Benesch’s Sydney Allen Appointed to San Francisco Sheriff’s Office Oversight Board

Benesch is pleased to announce that Senior Managing Associate Sydney Allen has been appointed by San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie to serve on the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office Oversight Board (SDOB).

The SDOB was established following voter approval in 2020 to enhance accountability and transparency within the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office. The Board works through the Office of the Inspector General to investigate claims of misconduct and engage the community through public reporting that reflects the values and diverse perspectives of all San Franciscans.

A San Francisco native, Sydney is the daughter of a retired Deputy Sheriff who served for 33 years. Her background gives her a deep respect and unique appreciation for the sacrifices of law enforcement and the importance of public oversight, integrity and ethical governance. She brings a valuable perspective to the SDOB’s mission of strengthening public trust and promoting a fair, accountable Sheriff’s Office.

Sydney’s legal practice focuses on intellectual property, privacy and cybersecurity aspects of complex transactions, including mergers and acquisitions. She also counsels clients on privacy compliance and negotiates commercial and technology agreements. She previously worked as a civil defense litigator representing clients in contract, business and commercial disputes and judicial ethics investigations.

An active member of the community, Sydney serves on the Alumni Board of St. Ignatius College Preparatory and is Secretary and Social Media Chair of the Black Women Lawyers Association of Northern California. She previously served five years on the Bar Association of San Francisco’s Barristers Board of Directors. Sydney has been recognized with the 2023 Outstanding Diversity Advocate Award by the Bar Association of San Francisco and the 2022 Outstanding Member Award by the Black Women Lawyers of Northern California.