Atty. John T Philipsborn

Atty. John T Philipsborn

Fulbright Scholar, Portugal, 1989; Fulbright Scholar, Pakistan, 2001; University of California, Rosoff Distinguished Research Award, 2016; CACJ Lifetime Achievement Award, 2016; Recipient: Defenders Inc., 1983, San Diego, Excellence in Defense of the Poor; CACJ Award for Amicus Work, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2013; Spirit of CEB Award, CEB, State Bar of California/University of California, 2006; Awards for West Memphis Three work, 2011-1012; Forensic Mental Health Assoc., Cal, 2015, West Award for significant contributions; Judge Pro Tem, San Francisco Sup. Court, 2004–; Consultant: Legal/judicial edu

San Francisco San Francisco 48 yrs experience 48 year
Call (628) 284-9642 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About John T Philipsborn at a glance

John T Philipsborn is a Member based in San Francisco, California, practicing at John T. Philipsborn. They have 48+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1978. Their practice focuses on criminal defense and civil rights. Admitted to practice in California (1978), United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (1984), U.S. Supreme Court (1985), and United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (2018). Educated at University of California (J.D., 1978) and Antioch College (M.Ed. Bowdoin, 1975). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of State Bar of California. Serands clients in San Francisco, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Fulbright Scholar, Portugal, 1989
  • Fulbright Scholar, Pakistan, 2001
  • University of California, Rosoff Distinguished Research Award, 2016
  • CACJ Lifetime Achievement Award, 2016

Recipient

  • Defenders Inc., 1983, San Diego, Excellence in Defense of the Poor
  • CACJ Award for Amicus Work, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2013
  • Spirit of CEB Award, CEB, State Bar of California/University of California, 2006
  • Awards for West Memphis Three work, 2011-1012
  • Forensic Mental Health Assoc., Cal, 2015, West Award for significant contributions
  • Judge Pro Tem, San Francisco Sup
  • Court, 2004–

Consultant

  • Legal/judicial education projects in Cambodia
  • U.N
  • War Crimes Tribunal

Coordinator

  • Intl
  • Conf. on Adversarial Adjudication in Criminal Cases, Lisbon, 1990
  • Evaluation of Nicaraguan Court System, 1987
  • Mexican Capital Legal Assistance Program 2005–
  • Amicus Counsel for Mexico and The Philippines in select cases
  • Advisory Board, The Champion, Journal of National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 1993–
  • Editorial Consultant, CEB

Author

  • Chapters 14, 15, 48 “California Criminal Law Procedure & Practice,” 1998-2012
  • 95 Misc
  • Journal Articles
  • Adjunct Professor, New College of Law, 1991-2007
  • Faculty, Death Penalty College, Santa Clara Law School, 1992–
  • Member, Board of Advisors, U.S
  • Prison History Museum, Alcatraz
  • Member, Bd. of Dir., CACJ, 1989-1994 and 2002-2005
  • Chair, amicus curiae Committee, CACJ, 1991-present
  • Co-Chair, Governmental Misconduct Commission, 1989-1991
  • Board of Directors, California Indian Legal Services, 1990-1997
  • Joint Advisory Committee, Continuing Education of the Bar (University of California/State Bar, 1991-1994)
  • Consultant, Criminal Law Subcommittee, CEB, 1994–
  • Criminal Law Advisory Committee, California Board of Legal Specialization, 1994-1996
  • Co-Chair, NACDL Governmental and Prosecutorial Misconduct Committee, 1990-1992
  • Task Force on Preservation of Adversarial Process, NACDL, 1989-1990
  • Task Force on Emerging Democracies, NACDL, 1990-1991

Lecturer

  • Intl
  • Conf. on Social Justice Research
  • Amer
  • Coll
  • Forensic Psychiatry
  • Amer
  • Coll
  • Forensic Psychology
  • CACJ/CPDA Death Penalty Seminar
  • American Psychological Association
  • California Judges Association
  • ABA
  • CA Association of Criminalists
  • Forensic Mental Health Association, NACDL
  • Counsel or amicus counsel in more than 90 published cases

Practice Areas Explained

John T Philipsborn's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John T Philipsborn 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.

John T Philipsborn is one of 214,270 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.

John T Philipsborn 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 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 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 San Francisco or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about John T Philipsborn

Where is John T Philipsborn's law office located?
John T Philipsborn's law practice is located in San Francisco, California. The firm is John T. Philipsborn. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does John T Philipsborn handle?
John T Philipsborn focuses on criminal defense, civil rights. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has John T Philipsborn practiced law?
John T Philipsborn has 48+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1978.
Where did John T Philipsborn go to law school?
John T Philipsborn earned their education at (J.D., 1978); (M.Ed. Bowdoin, 1975).
How can I contact John T Philipsborn for a consultation?
You can contact John T Philipsborn 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.
What awards or recognition has John T Philipsborn received?
John T Philipsborn's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Practice Areas

Education

J.D.
University of California
- 1978
M.Ed. Bowdoin
Antioch College
- 1975

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

California
Admitted: 1978
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Admitted: 1984
U.S. Supreme Court
Admitted: 1985
United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
Admitted: 2018

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