Attorney
Oakland, California, 94621
John Burris has practiced law for more than 40 years. He is primarily known for his work in the areas of Civil Rights with an emphasis on police misconduct excessive force cases raising federal questions under Federal Code Section 1983. His other practice areas include employment litigation, criminal defense, personal injury, and toxic torts and mass class actions. Before founding the Law Offices of John L.
Burris, his previous employment included Harris, Alexander, and Burris, 1979 to 1985; Deputy District Attorney with the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office from 1977 to 1979; Assistant State’s State Attorney in Cook County, Illinois from 1975 to 1976; Associate Attorney, Jenner and Block, Associate 1973 to 1975; and Summer Associate, Associate with Jenner and Block, Summer 1972 where he worked on Metcalf Commission investigating police brutality claims in Chicago.
Burris loves to travel. He has traveled throughout the world with memorable trips East and West Africa, Europe, South America, Cuba, and China. He is an voracious reader on the topics of history, criminal/social justice, and contemporary domestic and international issues. Mr. Burris frequently provide legal commentary for local and national print and televised media including KTVU Channel 2, KRON 4, MSNBC and other cable Television and radio. He is a frequent lecturer on the topics of police and criminal justice issues. Burris regularly participates in charitable events for breast cancer, heart cancer such as Bay to Breakers and Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk. He is disciplined about his daily workout routine which includes jogging and weights.
