Sanaz Banu Nikaein
About Sanaz
Biography
Sanaz Nikaein is Dean Litigation's managing principal. Her practice is focused on criminal defense and family law. In 2014, she was appointed to San Francisco Superior Court as a Judge Pro Tem. She continues to serve as a Judge Pro Tem while managing her practice.
In 2013, Sanaz was chosen by a panel of San Francisco Superior Court judges to serve on the Bar of San Francisco's Indigent Defense Panel and Juvenile Delinquency Panel. Sanaz dedicates approximately 25% of her practice to representing individual adults in criminal cases and minors in delinquency cases who are not able to afford their own legal counsel.
Before founding Dean Litigation, Sanaz was an assistant district attorney, where she spent almost eight years in the felony trial team prosecuting adults charged with violent crimes. She was nicknamed the "DA of Death" due to her remarkable trial skills and ability to obtain favorable verdicts, even on very challenging cases.
Sanaz is known for litigating numerous high profile cases, some which have received international coverage. Click here for a list of cases.
While at the San Francisco District Attorney's office, Sanaz was one of the two attorneys who was specially assigned to a federal grant to prosecute those with exetensive criminal records who committed serious or violent crimes in a predetermined high crime area (designated by the federal government). Most of her caseload involved prosecuting multiple co-defendants, and individuals who were charged under the three strikes law, or those who had caused significant bodily injuries to others.
Sanaz spent years as an activist, shedding light to the abuse inside of Iranian political prisons, and women's rights in Iran. She has numerous publications in this area, and had numerous speaking engagements on satellite T.V., radio, and universities.
In 2006, Sanaz was honored by now Lt. Governor Newsom, then San Francisco Mayor, for her role and contribution to the Women of Iranian Diaspora. Sanaz has also founded and has been involved in establishing several Iranian society and professional organizations in Northern California, which continue to thrive.
Sanaz has received numerous awards for her volunteer work. Sanaz has been a guest speaker at women's shelters, and high schools throughout the Bay Area. Sanaz mentors several students from Mercy High School and Golden Gate Law School. She also assists in coaching the Golden Gate Law School Trial Team.
After graduating from University of California, Berkeley, Sanaz went to Golden Gate University School of Law on a full academic scholarship, and was admitted in the honors lawyering program. She also received a certificate of specialization in International Law with distinction in honors. While in Law school, she competed in the international moot court and won the 2nd place award. In 2001, during judicial externship in the Iranian Municipal Courts, she presented a new interpretation of Islamic Constitutional Law that was later adopted in a case involving a Chinese Ambassador in Iran.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
22 years
15 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 21 years
State: California
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
Location
Dean Litigation
177 Post Street, Suite 700, San Francisco, CA, 94108
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Sanaz Banu Nikaein's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
10 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 10 reviews
Posted by anonymous | May 21, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Highly Recommend
Sanaz is impressive all the way around. She is knowledgeable about the law, has a great way to predict what arguments the other side will make and comes prepared. I was very happy with the result in my case. Best part was when my ex called me recently asking if I would agree to waive the conflict b...
Posted by Joel | September 01, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Knowledgeable, responsive advocate
Sanaz is knowledgeable, responsive, and becomes an advocate on your behalf. I was thoroughly pleased with my interactions with her and the staff at Dean Litigation and impressed by her ability to think both tactically and strategically regarding the case at hand. She's no-nonsense, cut-to-the-chase...
Posted by Robert | March 14, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Family
Smart, compassionate advocate
I've worked with Sanaz over several years in various capacities - as co-counsel in family law matters, opposing counsel, and consulting colleague. In each capacity, Sanaz proves herself to be a real advocate - she watches out tirelessly for the client. Sanaz practices law with a keen intelligence, cu...
Posted by anonymous | October 27, 2015 | Hired Attorney
Highly Recommended
I rarely write reviews, but felt that Sanaz really deserved one (Especially as I was not the most pleasant or rational person through this.) She is an excellent attorney who is patient and experienced. I liked how she had a strategy and a plan B, and kept me informed throughout the whole proces...
Sanaz Nikaein
Replied last October 27, 2015Thank you! I would appreciate it if you can email me so I can personally thank you. (Unfortunately, I am unable to see any identifying information for you). Regardless, thank you.
Posted by Kieron | July 31, 2015 | Family
One of the best I have ever seen
Ms Nikaein represented me on a personal matter and demonstrated excellence in her ability to focus on the critical facts in my case. As an expert in several areas of law, and in my case family law, she demonstrated that her depth of knowledge and experience places her at the highest level of compete...
Sanaz Nikaein
Replied last July 31, 2015Thank you Kieron for your kind words and trust. I am very happy that justice was served on your case.
Sanaz Banu Nikaein's Lawyer Endorsements
"I highly endorse Mrs. Nikaein. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who produces great results in representing clients! I want all people with legal problems to contact her first."
"I endorse this lawyer for her dedication to the community."
"Attorney Nikaein is terrific, a fantastic attorney who fights for her clients and protects their rights. If a friend or family member of mine was arrested, I wouldn't hesitate to refer them to her."
"Keen attention to detail with exceptional client service. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. She is well respected in her field."
"I endorse this excellent lawyer. She is smart, capable, and knows the law, she represents her clients with loyalty and skill."
"I endorse this lawyer. She is smart and capable."
"I have known and worked with Ms. Nikaein for several years now. She is an extremely knowledgeable and experienced attorney. Whenever anyone contacts me for representation in criminal or family law matters, I contact her immediately. Ms. Nikaein is a skilled trial lawyer and a great advocate for her clients. I highly recommend her!"
"I endorse this lawyer without reservation. I believe Ms. Nikaein is an extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community. I recommend her to anyone looking for a criminal defense or family law attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Sanaz Nikaein. Hard working and aggressive attorney who is dedicated to the success of her clients. Respected by her colleagues within the legal community."
"Sanaz is a fellow Bay Area criminal defense practitioner. Sanaz is a fellow Golden Gate University alum, which of course means that she has impecable litigation skills."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"When she was a District Attorney in Stanislaus County, Ms. Nikaein was always courteous, capable, well prepared and a good negotiator. The Stanislaus County District Attorney's loss is the California Defense Bar's gain."
"Not only do I endorse this lawyer, but I also give them five stars for their tremendous work with the community."
"Sanaz and I worked together at the DA's office of San Francisco. Although I never had the pleasure to see her in the courtroom, I can only imagine how effective she would be on the jury, judge and opposing counsel by observing her behind the scenes. She worked tirelessly on her cases and paid close attention to detail. I would trust her with my own cases if I have additional work to give to her."
"Sanaz has long been known in the criminal defense community for integrity, courage and compassion (in addition to being a first rate trial lawyer). If I were in trouble she is one of the first lawyers I would call."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have found Ms. Seo to be a very professional and ethical advocate and wholly dedicated to serving her client's best interest."
"I endorse this lawyer for her knowledge, passion, and indefatigability. And if she can't help you, she'll point you in the direction of someone who possibly can."
"I have known Sanaz for many years and we have have worked as opposing counsel on several matters when she was a deputy district attorney. I found Sanaz to be a smart and compassionate Attorney. I would refer my family and friends to Sanaz in a heart beat. She is a true credit to the community and the legal profesion."
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Experience
Honors
2009
Outstanding Volunteer in Youth Education, Contra Costa County
2006
Honored for role in contribution to Women of Iranian Diaspora, Lt. Governor Newsom
2003
Obtained J.D in the Honors Lawyering Program, Golden Gate SOL
2003
Certification in International Law with Distinction in Honors, Golden Gate SOL
2002
2nd Place Award in International Competition, International Moot Court
1999
Highest Honors in Near Eastern Studies, University of California Berkeley
1999
Highest Distinction of Honor in General Scholarship, University of California Berkeley
1999
Certificate of Honors in Psi Chi Honor Society in Psychology, University of California Berkeley
1999
Certificate of Honor in Golden Key National Honor Society, University of California Berkeley
1999
Certificate of Honor in The National Honor Society in Psychology, University of California
1997
Certificate of Honor in Alpha Gamma Sigma National Honor Society, University of California Berkeley
Work Experience
2012 - Present
Principle, Dean Litigation
2007 - 2012
Assistant District Attorney, San Francisco District Attorney's Office
2005 - 2007
Deputy District Attorney, Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office
Associations
2015 - Present
California Women LawyersAnnual Conference Committee
2014 - Present
Queen's Bench Bar AssociationJuvenile Hall Project Committee; Domestic Violence Committee
2013 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
2007 - Present
San Francisco Bar AssociationMember
2006 - Present
Iranian American Bar AssociationBoard of Directors
2004 - Present
Iranian Society of ProfessionalMember
2004 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
1999 - Present
La Raza Bar AssociationMentorship Committee
2005 - 2012
California District Attorneys AssociationMember
Education
N/A
JD - Juris Doctor
N/A
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2010
Death Penalty
2008
Let Me Tell You Where I've Been
2007
Women's Rights in Iran
2007
Let Me Tell You Where I've Been
2002
A World Between
2001
Torture in Political Prisons
2001
Iranian Political Prisons
Publications
2007
2001
Languages
Farsi
Activity
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