigation & More Attorney · Serving San Francisco, CA
Profile Summary
About John J. Bartko at a Glance
John J. Bartko is a criminal defense, business, white collar, and litigation attorney based in San Francisco, California, practicing at Bartko Pavia Llp. Admitted to practice in California, The State Bar of California 1/11/1966. Educated at University of California Berkeley (J.D., 1965) and University of California Los Angeles (BA (Political Science), 1962). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serves clients in San Francisco, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About John J. Bartko
- John Bartko is a Founder and a Principal of the firm
- He represents both plaintiffs and defendants in complex civil, criminal and regulatory matters
- He has represented many executives ensnared in complex regulatory investigations and has been involved in significant international discovery and complex investigations requiring foreign court appearances, including conducting examinations in Switzerland and Japan through pioneering requests for civil judicial assistance
- He has traveled to Europe, Asia and South Africa to obtain evidence for American civil and criminal proceedings and has represented foreign officials in U.S. legal matters
- He has broad experience in representing various parties in complex financial fraud and environmental law cases
- One of his trials was nationally televised on Court TV
Practice Areas Explained
John J. Bartko's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John J. Bartko handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in San Francisco.
Criminal Defense in San Francisco
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
John J. Bartko is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in California →
Business & Corporate Law in San Francisco
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
John J. Bartko is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in California →
White Collar Crimes in San Francisco
John J. Bartko is one of 19,824 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in California →
Civil Litigation in San Francisco
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
John J. Bartko is one of 450,751 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in California →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in San Francisco
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 San Francisco 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 venue, 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.
San Francisco Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a San Francisco-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in San Francisco or all attorneys in California.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in San Francisco Choose John J. Bartko
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish John J. Bartko's practice in the field of criminal defense, business, white collar, and litigation.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering criminal defense, business, and white collar, John J. Bartko can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in San Francisco
A San Francisco-based practice means John J. Bartko attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues John J. Bartko Handles in San Francisco
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters John J. Bartko has experience with under California law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact John J. Bartko directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find John J. Bartko Online
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John J. Bartko's Practice Areas & Specializations
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