Clyde M. Blackmon joined Rothschild Wishek & Sands as a partner in 2012, and retired from the practice of law in January 2021. Before commencing private practice in 1969, he was a Ford Foundation intern with the California Legislature and served as a consultant to various legislative committees, including the Assembly Committee on Criminal Procedure. Mr. Blackmon handled virtually every kind of criminal matter during his 51-year career as a criminal defense lawyer. He was admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court as well as all federal and state courts in California.
Mr. Blackmon was a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He was listed in the peer-reviewed publication “Best Lawyers in America”, where he was named Sacramento Lawyer of the Year for Criminal Defense: General Practice in 2011 and 2014, and Sacramento Lawyer of the Year for Criminal Defense: White-Collar in 2012. Mr. Blackmon was recognized by the peer-reviewed publication “Northern California Super Lawyers.” He received an AV, preeminent lawyer, rating by Martindale-Hubbell.
Mr. Blackmon was a member of California Attorneys for Criminal Justice and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He served on the Board of Directors of the Central California Appellate Program and was Chair of the Board of Directors of Harm Reduction Services, which seeks to reduce the harm caused by narcotics abuse through outreach programs and needle exchange.
He was motivated to practice criminal law by his belief in the importance of individual liberty and dedication to the rights of those accused of crime.