DeWitt M. Lacy is the attorney who leads all litigation matters in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California. He has been practicing civil rights law for over a decade and is licensed to practice in the Northern, Eastern, Central and Southern District Courts of California and all Superior Courts of California. Mr. Lacy joined the Law Office of John L. Burris in 2011. He handles all aspects of litigation and has significant experience in the areas of Section 1983 Civil Rights litigation, employment discrimination, and personal injury.
Mr. Lacy has successfully prosecuted wrongful death actions and civil rights violations against San Francisco, Vallejo, Santa Clara, Waste Management, Inc., and Hayward. Currently, Mr. Lacy is working to assure several families receive justice for the wrongful death of their family members at the hands of the Torrance Police Department, Montebello Police Department, San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, and the Anaheim Police Department.
He has successfully lead a trial team that secured a verdict of $1,766,875.95 for clients from the city of Santa Clara in a police misconduct action. He has also secured settlements of $1,600,000.00 and $950,000.00 against the City of Antioch and the County of Alameda, respectively for police misconduct actions. His legalprowess has earned him recognition as one of the top 40 under 40 by the National Black Lawyers in 2016. In addition, he was named to Super Lawyers Magazine’a Rising Star’s List in 2017 and 2018.
Mr. Lacy received his undergraduate degree from San Francisco State University and graduated from Golden Gate University School of Law in 2005. Before his legal practice Mr. Lacy was very active in local and federal political scene, and secured the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee’s endorsement for his local supervisorial campaign in 2010. Mr. Lacy is an avid Laker fan, and during his time away from his practice he enjoys playing /watching basketball and spending time with his family in their home in Los Angeles
Civic Groups, Volunteer Organizations, & Awards
• California Association of Black Lawyers
• Charles Houston Bar Association
• San Francisco African American Democratic Club
Honors:
• International Academy of Trial Lawyers,
Most Outstanding in Litigation, 2005
• Rose Elizabeth Bird Award, 2005
• 2nd Place in National Mock Trial Competition, Northwestern Region, 2005
• San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association Scholarship Recipient, 2004
• Best Speaker in National Mock Trial Competition,
Northwestern Region, 2004
• Diana Richmond Scholarship Recipient, 2004
• Dean’s List, 2003
Activities:
• Black Law Students Association, President 2003 – 2004
• Mock Trial Competition Team, 2004 – 2005
