Jo-Anna Nieves

The Nieves Law Firm founder Jo-Anna Nieves takes the “criminal” out of criminal defense, and her results speak for themselves. Jo-Anna has been recognized by multiple awards agencies for her exemplary legal work, having been named the Best Criminal Defense Attorney and the Best DUI Lawyer in Oakland by Expertise.com in 2023, as well as being recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star for the past 7 years. Oakland Magazine also named her a Top 5 Attorney in their annual “Best of Oakland” awards.

Her award-winning legal work extends beyond the criminal defense realm as Jo-Anna has been cited in multiple published opinions for her work in post-conviction relief cases, which is geared towards individuals looking to find recourse for prior convictions.

Mrs. Nieves passed the California Bar in 2009 and went to work at the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. Two years later, she accepted a position as a trial attorney at a creditor’s rights law practice, where she effectively litigated over 400 contested matters and maintained a 95% success rate. She then formed The Nieves Law Firm to pursue her passion in the legal field, restoring the reputations of those who have been accused of crimes and helping them plan for a better future.

She strives to help her clients navigate the complex legal process with an advocate who empowers them and tenaciously fights for their future. She is passionate about delivering excellent service to her clients and her community. Her commitment to the legal field goes beyond just her own practice as she provides a yearly scholarship to students pursuing a career in law, has taught at Stanford Law’s Trial Advocacy Workshop for multiple times, serves as the current Vice President of the Alameda County Bar Association (ACBA), and has served as a mock trial coach for Centro Legal de la Raza’s Youth Law Academy.