Benesch Welcomes Shaneeda Jaffer as Partner in San Francisco

Continuing Momentum of California Expansion, Firm Adds White-Collar Criminal Defense Capabilities Benesch, one of the fastest-growing law firms in the country, continues to add talent to its rapidly expanding San Francisco office by welcoming well-known litigator Shaneeda Jaffer as a partner. Jaffer was previously with San Francisco white-collar defense boutique Clarence Dyer & Cohen.

“Shaneeda has a reputation as one of the top white collar criminal defense lawyers who can tackle the toughest matters with creativity and passion. She also has a strong entrepreneurial bent. She is the complete package, which makes her such a strong fit for Benesch. A cornerstone to our white-collar criminal practice in the West, and a noteworthy addition to our complex litigation bench strength across the firm, we are thrilled to welcome Shaneeda as another outstanding leader to the office,” said Stephanie Sheridan, Partner in Charge of Benesch’s San Francisco office.

In her practice, Jaffer defends individuals and corporations against a host of white-collar allegations, including insider trading, federal securities fraud, stock options backdating, environmental crimes, corporate bribery, and antitrust violations. Her individual representations include defending against charges of complex fraud and money laundering schemes, often involving international transactions, as well as defending corporations charged with regulatory crimes. She has deep experience conducting internal investigations for companies, municipalities and public agencies.

Also handling civil litigation, Jaffer has defended businesses, from Fortune 200 powerhouse companies to emerging start-ups, against a variety of matters ranging from employment and contract disputes to internal investigations, whistleblower claims and mass torts. She has experience in federal and state courts, as well as before government agencies. Jaffer also maintains an active pro bono practice, representing incarcerated individuals and people seeking asylum in the United States.

“We continue to be bullish on the West Coast, and Shaneeda’s addition is another important step for our firm – both in growing our San Francisco office and adding leadership and muscle to our national white-collar litigation capabilities,” said Benesch Firmwide Managing Partner Gregg A. Eisenberg.

“I’m excited to leverage Benesch’s national platform and amazing legal talent across the country on behalf of my clients – and not just in the white-collar defense and internal investigations realms,” Jaffer noted. “The firm has impressive litigation and corporate capabilities, and Benesch’s strong vision and infrastructure, including firm leadership and business management, promise to allow me to focus on vigorously defending my clients whether they are facing an adverse civil judgment or if their liberty is at stake.”  

Jaffer has been selected to the Northern California Rising Stars list for her work in criminal defense since 2012. She earned her J.D. from New York University School of Law and her M.A. and B.A. from Stanford University. Committed to civil and human rights since her time in law school, Jaffer received the NYU Global Justice and Human Rights Fellowship, interned with the United National High Commissioner for Refugees in Tanzania and represented prisoners in civil rights actions against New York state police officers and prison guards.