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Frequently Asked Questions

At BNCL, we handle all of our cases on a full contingency basis. This means that we cover the costs of litigation upfront and only receive payment if we are successful in securing compensation for you. By taking on the financial risk of your case, we are able to provide high-quality legal representation without any upfront costs to you.
Yes, more than one attorney will be working on your case. Our team is led by experienced partners who each oversee a team of seasoned attorneys. This allows us to provide you with high-quality legal representation and ensure that your case is handled effectively. By working together, our attorneys can draw on their collective knowledge and experience to provide the best possible outcome for you
To help us understand what happened and build a strong case on your behalf, it can be helpful to provide us with photos, videos, and medical records related to the incident. Witnesses can also provide valuable information that helps us to piece together the events leading up to the incident. Additionally, any relevant documents or other information that pertains to your case can be useful in helping us understand the details of the situation. Together, this information can help us to build a clear and compelling narrative that supports your case.
The legal process can be complex and overwhelming, with many different milestones and challenges along the way. These can include the initial consultation, investigation, lawsuit filing, discovery phase, pretrial motions, trial, and appeals. Because of the complexities involved, working with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process and advocate for your rights at every stage is essential. In addition, by partnering with a skilled legal professional, you can increase your chances of achieving a successful outcome in your case.
At Burris Nisenbaum Curry & Lacy, we are dedicated to protecting and upholding the civil rights of individuals throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Central California, Los Angeles, and Southern California. Our experienced team of attorneys specializes in civil rights litigation, with a focus on police misconduct and discrimination based on race, gender, and other protected characteristics. With a commitment to justice and equality, we strive to hold those who violate civil rights accountable and provide our clients with the legal representation they deserve.
At BNCL, our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to protecting and upholding the civil rights of individuals. With over 100 years of combined experience in civil rights litigation, we have the knowledge and expertise to advocate for our clients effectively and secure the justice they deserve. Whether you have been the victim of police misconduct, discrimination, or other civil rights violations, we are here to help you fight for your rights and hold those responsible for their actions.
Whether or not you will have to go to court depends on the specific circumstances of your case and the legal options available to you. In some cases, it may be possible to resolve the issue through negotiation or mediation, in which case you may not need to go to court. However, in many cases, it may be necessary to go to court in order to seek a resolution to your legal issue. An experienced attorney can help you understand your options and determine the best course of action in your particular case.
In the state of California, the statute of limitations for civil rights lawsuits varies depending on the specific type of civil rights violation at issue. For example, the statute of limitations for most civil rights claims brought under state law is one year from the date of the violation, while the statute of limitations for civil rights claims brought under federal law is typically two years from the date of the violation. It's important to note that the statute of limitations can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case, so it's best to consult with an experienced attorney who can advise you on the applicable time limits.
In California, certain family members are typically entitled to bring a case on behalf of a deceased loved one. This may include the surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, or other immediate family members. It's essential to consult with an experienced attorney who can advise you on the specific procedures and requirements for bringing a case on behalf of a deceased family member in California.
At BNCL, we understand that every case is unique, and the damages sought will depend on the specific circumstances of each case. When seeking damages, we consider a range of factors, including the pain and suffering experienced by the victim, the loss of a relationship, the loss of future income, and the expected lifespan of the person injured or killed. By carefully evaluating these and other relevant factors, we can seek appropriate compensation on behalf of our clients. By visiting "here," you can learn more about our casework.
Case Results

Reginald Oliver v. City of Oakland

Oakland Police keep fabricating evidence and lying about minorities to arrest and prosecute them for supposed “gang” crimes, in violation of a settlement that prohibits …

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Named plaintiff Reginald Oliver claims the Oakland PD continues violating the Constitution, in defiance of the settlement in Delphine Allen e al. v. City of Oakland, USDC No. C-00-4599 TEH, also known as "The Riders" litigation. Read Full Course
John Burris
Jane Smith v. City of Oakland

Racial profiling of Asian women by police officer resulting in a class action complaint for damages, declaratory and injunctive relief

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Finding evidence about defendant's post-conviction parole violation unfairly prejudicial "since the jury could have construed that parole violation as character evidence in violation of Federal Rule of Evidence 404(b)" Read Full Course
Rodney King
Rodney King v. City of Los Angeles

Rodney King has filed a petition for a writ of mandamus seeking to have Judge John G. Davies disqualified from presiding at the trial of …

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Rodney King waited too long to file a malpractice suit against the first of 27 lawyers who represented him in connection with the infamous beating he suffered from Los Angeles police in 1991, this district’s Court of Appeal ruled yesterday. The ruling by Div. Two affirmed Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Ann Kough’s grant of summary judgment to Steven Lerman. King earlier this year dismissed his appeal of Kough’s ruling in favor of two other lawyers sued in the case, Federico Sayre and John Burris. Read Full Course
FEATURED News & Updates

Civil rights lawyer John Burris confronts police narratives

Written by Janie Har, AP researcher Rhonda Shafner also contributed to this report. To read on AP News click here OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Before …

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