About Sanford
Sanford Jay Rosen: Leading Constitutional & Civil Rights Litigator
Sanford Jay Rosen is a highly respected and accomplished attorney specializing in constitutional and civil rights law, employment law, consumer law, and complex commercial litigation. With a distinguished career built on extensive trial and appellate experience, he is a founding partner of Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld LLP and a recognized leader in his field. Mr. Rosen’s dedication to securing justice for his clients is underscored by a proven track record of success, having secured numerous judgments and settlements exceeding one million dollars, and a remarkable history of advocacy before the highest courts of the United States and California.
His expertise spans a broad range of legal matters, including class actions, appellate criminal defense, and complex commercial disputes. Mr. Rosen possesses a deep understanding of litigation strategy, evidence presentation, and appellate advocacy – honed through countless trials and arguments before judges and juries across California, Colorado, New York, Ohio, Virginia, and beyond. He has presented oral argument in five cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, in ten of the U.S. Courts of Appeals (with over 30 appearances in the Ninth Circuit – more than half), and before the Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal of California and other appellate courts at least 15 times, demonstrating a level of legal acumen rarely matched.
Mr. Rosen’s legal background is incredibly diverse, having served as Legal Director of MALDEF, Assistant Legal Director of the national ACLU, the Associate Director of CLEO, and as a law professor. He has briefed scores of matters in the U.S. Supreme Court and other appellate courts, including amicus curiae briefs, and his knowledge of complex legal issues is complemented by his extensive experience as an arbitrator, mediator, and ADR panelist, frequently testifying as an expert on attorneys’ fees and related matters. His commitment to justice extends beyond the courtroom, evidenced by his receipt of the Diversity Pioneer Award from the Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO) in 2008 – a testament to his contributions to increasing minority representation in legal education and the profession.
Notable recognitions for Mr. Rosen include his consistent selection to the Northern California Super Lawyers list from 2004 to 2014, and his recognition as a Best Lawyers list for Appellate Practice recipient for 2013-2015. These accolades reflect the esteem in which he is held by his peers and the significant impact of his work. His dedication to upholding civil rights and protecting individual liberties has been further honored by organizations including the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (MALDEF), the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., The Prisoners Union, and the City and County of San Francisco.
Mr. Rosen’s legal foundation is firmly rooted in his academic achievements: he received his LL.B. from Yale Law School in 1962 and his A.B. from Cornell University in 1959. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to rigorous legal research, strategic advocacy, and a profound understanding of the law.
Practice Areas
- Appellate Practice
- Employment Law - Individuals
- Civil Rights Law
- Litigation - First Amendment
- Complex Commercial Litigation
- Consumer Law
- Attorney Malpractice Litigation
Awards & Recognition
Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2013
Best Lawyers list for Appellate Practice (2013-2015)
Diversity Pioneer Award, Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO) (2008)
Recognized by MALDEF, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, The Prisoners Union, and the City and County of San Francisco.
Education & Credentials
- Yale Law School, LL.B. (1962)
- Cornell University, A.B. (1959)
- Law Clerk to then Chief Judge Simon Sobeloff, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit (1962-1963)
Bar Admissions
California, Colorado, New York, Ohio, Virginia, Maryland
San Francisco, State: California, Country: United States
