Jo-Anna Nieves

Jo-Anna Nieves is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founding partner of The Nieves Law Firm in Oakland, California. Recognized for her confident advocacy and constant dedication to client objectives, she concentrates her practice on criminal defense, DUI/DWI matters and white collar crime. Admitted to practice in all California state and federal courts, as well as in Florida, she currently serves as vice president of the Alameda County Bar Association (ACBA).

In 2012, Ms. Nieves launched the firm to restore the reputations of those ensnared in California’s criminal justice system. Since then, she has represented clients facing charges ranging from assault, battery, DUI, and drug offenses to sexual assault, robbery, fraud and violent crime. Her civil litigation portfolio includes cases involving civil harassment, domestic violence, and workplace or elder-abuse restraining orders.

At age 20, Ms. Nieves graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in multinational business and finance. She continued her studies at Florida State University College of Law, earning her Juris Doctor in May 2009. During law school, she demonstrated leadership and community engagement as a member of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc.

Ms. Nieves began her legal career interning with the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, where she worked on arraignments for misdemeanors and domestic violence cases, prosecuted adult sexual assault matters and assisted with felony preliminary hearings. Upon passing The State Bar of California, she joined the DA’s misdemeanor trial unit, where she honed her skills in plea negotiations, suppression motion advocacy and trial preparation. Her early experience also allowed her to cultivate strong relationships within the legal community and refine her courtroom presence.

After two years at the DA’s Office, Ms. Nieves relocated to Los Angeles to serve as a trial attorney in a creditor’s rights practice. There, she successfully litigated more than 400 cases, securing favorable settlements before trial and achieving a 95% success rate in over 100 contested matters.

Committed to professional development and mentorship, Ms. Nieves serves on the advisory board and coaches mock trial teams for El Centro Legal de la Raza’s Youth Law Academy. She is a member of the Earl Warren Inns of Court and, since 2018, has taught trial advocacy at Stanford Law School. Her active involvement in the ACBA underscores her dedication to excellence in the legal profession.