Diana Rosenstein

Managed a team of attorneys tasked with promptly, fairly, and impartially investigating civilian complaints of misconduct alleged against sworn law enforcement officers. Oversaw and assisted in the creation and revision of policies and police practices that comply with concepts of 21st-century policing standards. Created internal policies and procedures to guide and enhance the agency's investigative and policy-making responsibilities. Represented the agency's interests before the San Francisco Police Commission, in meetings with the SFPD's executive team, and in discussions with the City Attorney's Office. Coordinated and prepared training sessions for attorneys and investigators on matters related to constitutional policing, transparency, and accountability. Assisted employees in maintaining the highest ethical standards in the delivery of services to the public. Managed day-to-day operations of the agency as Acting Director in the Executive Director's absence. Regularly met and conferred with the Chief of Police to discuss outstanding policy and discipline issues related to civilian oversight of law enforcement.

Liaised with government agencies, other attorneys, and parties involved in legal proceedings, maintaining professional relationships to facilitate case progress.

Directed investigations into allegations of police misconduct brought to the agency's attention by civilians. Ensured that investigations were thorough, complied with the Peace Officers’ Bill of Rights, and other administrative laws, and resulted in the fair, prompt, and impartial administration of procedural justice for both members of the public and police officers. Responded to the scene and conducted large-scale investigations of complex officer-involved shooting incidents. Drafted reports analyzing the results of administrative investigations that concluded in findings of proper conduct, misconduct, and/or findings of policy and/or training failures on behalf of members of the SFPD. Recommended, negotiated, and prosecuted the imposition of discipline in matters involving police misconduct substantiated against sworn members of the SFPD at various levels, including with the Chief of Police, the Police Commission, and the Office of Administrative Hearings.

Conducted jury and court trials in various tribunals. Prepared legal briefs and appeals and filed with state and federal courts as required. Represented city agencies in suits alleging personal injury, premises liability, breach of contract, third-party indemnification, and allegations of civil rights violations. Assisted other attorneys in advising city departments about potential liability. Participated in mediations and arbitrations on the city's behalf. Drafted and presented ordinances before the Board of Supervisors to conclude successfully mediated complex cases, resulting in settlements of over $25,000.

• Felony Trial Attorney: Supervised investigators, paralegals, and law student interns in the representation of indigent individuals in criminal court proceedings. Utilized an interdisciplinary approach that encompassed vigorous, compassionate, and creative legal advocacy for the successful litigation of numerous motions, various hearings, and jury trials. Created training material and conducted training for newly hired attorneys concerning Fourth Amendment issues and jurisprudence. Conducted criminal felony trials to a jury verdict.
• Clean Slate Unit Attorney: Oversaw the Clean Slate Unit, responsible for criminal records expungements. Created presentation materials and conducted community outreach clinics to engage convicted individuals in the expungement of criminal records. Prepared for and conducted expungement hearings, factual innocence motions, and secured Certificates of Rehabilitation for individuals convicted of crimes in San Francisco. Participated in the creation and implementation of legislation and policy intended to help clean individuals' criminal records. Developed a public service announcement about criminal record expungement that aired on SFGOV TV.
• Misdemeanor Trial Attorney: Represented indigent people accused of crimes from the inception of their case through trial, conducting over twenty jury trials to verdict. Prepared and litigated numerous evidentiary criminal motions, including motions to address the government’s violation of individuals’ constitutional and statutory rights. Researched and wrote successful appeals and writs of mandamus. Supervised other attorneys, staff and law students.
  

Provided legal representation for various insurance agencies. Drafted advisory opinions on issues such as coverage, liability, and litigation strategy. Conducted bench trials before administrative law judges. Deposed parties, witnesses, and experts.

Represented all members of the workforce, especially injured public safety members and their families, in workers’ compensation, personal
injury and service-related disability retirement cases before various administrative agencies and courts.