About Aaron Zisser

Aaron Zisser brings extensive experience and deep expertise. He has investigated large state and local agencies, squared off with police chiefs and prison wardens, and fought for accountability and reform. He will gather all the relevant information, thoroughly review records, and build a strong factual narrative, all while working closely and in a trauma-informed manner with his clients so that they aren’t overwhelmed by the complex maze-like legal process.

Mr. Zisser is licensed in California and New York, is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, and has cases throughout California and elsewhere in the U.S.

EXPERIENCE

Mr. Zisser’s experience includes more than five years with the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, leadership roles in local independent police oversight agencies and a university Title IX office, and extensive work reviewing, overseeing, and conducting investigations.

  • U.S. Dept. of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Special Litigation Section (conditions of confinement, disability rights)

  • U.S. Dept. of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Educational Opportunities Section

  • Assistant District Attorney, Independent Investigations Bureau (police and jail use of force), San Francisco District Attorney’s Office

  • Independent consultant on jail and prison conditions, independent police oversight, and investigations

  • Independent Police Auditor, San Jose, CA

  • Interim Executive Director, Oakland Community Police Review Agency

  • Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Coordinator, Santa Clara University

  • Staff Attorney, Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia

  • Law Clerk, U.S. District Court, Western District of Tennessee

EDUCATION

  • UC Berkeley, BA with honors (2003)

  • Georgetown University Law Center, JD cum laude (2006)

LICENSURE

  • California Bar (2015)

  • New York Bar (2008)

OTHER

  • Mr. Zisser studied poetry in college and is an avid reader of literary fiction and some sci-fi. His favorite authors are South American and European but he reads books from all over the world.

  • Mr. Zisser has a local column about civil rights issues

  • Mr. Zisser has an amazing wife and two energetic boys