EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION
CITY OF OAKLAND
150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza - 2nd Floor
Oakland, California 94612
(510) 238-3112
http://www.oaklandca.gov/
OBrien-Kovari, Nicholas R
25-PC-10 POLICE COMMISSIONER (VOLUNTEER)
Received: 4/21/26 08:59
AM
For Official Use Only: QUAL: _________
DNQ: __________ Experience
Training
Other:______
PERSONAL INFORMATION
POSITION TITLE:
POLICE COMMISSIONER (VOLUNTEER)
EXAM ID#:
25-PC-10
NAME: (Last, First, Middle)
OBrien-Kovari, Nicholas R
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:
N/A
. , Oakland, California 94611
HOME PHONE:
DRIVER'S LICENSE: Yes No
DRIVER'S LICENSE: LEGAL RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UNITED STATES? Yes No
What is your highest level of education?
Doctorate
PREFERENCES
ARE YOU WILLING TO RELOCATE?
Yes No Maybe
WHAT TYPE OF JOB ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Regular
TYPES OF WORK YOU WILL ACCEPT:
Full Time
SHIFTS YOU WILL ACCEPT:
Day, Evening, Night, Rotating, Weekends, On Call (as needed) OBJECTIVE:
Provide clients of the Public Defender with effective, zealous, and ethical legal representation.
EDUCATION
DATES: SCHOOL NAME:
Loyola University Chicago
LOCATION:(City, State/Province)
Chicago, Illinois
DID YOU GRADUATE?
Yes No
DEGREE RECEIVED:
Bachelor's
MAJOR:
English
DATES: SCHOOL NAME:
Santa Clara University School of Law
LOCATION:(City, State/Province)
Santa Clara, California
DID YOU GRADUATE?
Yes No
DEGREE RECEIVED:
Doctorate
UNITS COMPLETED:
86- Semester
WORK EXPERIENCE
DATES:
From: 4/2022 To: Present
EMPLOYER:
Freeman Mathis & Gary
POSITION TITLE:
Partner
ADDRESS: (Street, City, State/Province, Zip/Postal Code) 1850 Mt Diablo Blvd, Walnut Creek, California, 94596
COMPANY URL:
fmglaw.com
SUPERVISOR: Sharon Collier - PartnerMAY WE CONTACT THIS EMPLOYER? Yes No
HOURS PER WEEK:
60 DUTIES:
Civil litigator specializing in complex tort matters, generally defense-focused. Handle all aspects of litigation through trial, with a focus on jury trial advocacy.
DATES:
From: 5/2021 To: 4/2022
EMPLOYER:
Severson & Werson
POSITION TITLE:
Associate
ADDRESS: (Street, City, State/Province, Zip/Postal Code) 595 Market St # 2600, San Francisco, CA 94105, San Francisco , California, 94105 COMPANY URL: https://www.sjgov.org/department/pubdef/
PHONE NUMBER:
209-468-2730
SUPERVISOR:
Sharon Collier - Member
MAY WE CONTACT THIS EMPLOYER?
Yes No
HOURS PER WEEK:
60 DUTIES:
Civil litigator specializing in complex tort matters, generally defense-focused. Handle all aspects of litigation through trial, with a focus on jury trial advocacy.
REASON FOR LEAVING: Opportunity at Freeman Mathis & Gary Nicholas OBrien-Kovari Person ID: 16417110 Received: 04/21/26 08:59 AM Attachment F
DATES:
From: 8/2014 To: 5/2021
EMPLOYER:
San Joaquin County Office of the Public
Defender
POSITION TITLE:
Deputy Public Defender IV
ADDRESS: (Street, City, State/Province, Zip/Postal Code) 102 South San Joaquin St. , Stockton , California, 95201 COMPANY URL:
https://www.sjgov.org/department/pubdef/
SUPERVISOR:
Elvira Lua - Chief Deputy Public Defender
MAY WE CONTACT THIS EMPLOYER?
Yes No
:
40 # OF EMPLOYEES SUPERVISED:
0 DUTIES: Deputy public defender with heavy criminal defense caseload and experience at all levels of the criminal court, including practice in misdemeanor, felony, juvenile delinquency and dependency courts. Handled twenty jury trials to verdict, including a felony life case. Litigated hundreds of motions and preliminary hearings.
REASON FOR LEAVING: Career opportunity in the private civil sector DATES:
From: 11/2013 To: 7/2014
EMPLOYER:
Merced County Office of the Public
Defender
POSITION TITLE:
Extra Help Deputy Public Defender I
ADDRESS: (Street, City, State/Province, Zip/Postal Code) 1944 M Street , Merced, California, 95340
COMPANY URL:
https://www.co.merced.ca.us/Directory.aspx?
did=64
SUPERVISOR:
Vincent Andrade - Interim Public Defender MAY WE CONTACT THIS EMPLOYER?Yes No 30 # OF EMPLOYEES SUPERVISED: 0
DUTIES:
Handled misdemeanor caseload (250+ cases at any given time) from arraignment to trial. Conducted nine jury trials. Learned basic litigation techniques, such as cross-examination, argument, presentation of evidence, voir dire. Implemented those techniques and obtained favorable defense results in seven out of nine jury trials. Litigated dozens of motions to dismiss and suppress evidence, obtained the dismissal of dozens of cases over prosecution objection. Obtained favorable results through negotiation. Wrote and argued motions in felony matters for senior attorneys.
REASON FOR LEAVING:
Took permanent position in San Joaquin County
DATES:
From: 1/2013 To: 5/2013
EMPLOYER:
Santa Clara County Public Defender Office POSITION TITLE:Legal Intern ADDRESS: (Street, City, State/Province, Zip/Postal Code) 120 West Mission Street, San Jose, California, 95110
COMPANY URL: http://www.sccgov.org/sites/pdo/Pages/pdo.aspx SUPERVISOR:
Kristin Carter - Deputy Public Defender
MAY WE CONTACT THIS EMPLOYER?
Yes No
HOURS PER WEEK:
20 # OF EMPLOYEES SUPERVISED:
0 DUTIES:
Assisted supervising attorney with serious felony caseload. Second chair at trial for two life cases and one PC 288 case. Interviewed clients, drafted legal memoranda and motions, investigated crime scenes and witnesses, discussed case strategy, helped coordinate a team of support staff in preparation for trials.
REASON FOR LEAVING:
I left to study for final exams and the Bar Exam, and refused a post-bar opportunity to take a post-bar position in the Merced County Public Defender Office.
DATES:
From: 1/2012 To: 4/2013
EMPLOYER:
Northern California Innocence Project
POSITION TITLE:
Student Volunteer
ADDRESS: (Street, City, State/Province, Zip/Postal Code) 900 Lafayette Street, Suite 105, Santa Clara, California, 95050 COMPANY URL: http://law.scu.edu/ncip/
SUPERVISOR:
Paige Kaneb - Supervising Attorney
MAY WE CONTACT THIS EMPLOYER?
Yes No
10 # OF EMPLOYEES SUPERVISED:
0 DUTIES:
Investigated inmates claim of innocence, interviewed witnesses and prior trial counsel, investigated crime scenes, analyzed trial transcripts, obtained leads, studied California post-conviction procedure.
REASON FOR LEAVING:
Graduated from SCU Law, took position at Merced County Public Defender Office.
DATES:
From: 8/2012 To: 11/2012
EMPLOYER:
San Francisco Public Defender Office
POSITION TITLE:
Legal Intern
ADDRESS: (Street, City, State/Province, Zip/Postal Code) 555 7th Street, San Francisco, California, 94013
COMPANY URL: sfpublicdefender.org
SUPERVISOR:
Christopher Hite - Deputy Public Defender
MAY WE CONTACT THIS EMPLOYER?
Yes No
HOURS PER WEEK:
20 # OF EMPLOYEES SUPERVISED:
0 DUTIES: Legal research, writing memorandum, summarizing discovery, including police reports, rap sheets, and prior convictions; courtroom observation, attending in-house continuing education classes, participating in case strategy meetings; interviewing clients in custody and providing limited legal advice.
Nicholas OBrien-Kovari Person ID: 16417110 Received: 04/21/26 08:59 AM REASON FOR LEAVING: 2.5 hour commute became unreasonable when I was offered a similar opportunity at the more conveniently located Santa Clara Public Defender Office.
DATES: From: 5/2012 To: 8/2012EMPLOYER: Merced County Public Defender OfficePOSITION TITLE: Bar Certified Law Clerk ADDRESS: (Street, City, State/Province, Zip/Postal Code) 2150 M Street Merced, California, 95340
COMPANY URL:
http://www.co.merced.ca.us/index.aspx?NID=81
SUPERVISOR:
Eric Dumars - Public Defender
MAY WE CONTACT THIS EMPLOYER?
Yes No
:
60 # OF EMPLOYEES SUPERVISED:
0 DUTIES:
Maintained limited misdemeanor caseload: conducted one entire jury trial and obtained acquittal, interviewed and advised clients, negotiated settlements with prosecutors, filed and argue motions, conducted pre-trial discovery, investigated witnesses, researched law.
Additionally, drafted motions and research memoranda for felony attorneys REASON FOR LEAVING:
Attend fall semester of third year at Santa Clara Law
DATES:
From: 9/2011 To: 11/2011
EMPLOYER:
Pro Bono Project
POSITION TITLE:
Student Volunteer
ADDRESS: (Street, City, State/Province, Zip/Postal Code) 480 N. First Street, San Jose , California, 95112
COMPANY URL:
www.probonoproject.org
SUPERVISOR:
Jeanne Winters - Supervising Attorney
MAY WE CONTACT THIS EMPLOYER?
Yes No
10 # OF EMPLOYEES SUPERVISED:
0 DUTIES:
Interviewed clients with severe domestic violence issues, and provided legal advice. Filed one successful petition for divorce. Performed research and wrote memoranda on various domestic violence issues.
REASON FOR LEAVING: Decided to pursue career in indigent criminal defense.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES
TYPE:
California State Bar License
LICENSE NUMBER: ISSUING AGENCY:
State Bar of California
Skills
OFFICE SKILLS:
Typing:85
Data Entry:0
OTHER SKILLS: MS Excel - Intermediate - 5 years and 0 months MS Powerpoint - Intermediate - 5 years and 0 months LexisNexis/Westlaw - Expert - 7 years and 0 months LANGUAGE(S):
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Professional Associations
San Joaquin County Bar Association
Member, Criminal Law Executive Committee
- Planned three expungement clinics, three MCLE presentations Technical
MCLE Presenter
- Juvenile Transfer Hearings After Prop 57 (Spring 2017) - SB-10: Pretrial Release and Detention (Fall 2018) Clinical Experience Regular volunteer at OneJustice "Justice Bus" clean slate events. Led trainings of volunteer attorneys in post-conviction law and procedure. Assisted hundreds of clinic participants in filing petitions for expungement and resentencing.
Professional Memberships
At the San Joaquin County Bar Association, I was selected to lead the Criminal Law Section in late February 2020. I have presented four trainings for MCLE credit, including a training on SB 10, juvenile transfer hearings, and racial justice. I organized several MCLE events, including trainings on new COVID-19 procedures at the courthouse, and immigration law. I also started a newsletter to update members on changes to the law.
REFERENCES
REFERENCE TYPE:
Professional
NAME:
Nickolas Evans
POSITION:
Supervising Public Defender, San Joaquin County
ADDRESS: Street Cit State Province Zi Postal Code)
EMAIL ADDRESS:
[email protected]
PHONE NUMBER:
714-224-8979
Nicholas OBrien-Kovari Person ID: 16417110 Received: 04/21/26 08:59 AM REFERENCE TYPE: Professional
NAME: Kate CarterPOSITION: Fmr. Asst. Director, University of San Francisco Office of Admission
ADDRESS: (Street, City, State/Province, Zip/Postal Code) Professional
NAME:
Stephen Murphy President & CEO, Cristo Rey De La Salle East Bay High School
ADDRESS: (Street, City, State/Province, Zip/Postal Code) :
REFERENCE TYPE:
Professional
NAME:
Kristin Carter POSITION:Deputy Public Defender, Santa Clara County ADDRESS: Street Cit State Province Zi Postal Code)
Nicholas OBrien-Kovari Person ID: 16417110 Received: 04/21/26 08:59 AM Agency-Wide Questions
1. I understand and acknowledge that attaching a resume or stating "see resume" is not sufficient to provide the required work history information and that if my application does not include required information, then my application may be rejected as incomplete and I may be disqualified from consideration.
Yes
2. Are you a veteran or disabled veteran? To be eligible for Veteran’s Credit, submit a legible copy of your Form DD214 showing discharge status of anything other than dishonorable as an attachment to your application (per Civil Service Rule
4.12)
No
3. Identify the language(s) for which you have bilingual conversational proficiency. If you do not have bilingual conversational proficiency in any of the identified languages, check the appropriate box. For positions that require it, bilingual skills will be tested prior to a final offer of employment; screening for bilingual skills may be conducted on the same day as a written exam or oral board interview.
I do not have bilingual conversational proficiency in any of the identified languages, but I am still interested in the position.
4. Are you authorized to lawfully work in the United States? Yes
5. Where did you first learn of this opportunity? (Note: Please tell us where you first learned of this opportunity, not where you applied.)
Other
6. If you answered "Other", "Other Internet", "Professional Organization - Website or Mailing List", "School or University" or "Career/Job Fair" in response to the question "Where did you first learn of this opportunity?", please list the exact source:
I first learned of the police commission in 2016, when Oakland voters approved it. I moved to Oakland shortly thereafter. Since then, I have had a strong interest in Oakland police based on my passion for criminal justice. I first learned of recent openings on the Commission through the City of Oakland website.
7. Do you have any known family relationships, consensual romantic, and/or cohabitant relationships with any existing City Official, manager or employee? (which includes City Council, Mayor's Office, Administrator, Attorney, Auditors as well as employees of City Agencies and Departments). Information concerning cohabitant and consensual romantic relationships will be treated as confidential and disclosed only on a need-to-know basis.
No
8. If you answered "Yes" to the question "Do you have any known family relationships, consensual romantic, and/or cohabitant relationships with any existing City Official, manager or employee?", please indicate the name of the person, Department, Job Title and relationship. (Article IX, Sec. 907 of the City of Oakland Charter & Ordinance 12908)If you answered "No", please enter "N/A" in this box.
Not applicable.
9. Are you authorized to lawfully work in the United States? I understand that the City of Oakland is required to comply with Federal law and if I am offered employment, I will be required to complete a Form I-9. (See https://www.uscis.gov/i-9 for a list of acceptable documents and requirements). Please note: If you are not a citizen of the United States, the City of Oakland is unable to sponsor an employment-based visa. By indicating "Yes" below I acknowledge that I will be required to provide acceptable documentation to complete a Form I-9 if offered employment.
Yes
Nicholas OBrien-Kovari Person ID: 16417110 Received: 04/21/26 08:59 AM Job Specific Supplemental Questions
1. Please describe any life, work, and/or significant community volunteer experiences that prepared you to contribute to the work of the Commission
My entire career has been devoted to public service and the pursuit of justice. I spent more than seven years as a Deputy Public Defender in Merced and San Joaquin Counties, representing thousands of clients facing criminal prosecution. That experience gave me firsthand insight into the systemic inequities and community impacts of the criminal legal system. Beyond courtroom advocacy, I led trainings on racial justice reform, bail reform, and participatory defense—initiatives aimed at promoting fairness and equity. These experiences, combined with my later work as a civil trial attorney, have equipped me with a balanced understanding of both government accountability and individual rights. These are perspectives I would bring to the Commission’s work.
2. Please provide your perspectives of Public Safety in the City of Oakland.
A city’s public safety system does far more than respond to crime. When it functions well, it influences nearly every dimension of public life, from how residents move through public spaces to how institutions coordinate, resolve conflict, and build trust. My work as an attorney, representing both members of the public and engaging regularly with public officials, has given me a vantage point into how policing interacts with the daily realities of governance, community life, and individual rights. I strongly believe that a well- functioning system of public safety is essential to building healthy communities, and impacts every facet of public life. My perspective as both an advocate of individuals impacted by the justice system, as well as a government official working within the system, gives me a balanced and unique perspective. I believe my unique experience would provide valuable insights to the commission.
3. How do you believe you can contribute to advancing the Police Commission’s mission, vision, and goals of ensuring fair and transparent police accountability?
I can contribute to the Commission’s mission by bringing a practical, ground-level understanding of police work developed through years as a criminal defense attorney, where I have closely examined how policies operate in real encounters with real people. My academic training at Santa Clara and through the Northern California Innocence Project, combined with a genuine passion for criminal justice, helps me situate those experiences within broader principles of best practices, accountability, fairness. I bring a strong work ethic, careful attention to detail, and analytical rigor that allow me to contribute productively to complex reviews and deliberations. I do the work. I also rely on the communication skills I’ve developed as an attorney to engage respectfully, clearly, and professionally with difficult and controversial issues.
4. How long have you lived in Oakland?
I will have lived in Oakland 10 years in November.
5. How many meetings of the Police Commission have you attended on Zoom or in person? (You can find a link to the next meeting on the agenda for that meeting, which can be found here You can also find video recordings of past meetings there.)
3 or more
The following terms were accepted by the applicant upon submitting the online application:
By clicking on the 'Accept' button, I hereby certify that every statement I have made in this application and any supplemental questionnaire is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false or incomplete answer may be grounds for not employing me or for dismissing me after I begin work. I understand that I will have to produce documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility in the U.S. I understand that I may be required to verify any and all information given on this application. I understand that this completed application is the property of the City of Oakland and will not be returned. I understand the City of Oakland may contact prior employers and other references. I understand that I must notify the Human Resources Management Department of any changes in my name, address, email address, or phone number. I also understand that it is my responsibility to check my spam, junk and/or clutter folders for emails regarding my application status.
This application was submitted by Nicholas R OBrien-Kovari on 04/21/26 08:59 AM Signature_____________________________________________________________________ Date_____________________________________________________________________ Nicholas OBrien-Kovari Person ID: 16417110 Received: 04/21/26 08:59 AM 1 Police Commission
Application for Position of Commissioner – FACT SHEET
Purpose: Oversee the Oakland Police Department’s policies, practices and customs to meet national standards of constitutional policing and oversee the Community Police Review Agency that investigates police misconduct and recommends discipline.
Membership: 7 regular commissioners & 2 alternate commissioners Note. These positions are volunteer and unpaid.
Term Length: Typically, 3 years
Time Commitment: Significant time commitment anticipated for both meeting preparation and attendance. Regular meetings are held every second and fourth Thursdays of the month starting at 6:30 pm. Additional meetings for members serving on Ad Hoc or Standing Committees. Police commissioners should expect to spend 15-20 hours a week on commission business.
Minimum Requirements: Oakland resident
At least 18 years old
Note. Commissioners cannot be any of the following:
• current police officer or former Oakland police officer • current City of Oakland employee
• current or former representative of a police officer labor union • an attorney who has a pending claim or lawsuit against the Oakland Police Department
• an attorney who has filed a claim or lawsuit against the Oakland Police Department that was resolved during the past year
Description of Work: Oversee the Oakland Police Department • Conduct annual public hearings, at minimum
• Issue subpoenas and take testimony on matters before it • Propose changes to policies and procedures
• Approve changes to policies proposed by OPD
• Review OPD proposed budget and make recommendations
• Authority to fire the Chief of Police
• Recommend list of 4 candidates for Chief of Police to Mayor Oversee the Community Police Review Agency
• Conduct performance review of Director of CPRA
• Serve as Discipline Committee to review proposed discipline of police officers when CPRA and Chief of Police do not agree
• Authority to fire the Director of CPRA
• Recommend list of 3 candidates for Director of CPRA to City Administrator
Submit annual report to the Mayor, City Council and public.
Application deadline is Tuesday, June 30, 2022. For language assistance contact (510) 238-3301. 2 Police Commission
Application for Position of Commissioner
The purpose of the Police Commission is to oversee the Oakland Police Department in order to make sure that its policies, practices and customs meet national standards of constitutional policing.
A Selection Panel of volunteer community members will select Oakland residents to serve on the Police Commission. Seated Commissioners are volunteers and will not be compensated.
Applicant Information
Full Name: Date:
Last First M.I.
Home
Address:
ree ress Apartment/Unit #
Supplemental Questionnaire
The purpose of this supplemental questionnaire is to evaluate your qualifications to serve on the Police Commission. This application, along with your answers to these questions, will be used by the Selection Panel to select the most suitably qualified candidates (Question 1, 2, 3 and 4 below.) • Applications submitted without a completed supplemental questionnaire will not be considered. • Please limit your response to each question to one 8.5” x 11” sheet of paper (single or double spaced).
Please respond (in writing) to the following questions:
1. Please describe any life work and significant community volunteer experiences that prepare you to contribute to the work of the Commission.
2. Please describe your contacts or experiences with the Oakland Police Department.
3. Please describe, if applicable, if you or an immediate family member has had significant volunteer or employment experience:
a. as a police officer,
b. as a criminal prosecutor or defense attorney,
c. with a public agency or nonprofit community group serving or advocating for crime victims or persons charged or convicted of crimes.
4. Have you ever served on a board, committee, commission, or other group? (Examples might include church boards or school organizations.) Please describe your experiences. What were the most challenging aspects of your participation?
O'Brien-Kovari Nicholas R 10/25/25
Oakland CA 94611
3 Application Considerations
Check all that apply:
I would like to be considered as a Selection Panel appointee? YES NO I would like to be considered as a Mayoral Appointee? YES NO References
Please list three professional or personal references who are familiar with your background, experience and qualifications, and who can answer questions about your ability to serve as a Commissioner.
Full Name: Relationshi
E-Mail Phon
Full Name: Relationshi
E-Mail Phon
Full Name: Relationshi
E-Mail Phon
Voluntary Self-Identification Questionnaire
1. With which race and/or ethnicity do you identify? (Check all that apply.) White
Black or African American
Latino
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
Asian
American Indian or Alaskan Native
Other: _______________________
I do not wish to Self-Identify
2. What is your gender?
______________________ I do not wish to self-identify
3. You are considered to have a disability if you have a physical or mental impairment or medical condition that substantially limits a major life activity, or if you have a history of such an impairment or medical conditions.
Please check one of the boxes below:
☐ Yes, I have a disability (or previously had a disability) ☐ No, I do not have a disability
☐ I do not wish to answer
Nickolas Evans
✔
✔
Male
✔
✔
Kate Carter
Stephen Murphy
4 Required Questionnaire
4. How long have you lived in Oakland?
________________________
5. How many meetings of the Police Commission have you attended, on Zoom or in person? (You can find a link to the next meeting on the agenda for that meeting, which can be found at www.oaklandca.gov/policecommission. You can also find video recordings of past meetings there.) 0
1-2
3 or more
6. How did you hear about applying to be on the Police Commission? Disclaimer and Signature
The City Charter requires background checks for all Police Commission members and alternates. Prior convictions will not eliminate you from consideration. The Selection Panel strongly encourages formerly incarcerated individuals to apply.
I certify that I am over eighteen years of age and that my answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge.
My signature below also indicates my acknowledgement that, by applying for the position of Commissioner, I will be subject to a background check.
Once submitted, your application form, along with all attachments, becomes a public record.
Signature: Date:
Completed applications must be received by June 15, 2021, by mail, hand-delivery, or email as follows:
Mail or
Hand-Delivery
(Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm)
Selection Panel for Police Commission
c/o City Administrator’s Office
1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 3rd Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
Email Address: [email protected]
Subject: Police Commission Application
For assistance or additional information
contact
City Administrator’s Office
[email protected]
(510) 238-3301
10/25/25
10 years
See Attached Letter
✔
NICHOLAS ROBERT O’BRIEN-KOVARI, State Bar No. 291409
Oakland, California
My career and personal values have always centered on justice, fairness, and public service. From my years as a public defender advocating for marginalized individuals to my current role as a civil trial attorney, I have developed a deep understanding of how legal systems impact communities.
Living in Oakland and working throughout California’s courts have strengthened my belief that meaningful reform begins with transparency, accountability, and compassion. I am eager to bring my experience, perspective, and lifelong commitment to criminal justice to the important work of the Commission.
1. Life, work, and community experiences that prepare you to contribute to the work of the Commission
My entire career has been devoted to public service and the pursuit of justice. I spent more than seven years as a Deputy Public Defender in Merced and San Joaquin Counties, representing thousands of clients facing criminal prosecution. That experience gave me firsthand insight into the systemic inequities and community impacts of the criminal legal system. Beyond courtroom advocacy, I led trainings on racial justice reform, bail reform, and participatory defense—initiatives aimed at promoting fairness and equity. These experiences, combined with my later work as a civil trial attorney, have equipped me with a balanced understanding of both government accountability and individual rights—perspectives I would bring to the Commission’s work.
2. Contacts or experiences with the Oakland Police Department While my professional practice has not involved direct work with the Oakland Police Department, I have significant experience litigating cases involving law enforcement agencies across California.
As a public defender, I routinely analyzed police conduct, investigated officer-involved incidents, and challenged unlawful searches and seizures. Living in Oakland for several years has also given me an appreciation for the community’s ongoing efforts to build trust and transparency between residents and law enforcement. I would bring both professional expertise and a community-based perspective to issues involving OPD.
3. Volunteer or employment experience related to law enforcement, prosecution/defense, or public service
a. Police Officer: None.
b. Criminal Prosecutor or Defense Attorney: I served for more than seven years as a Deputy Public Defender in Merced and San Joaquin Counties, litigating thousands of felony and misdemeanor cases and achieving numerous favorable jury verdicts. c. Public Agency or Nonprofit Serving Crime Victims or Persons Charged/Convicted: My work as a public defender directly supported individuals charged with crimes, many of whom faced economic hardship, substance dependency, or mental-health challenges. I collaborated closely with community-based organizations providing housing, treatment, and reentry support. I also delivered Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) presentations for local bar associations focused on eliminating bias and advancing racial justice in the courts.
4. Experience serving on boards, committees, or commissions As a Public Defender in San Joaquin County, colleagues and I formed the Racial Justice Committee, a group of public defenders in San Joaquin dedicated to addressing racial justice within the practice of criminal justice. We formed strategies for developing best practices for criminal defense attorneys in implementing newly passed racial justice initiatives. We also led trainings based on California’s Racial Justice Act and California’s AB 3070, regarding discrimination and bias in jury selection.
As a law student, I served as President of the American Constitution Society, a progressive law and policy organization. In that role, I led policy discussions, organized speaker panels, and collaborated with community partners on issues of criminal justice reform. I also served as an associate editor of the Santa Clara Law Review, coordinating editorial teams and managing deadlines.
The most challenging aspect of these roles was balancing diverse viewpoints and maintaining consensus among strong personalities – skills that proved invaluable in my legal career and would serve me well in a collaborative, community-oriented commission.
5. How did you hear about applying to be on the police commission? I have always been interested in policing and criminal justice. I have also always been impressed with the City of Oakland for creating the commission. After reading The Riders Come Out At Night, investigative nonfiction about corruption and brutality within the Oakland Police Department, I was inspired to get involved, which led to this application. I believe my skill set and unique background enables me to make strong contributions to the work of the commission.
NICHOLAS ROBERT O’BRIEN-KOVARI, SBN 291409
As a trial attorney, I offer a relentless work ethic, advanced litigation acumen, superior organizational skills, and a collaborative, resultsdriven mindset—assets that enhance the effectiveness of any litigation team.
Experience
Freeman Mathis & Gary LLP. May 2022 – present. Walnut Creek, California. Senior Counsel. Trial attorney for civil defendants in high-exposure and complex civil matters, including wrongful death, catastrophic injury, products liability, and defamation cases. Excelled at law and motion. Prepared dozens of cases for trial. Took and defended hundreds of depositions, including those with complex scientific and medical subject matter. Successfully litigated discovery disputes, built leverage through strategic investigation and fact gathering, and negotiated settlements in complex multi-party litigation.
Severson & Werson, A Professional Corporation. April 2021 – May 2022. San Francisco, California. Associate. Entry into civil litigation. Developed a strong knowledge base of civil litigation and trial techniques, continued to develop and strengthen legal research and writing skills. Drafted and argued law and motion, conducted discovery, took and defended fact witness depositions, and assisted trial preparation.
San Joaquin County Public Defender Office. August 2014 – April 2021. Stockton, California. Deputy Public Defender. Litigated over two thousand cases ranging from felonies to misdemeanors. Successfully suppressed evidence, litigated appeals, compelled dismissals of serious charges, and obtained numerous favorable jury verdicts in both simple and complex cases. Led investigations that uncovered crucial evidence. Deployed experts that exposed critical flaws in prosecution cases. Smoothly and successfully guided unsophisticated clients through a hostile legal system. Conducted trainings for my office and the local bar on emerging issues.
Merced County Public Defender Office. December 2013 - July 2014. Merced, California. Deputy Public Defender. One of two attorneys assigned to handle over 500 misdemeanor cases at a given time. Conducted jury trials virtually unassisted, with remarkable success.
Wrote, presented, and argued successful motions. Coordinated simple investigative tasks, negotiated with prosecutors, attended trainings, and assisted felony attorneys.
Santa Clara County Public Defender Office. Spring 2013. Santa Clara, California. Law Clerk. Assisted felony trial attorneys. Second chaired two life cases; drafted successful motion in limine excluding impeachment evidence in serious felony trial; drafted Romero motion and “three-strikes letters;” researched law, investigated cases, interviewed felony clients.
San Francisco Public Defender Office. Fall 2012. San Francisco, California. Law Clerk. Drafted and filed motions, sat second chair at hearings, researched and drafted legal memoranda, negotiated with prosecutors, met with incarcerated clients, attended brown bag lunch trainings, and participated in trial roundtable sessions.
Education
Santa Clara University School of Law. Santa Clara, CA. J.D. Conferred May 2013 Recipient, B.T. Collins Scholarship. $10,000 awarded to one exceptional student leader.
President, American Constitution Society. Progressive law and policy organization.
Associate, Santa Clara Law Review. Official legal periodical of Santa Clara School of Law.
Loyola University of Chicago. Chicago, IL.
Bachelor of Arts, August 2009
MCLE Presentations
San Joaquin County Bar Association. Stockton, California.
Presenter. Winter 2021. “Eliminating Bias: Racial Justice Reform Issues in 2020.” Presenter. Winter 2019. “SB 10: Bail Reform in California.” Presenter. Spring 2017. “Proposition 57 and Juvenile Transfer Hearings.” San Joaquin County Public Defender Office. Stockton, California.
Presenter. Winter 2021. “California Racial Justice Act: Litigation Strategies and Implementation.” Presenter. Summer 2017. “Participatory Defense in Criminal Practice.” Hobbies
Musician, golfer, skier, cyclist, yogi, epicurean, avid reader.