Shepard Kopp specializes in criminal law with an emphasis on state criminal cases, as well as related civil actions. He has extensive knowledge of such diverse areas as search and seizure, forensic analysis and presentation, scientific evidence, and effective jury selection, derived from having tried over 100 cases to juries and courts.

Because of his early experience in politics and political strategy, Mr. Kopp is an invaluable member of our team, particularly when it comes to presenting a positive image to the media in high profile cases that draw intense local and national media attention. His forte is the ability to quickly analyze a situation and develop an initial defense strategy.

Mr. Kopp is an individualist who began his career in politics as an independent campaigning and debating for a statewide initiative to limit campaign contributions. In between political campaigning he led several cycling and climbing expeditions to some of the most remote corners of Asia. As such he brings a unique perspective to the firm’s cases, many of which involve competing cultural viewpoints.

Mr. Kopp has served as an expert legal commentator on shows such as Dateline NBC. He received his B.A. from Dartmouth College and his J.D. from Hastings College of Law, University of California. He is admitted to the State Bar of California and the U.S. District Court, Central and Eastern Districts of California.