
Benjamin Nisenbaum, Civil Rights Attorney in Oakland, California
Over 24 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and General
AttorneyatLaw Offices of John L. Burris
Oakland, CA
Practicing civil rights in Oakland since 2002.
- 24+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
Benjamin Nisenbaum is an attorney based in Oakland, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and General. Benjamin has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of John L. Burris.
- Based in
- Oakland, CA
- Experience
- over 24 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · Criminal Defense · General
- Handles Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and General matters from Oakland, CA.
- Over 24 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Benjamin Nisenbaum: Benjamin Nisenbaum is an attorney based in Oakland, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and General. Benjamin has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of John L. Burris.
Areas of practice
Benjamin's practice areas in Oakland
Benjamin concentrates on civil rights, criminal defense, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Benjamin handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
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Criminal Defense
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General
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Civil Rights cases in Oakland, California
Benjamin takes civil rights matters in Oakland, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Benjamin agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Oakland, California
Benjamin takes criminal defense matters in Oakland, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Benjamin agrees to represent you.
General cases in Oakland, California
Benjamin takes general matters in Oakland, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Benjamin agrees to represent you.
Biography
Benjamin Nisenbaum, civil rights attorney serving Oakland
Benjamin Nisenbaum is an attorney based in Oakland, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and General. Benjamin has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of John L. Burris. Benjamin works from Oakland, California and takes on civil rights matters across the region.
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
How Benjamin handles civil rights matters
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…
The kind of cases Benjamin takes
Benjamin reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, criminal defense, and general matters in Oakland and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Benjamin studied and practices
New College of California School of Law
J.D. · 2002
University of California at Santa Cruz
B.S. Psychology · 1997
Jurisdictions
Benjamin's state bar admissions
California United St
2002 · ACTIVE
Benjamin studied at J.D. in New College of California School of Law and B.S. Psychology in University of California at Santa Cruz.
Law school and academic background
Benjamin completed J.D. in New College of California School of Law and B.S. Psychology in University of California at Santa Cruz. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Benjamin runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Benjamin Nisenbaum's office in Oakland
Benjamin's primary office is at Airport Corporate Centre, 7677 Oakport Street, Suite 1120, Oakland, CA, 9461. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Law Offices of John L. Burris
Airport Corporate Centre, 7677 Oakport Street, Suite 1120
Oakland, CA 9461
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Benjamin Nisenbaum — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Benjamin usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Benjamin charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Benjamin's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Benjamin will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Oakland, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Benjamin
Benjamin discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every civil rights matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Benjamin confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Benjamin's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Benjamin Nisenbaum
How much does it cost to hire Benjamin for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Benjamin walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Benjamin offer a free consultation?
Benjamin charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Benjamin's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Benjamin's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in California typically take?
Simple civil rights matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Benjamin gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Benjamin take my case if I'm outside Oakland?
Benjamin is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Benjamin will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Benjamin?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Benjamin will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Benjamin accepting new civil rights clients right now?
Benjamin's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Civil Rights attorneys serving Oakland, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Benjamin handles civil rights matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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