Law Firm Overview

The Law Office of John L. Burris was formed in 1985. While the firm initially focused on criminal defense, it moved fairly quickly to an emphasis on civil rights, particularly in the context of police misconduct, racial and sexual discrimination. The firm has been instrumental in a number of social reforms including policies governing the use of canines, the use of deadly force, and the use of hog tying and pepper spray, among others. Burris work has also facilitated implementation of a protocol for police handling of the mentally impaired.

The firm has represented a number of high profile clients including Earl Sanders, the former Chief of Police of San Francisco; Rodney King; Tupac Shakur; Del Roy Lindo; NFL player Keyshawn Johnson; NBA players Gary Payton, and Jason Kidd and Sports Agent Aaron Goodwin, the agent for NBA phenomenon LeBron James. The firm has also represented numerous public officials. The firm has been successful in a number of class actions, including one against United Parcel Service and one against the Oakland Police Department. The latter class action was known as the "Riders case" and it included 119 plaintiffs. The case settled in 2003 for $10.9 Million dollars. The firm has been instrumental in getting punitive damages relief for female correctional officers forced to work in a hostile work environment in the California Department of Corrections.

While practicing primarily as a sole practitioner, Attorney Burris does engage a number of contract attorneys as needed. His firm has collaborated on cases with other noted Bay Area attorneys such as Pamela Price, James Chanin, Andrew Schwartz, Matthew Kumin and Paul Rein. John Burris has consistently challenged discrimination and abusive and dangerous policies. He has also authored a book addressing police-community relations. The book, Blue vs. Black: Let's End the Conflict Between Police and Minorities, provides a blue print for fostering a better rapport between police and the community.

The Law Offices of John L. Burris, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to and compassion for serving the under represented, and the disenfranchised who are among us. His goal is a just society for all.

Areas of Practice

• Civil Rights
• Sexual Harassment
• Constitutional Law
• Discrimination
• Criminal Law
• Employment Law -- Employee
• Ethics & Professional Responsibility
• Litigation & Appeals
• Personal Injury -- Plaintiff
• Motor Vehicle Accidents -- Plaintiff
• Police Misconduct
• Child Dependancy Law

West Practice Categories

Civil Rights, Sexual Harassment, Constitutional Law, Discrimination, Criminal Law, Employment Law -- Employee, Ethics & Professional Responsibility, Law Enforcement Agencies, Litigation & Appeals, Personal Injury -- Plaintiff, Motor Vehicle Accidents -- Plaintiff, Other Professionals Malpractice