John T Philipsborn, Civil Rights Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 48 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights and Criminal Defense · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatJohn T. Philipsborn
San Francisco, CA
Practicing civil rights in San Francisco since 1978.
- 48+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 4
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you John T Philipsborn?
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Quick answer
John T Philipsborn is a member based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights and Criminal Defense. John has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at John T. Philipsborn. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CA
- Experience
- over 48 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · Criminal Defense
- Handles Civil Rights and Criminal Defense matters from San Francisco, CA.
- Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About John T Philipsborn: John T Philipsborn is a member based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights and Criminal Defense. John has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at John T. Philipsborn. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by John T Philipsborn
John concentrates on civil rights and criminal defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights cases in San Francisco, California
John takes civil rights matters in San Francisco, 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 John agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in San Francisco, California
John takes criminal defense matters in San Francisco, 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 John agrees to represent you.
Biography
About John T Philipsborn — Over 48 years of California civil rights experience
John T Philipsborn is a member based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights and Criminal Defense. John has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at John T. Philipsborn. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
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
Working with John on a civil rights matter
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…
Who John represents
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights and criminal defense matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
John T Philipsborn's legal education and bar admissions
University of California
J.D. · 1978
Antioch College
M.Ed. Bowdoin · 1975
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
United States Court
2018 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court
1985 · ACTIVE
United States Court
1984 · ACTIVE
California
1978 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in University of California and M.Ed. Bowdoin in Antioch College.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in University of California and M.Ed. Bowdoin in Antioch College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of John T Philipsborn
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
John's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of California
membership
Locations
John T Philipsborn's office in San Francisco
John's primary office is at Civic Center Building, 507 Polk Street, Suite 350, San Francisco, CA, 94102. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
John T. Philipsborn
Civic Center Building, 507 Polk Street, Suite 350
San Francisco, CA 94102
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of John T Philipsborn — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing civil rights attorneys in San Francisco.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John T Philipsborn claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John T Philipsborn — 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 John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John'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; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in San Francisco, 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 John
John 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. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John'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 John T Philipsborn
How much does it cost to hire John for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check John'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. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?
John 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 — John 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 John?
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. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new civil rights clients right now?
John'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 San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California
John 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.
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 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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