Brendan Hickey - a San Francisco, United States Criminal Defense Lawyer

San Francisco Criminal Defense Lawyer

Updated: 03/10/2026

Areas of Practice

Criminal Defense
Federal Criminal Defense
White-Collar Defense
Securities & Investment Fraud
Tax Offenses
State Criminal Defense
Immigration Defense
Seizure & Asset Forfeiture Defense
Drug Offenses
Firearm Offenses
Violent Offenses
Title IX
Domestic Violence
Sexual Offenses
Civil Litigation
Whistleblower Representation
Compassionate Release
Healthcare Fraud
Habeas Corpus & Post-Conviction Relief
RICO & Conspiracy Offenses
Professional Licensing Defense
Regulatory Offenses
Victim & Witness Representation
Computer Crimes

Attorney Information

Overview

Brendan Hickey is a Harvard Law School graduate and former Federal Public Defender who has served as lead defense counsel in hundreds of federal and state criminal cases. Mr. Hickey has represented a broad range of individual, corporate, and organizational clients in all types of criminal cases, from drug and immigration offenses to complex white-collar crimes and multi-defendant conspiracy cases.

Attorney With A Record Of Positive Outcomes

In addition to his extensive trial experience, Mr. Hickey has also handled appeals before the California Courts of Appeal and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal, successfully vacating prior convictions for his clients in habeas corpus proceedings.

Professional Memberships And Service

Mr. Hickey is proud to be a member of the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) panel for the Northern District of California and has been asked to serve as an instructor for the Northern District federal defense bar. His motions work attacking government surveillance techniques has been profiled in the Wall Street Journal, and his courtroom advocacy has been featured in other publications such as the Oakland Tribune and San Jose Mercury News.

Educator

Mr. Hickey also serves on the faculty of Thammasat University, where he teaches courses on human migration, law and public health, and social entrepreneurship to undergraduate and graduate students from Thammasat, the University of California (through its Education Abroad Program), and Maastricht University (Netherlands).

The Client Experience

Mr. Hickey has a five-star rating on Avvo, with his clients posting reviews such as "brilliant trial attorney" and "best lawyer I've ever had!" You can expect Mr. Hickey to focus on your case, dedicate long hours to crafting a compelling defense, and be responsive and available throughout the duration of the proceedings. You have the right to an attorney, but lawyers vary in natural talent, ability to identify the flaws in the prosecution's case, and craft a compelling defense case to challenge the evidence the prosecutor presents.

Education

Legal Education
- Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts
  J.D.
  Honors: cum laude
Non Legal Education
- University of California Los Angeles
  B.A.
  Honors: magna cum laude
  Major: Psychology

Current Employment Position(s)

```
Partner
```

Past Positions

Federal Defenders of San Diego, Trial Attorney, 2008 - 2010
Defender Services, Founder, 2010 - Present

Languages

```
English
```
```
Spanish
```

Classes and Seminars

Instructor, Northern District Federal Defense Bar
Faculty, Thammasat University

Bar Admissions

California

Be the first to write a review!

There are currently no reviews for Brendan Hickey. Be the first to share your experience.

Write a Review

Contact

San Francisco, CA

Pier 9
Suite 100
San Francisco, CA 94111

Directions

Phone: 415-484-4547

Email: Send a message

Website: https://www.defender.law

Credit Cards Accepted
Free Consultations
Virtual Appointments

Disclaimer

Your Profile? Update Now

When viewing a listing, consider the state advertising restrictions to which lawyers and law firms must adhere, as well as our FindLaw.com Legal Directory disclaimer. Some lawyers publish comparative information regarding the services that they provide which may be subject to specific comparative communications restrictions.

How do I choose a lawyer?

Consider the following:

Comfort Level – Are you comfortable telling the lawyer personal information? Does the lawyer seem interested in solving your problem?
Credentials – How long has the lawyer been in practice? Has the lawyer worked on other cases similar to yours?
Cost – How are the lawyer's fees structured — hourly or flat fee? Can the lawyer estimate the cost of your case?
City – Is the lawyer's office conveniently located?

Not sure what questions to ask a lawyer?

Here are a few to get you started:

How long have you been in practice?
How many cases like mine have you handled?
How often do you settle cases out of court?
What are your fees and costs?
What are the next steps?

Want to check lawyer discipline?

It is always a good idea to research your lawyer prior to hiring. Every state has a disciplinary organization that monitors attorneys, their licenses, and consumer complaints. By researching lawyer discipline you can:

Ensure the attorney is currently licensed to practice in your state
Gain an understanding of his or her historical disciplinary record, if any.
Determine the seriousness of complaints/issues which could range from late bar fees to more serious issues requiring disciplinary action.

Brendan Hickey - San Francisco, CA