John L. Burris, 64

Civil rights

Burris has negotiated some large settlements over the past year in police brutality and misconduct cases. He currently is making headlines in an Alameda County Superior Court wrongful death suit, representing the family of Oscar Grant, a 22-year-old shot and killed by a BART police officer on New Year's Day. This year, he also scored a $650,000 settlement for Jody Mack Woodfox, 27, an unarmed black man shot and killed by police in July 2008 after he was pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving. And, he settled a $2 million case on behalf of 20 South Asian women stalked by an Oakland police officer. Since his success in the infamous Oakland "Riders" case, involving officers accused of excessive force and other abuses, Burris continues to review policies and evaluate to conduct of the Oakland Police Department.