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Since founding the firm with law school classmate Bill Brockett in 1978, John Keker has built a reputation as one of the country's top trial lawyers. Five decades of jury trials in white collar criminal cases, complex commercial and intellectual property cases, antitrust and securities cases, establish him as the lawyer clients turn to for their most important and high-profile litigation problems.

The American Lawyer described him as “a giant of the IP trial bar.” The California Lawyer said he was “the lawyer other attorneys would turn to if they were in trouble.” The San Francisco Chronicle called him “the Number One Lawyer in the Bay Area,” and the California State Bar inducted him into its “Litigation Hall of Fame.” The National Law Journal named him as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential Lawyers in the United States.”

Since founding the firm with law school classmate Bill Brockett in 1978, John Keker has built a reputation as one of the country's top trial lawyers. Five decades of jury trials in white collar criminal cases, complex commercial and intellectual property cases, antitrust and securities cases, establish him as the lawyer clients turn to for their most important and high-profile litigation problems.

The American Lawyer described him as “a giant of the IP trial bar.” The California Lawyer said he was “the lawyer other attorneys would turn to if they were in trouble.” The San Francisco Chronicle called him “the Number One Lawyer in the Bay Area,” and the California State Bar inducted him into its “Litigation Hall of Fame.” The National Law Journal named him as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential Lawyers in the United States.”

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KVP Partners Recognized in 2025 Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America

09/06/2024

The 2025 edition of Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Litigators in America featured 13 KVP partners. Read more

KVP Attorneys Recognized in 2025 Editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.

08/15/2024

The 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America featured 25 KVP attorneys. Read more

Jury Finds Ex-Oakland Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick was Wrongfully Terminated, Awards Damages

05/26/2022

The whistleblower retaliation trial of former Oakland Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick concluded Thursday with a swift verdict finding the city fired her for reporting misconduct. Read more

Keker, Van Nest & Peters Teams with San Franciso DA's Office and Giffords Law Center in Civil Prosecution Against Ghost Gun Manufacturers and Retailers

August 18, 2021

San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin announces that the District Attorney’s Office has submitted for filing a civil prosecution action against three corporations that manufacture and distribute ghost guns throughout California. Keker, Van Nest & Peters, LLP and the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence are co-counsel in this groundbreaking case. Read more

Ousted Oakland police chief files claim against city and 'out of control' commissioners

May 06, 2020

Ousted Oakland Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick filed a claim against the city and the civilian commissioners who fired her, alleging a series of misconduct and legal violations, her publicist and legal team announced on Wednesday. Read more

John Keker, Bob Van Nest, and Elliot Peters Among California's Top 100 Lawyers

September 18, 2019

The Daily Journal has named John Keker, Bob Van Nest, and Elliot Peters among the Top 100 Lawyers in California Read more

Keker, Van Nest & Peters Team Wins 2018 CLAY Award

March 21, 2018

Keker Attorneys Help Get Key Victory in a Fight Over Immigration, Federal Funding Read more

Calif. Judge Permanently Blocks 'Sanctuary Cities' Order

November 21, 2017

A California federal judge on Monday permanently blocked the enforcement of an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in January that calls for withholding federal funds from so-called sanctuary cities, saying it violates various provisions of the U.S. Constitution. Read more

Trump’s Order Attacking Sanctuary Cities Ruled Unconstitutional

November 20, 2017

In a historic ruling issued today, U.S. District Court Judge William H. Orrick declared unconstitutional the key provision of the Trump Administration’s Executive Order targeting “sanctuary jurisdictions,” and permanently enjoined its enforcement nationwide. Read more

Daily Journal Names Keker, Van Nest & Peters Among Top 100 Lawyers

September 20, 2017

The Daily Journal has named John Keker, Robert Van Nest, and Elliot Peters among the 2017 Top 100 Lawyers in California. Read more

Keker, Van Nest & Peters Named Among NLJ's Elite Boutique Trailblazers

August 25, 2017

John Keker, Robert Van Nest & Elliot Peters have been named among the National Law Journal's Elite Boutique Trailblazers. Read more

Court Denies Trump’s Efforts to Undo Injunction Blocking “Sanctuary Cities” Exec. Order

July 24, 2017

A U.S. District Court has denied the federal government’s request to reconsider a preliminary injunction blocking President Donald Trump’s Executive Order defunding “sanctuary jurisdictions.” Read more

Q&A With Pro Bono Lawyer Who Helped Block Trump's Sanctuary Executive Order

04/26/2017

The nationwide injunction to block Trump's executive order defunding sanctuary cities was a win for lawyers for Santa Clara County and their pro bono counsel at Keker Van Nest & Peters. Read more

SF Federal Judge Blocks Trump Order

April 26, 2017

Keker, Van Nest & Peter's win blocking President Trump's Executive Order to defund "sanctuary jurisdictions" was featured in the Daily Journal Read more

County of Santa Clara Wins Nationwide Injunction of Trump’s Executive Order Defunding “Sanctuary Jurisdictions”

4/25/2017

In a historic ruling issued today, U.S. District Court Judge William H. Orrick granted the County of Santa Clara’s request to temporarily enjoin President Trump and his administration from enforcing an Executive Order provision that would withdraw all federal funding from the County and jurisdictions across the country deemed “sanctuary jurisdictions.” Read more

Between Trump and his Justice Department lawyers, a vast disconnect

04/26/2017

Keker, Van Nest & Peter's win blocking Pres. Trump's Executive Order to defund "sanctuary jurisdictions" was featured in Alison Frankel's On The Case column for Reuters. Read more

Trump Crackdown Confronts Sanctuary Fight, Skeptical Judge

04/14/2017

During a recent hearing in which Keker, Van Nest & Peters represented Santa Clara County, Bloomberg news reported that Trump’s Executive Order Targeting Sanctuary Jurisdictions was met with skepticism from a federal judge. Read more

Keker, Van Nest & Peters Sues Trump over Sanctuary Jurisdictions Order

February 09, 2017

In conjunction with the County of Santa Clara, KVP attorneys have sued the Trump Administration over the President’s Executive Order threatening to deny “sanctuary jurisdictions” federal funds. Read more

Keker & Van Nest Adding Elliot Peters as Name Partner

11/14/2016

Keker & Van Nest is preparing to add Elliot R. Peters as a name partner in recognition of his years of outstanding service for the firm. Read more

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Annual White Collar Seminar

10/28/2016

John Keker's panel will address "The Myth and the Reality: Ethical Obligations & Strategies to Challenge Prosecutorial Abuse." Read more

MLB Gets Antitrust Claims Tossed In Scout Wage Suit

09/30/2016

Wyckoff -- a former scout for the Kansas City Royals -- sued Major League Baseball and all 30 clubs in the Southern District of New York. On behalf of a purported class of scouts, Wyckoff alleged that the defendants had conspired to suppress scouts’ wages and mobility. Read more

Keker & Van Nest Filed an Amicus Brief for Amnesty International on Behalf of Chelsea Manning

05/20/2016

Manning, a former Army intelligence analyst, was sentenced in a military court for leaking about half a million classified documents to the secret-spilling WikiLeaks site. Read more

Victories for Instacart, Qualcomm, and the San Diego County Water Authority Earn Recognition in the Recorder's Litigation Department of the Year Awards

02/26/2016

The awards recognize California litigation practices that delivered exceptional results on their clients' most critical and challenging matters. Read more

Keker, Van Nest & Peters Wins California's Top Plaintiff's Verdict by Dollar

02/16/2016

John Keker and his team brought in nearly $235 million for the San Diego County Water Authority. The big win was a key installment in California's ongoing water wars, made increasingly urgent by four dry years. Read more

A Litigator's Take on Arbitration and the Demise of the Jury Trial

12/21/2015

John Keker spoke with The Recorder about the dearth of civil jury trials and what he thinks it means for the profession and the law. Read more

Winning: A Special Report: Keker & Van Nest

11/02/2015

The National Law Journal profiled John Keker's recent win for the San Diego County Water Authority. Read more

$44M Awarded in Water Case - Damages Follow $188M Ruling in Suit Over Rates

10/13/2015

John Keker, Dan Purcell and their team secured another victory for the San Diego County Water Authority. Read more

San Jose Strikes Out In MLB Antitrust Immunity Challenge

10/06/2015

John Keker, Adam Lauridsen and Tom Gorman score a win for Major League Baseball. Read more

MLB Antitrust Exemption Binds Minor Leaguers, Judge Rules

09/14/2015

John Keker and Adam Lauridsen protect Major League Baseball from a putative class action. Read more

Daily Journal Names Three KVN Partners to its List of the Top 100 Lawyers in California

09/09/2015

John Keker, Robert Van Nest and Elliot Peters have been named to this prestigious list. Read more

Trial Aces: Keker & Van Nest's John Keker

08/26/2015

John Keker named one of the country's best trial lawyers. Read more

San Diego Owed $188M Over Alleged Water Row Overcharges

07/17/2015

John Keker and his team win a major victory for the San Diego region. Read more

John Keker Named Litigation Pioneer and Trailblazer

12/22/2014

The National Law Journal chose 50 people who have helped make a difference in the fight for justice. Each has shown a deep passion and perseverance in pursuit of their mission, having achieved remarkable successes along the way. Read more

‘Tough’ Lawyer John Keker Counsels Giving Veterans Legal Aid With Love

11/11/2014

Firm founder John Keker served as an infantry platoon leader in Vietnam. Read more

Keker & Van Nest Named Top Litigation Boutique

10/15/2014

One name mentioned by virtually everyone the Daily Journal spoke to was Keker & Van Nest. Lawyers at some of the best firms in California said they model themselves after the litigation powerhouse. Read more

John Keker, Bob Van Nest and Elliot Peters Named to Daily Journal’s 2014 “Top 100”

09/10/2014

Three Keker & Van Nest partners named to the exclusive list of California's top attorneys. Read more

Historic Win for County Water Authority over MWD Villains

04/27/2014

Keker & Van Nest helped the San Diego County Water Authority triumph in its long-standing battle with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California over millions in water transportation fees. Read more

What Judges and Lawyers Can Do to Keep Civil Trials from Becoming Extinct

03/13/2014

John Keker will present address this critical topic for the Sacramento County Bar Association. Read more

Corporate Counsel Name John Keker and Michael Celio Client Service All-Stars

02/05/2014

BTI Consulting Group interviewed in-house counsel to determine which innovative attorneys are leveraging market changes to stand out with corporate counsel and deliver superior client service. Read more

John Keker and Jan Nielsen Little Win White Collar Criminal Defense Award from NACDL

02/03/2014

The award is presented to individuals who have made a profound impact on the field of white collar criminal defense advocacy. Read more

Keker & Van Nest Wins Antitrust Victory for Major League Baseball

10/11/2013

A federal judge struck out San Jose's illegal-monopoly claims against Major League Baseball over a stalled Oakland A's move. Read more

Keker & Van Nest Partners Named Top 100 Lawyers in California

09/11/2013

John Keker, Bob Van Nest and Elliot Peters chosen for prestigious list. Read more

Major League Baseball Hires John Keker as Lead Counsel for San Jose Litigation

07/03/2013

The city of San Jose sued Major League Baseball in an effort to move the Oakland Athletics to the South Bay, challenging baseball’s 91-year-old antitrust exemption. Read more

Law Ace John Keker to Defend MLB in San Jose Suit

07/03/2013

The lawsuit accuses the league of violating federal laws that bar monopolies to foster business competition by blocking the Oakland A's efforts to build a new San Jose ballpark. Read more

John Keker Named One of the 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America

03/25/2013

The National Law Journal describes Mr. Keker as "among the most sought-after trial lawyers in the country. Read more

BTI Consulting Group Names John Keker & Michael Celio As Client Service All Stars

02/14/2013

The rankings were based on candid feedback from corporate counsel at the world’s largest organizations. Read more

Bet-The-Company Lawyer Steps In Between Government, S&P

02/08/2013

John Keker and Elliot Peters were hired to defend S&P, sued by the U.S. Justice Department for allegedly inflating ratings on mortgage-backed securities to boost its own profit. The U.S. seeks as much as $5 billion in penalties. Read more

Three Partners Named Top 100 Lawyers in California

09/12/2012

John Keker, Robert Van Nest and Jon Streeter are included in prestigious list. Read more

23 Keker & Van Nest Attorneys Named "Best Lawyers"

08/28/2012

The firm receives top rankings for bet-the-company, intellectual property, criminal defense, securities, commercial, legal malpractice, and appellate litigation. Read more

Former Citigroup Manager Cleared in Mortgage Securities Case

07/31/2012

Keker & Van Nest defeats the SEC in this high-profile case. Read more

John Keker Relishes the Fight in the Courtroom

06/10/2012

The San Francisco Chronicle profiles "one of the country's greatest trial lawyers." Read more

Keker & Van Nest Wins Top Rankings from Chambers

06/08/2012

Listed as Band 1 attorneys in white collar, commercial litigation and intellectual property. Read more

Federal Prosecutors Drop Investigation of Lance Armstrong

02/03/2012

John Keker, Armstrong’s lead lawyer in the case, said: “They made the right decision, and they made it on their own.” Read more

Keker & Van Nest Wins Motion to Sever Antitrust Counts

12/13/2011

The firm defends the scion of a legendary California agribusiness family from accusations of racketeering, price-fixing, honest services fraud and obstruction of justice. Read more

Keker & Van Nest Wins Lawyer of the Year in IP, Patent, Legal Malpractice

10/04/2011

John Keker, Robert Van Nest and Susan Harriman win "Lawyer of the Year" for IP, Patent Litigation and Legal Malpractice respectively. Read more

17 Partners Selected for 2012 Best Lawyers in America

09/01/2011

Keker & Van Nest partners were recognized in more than ten categories, including bet-the-company litigation, criminal defense, and intellectual property litigation. Read more

Tomato Scion Adds John Keker to Legal Team

08/18/2011

"The San Francisco attorney, a retired Marine, has been involved in some of the most high-profile cases in recent years," writes the Los Angeles Times. Read more

Top Gun Defense Lawyer John Keker Joins Tomato Mogul's Legal Team

08/18/2011

Indicted tomato king has won the right to hire one of the sharpest legal minds – and one of the fiercest courtroom combatants – to help defend him in one of the biggest scandals to hit the U.S. food industry, writes The Sacramento Bee. Read more

John Keker and Elliot Peters Called "Defense Dream Team"

08/10/2011

In denying prosecutors' attempt to disqualify Keker & Van Nest from representing Frederick Scott Salyer in an alleged fraud and price-fixing case, U.S. District Judge Lawrence Karlton said he believed that "the government has got nothing but altruism motivating its motion and its deep concern with fairness for Mr. Salyer. I believe that, but I also believe in the tooth fairy." Read more

Lance Armstrong Adds Keker & Van Nest to Legal Team

05/26/2011

John Keker and Elliot Peters previously won a major legal victory for the Major League Baseball Players Association against federal investigators in a doping case. Read more

John Keker Speaks at the National Institute on White Collar Crime

03/03/2011

Mr. Keker will speak on the panel "Lessons Learned from Recent Trials." Read more

Keker Van Nest Fights Chevron RICO Suit

02/22/2011

Chevron sued embattled plaintiff's lawyer Steven Donziger, who represented indigenous residents in a long-standing multibillion-dollar environmental claim against the company in Ecuador. Read more

John Keker Speaks at General Vang Pao's Memorial Service

02/08/2011

General Vang Pao, the leader of more than 145,000 Hmong-Americans, was arrested in 2007 for conspiring to overthrow the government of Laos. Mr. Keker and David Silbert secured the General's release and convinced the U.S. government to drop its charges. Read more

Top Defense Verdicts - Alameda County Relies on Keker & Van Nest for Land Use

02/06/2008

Keker & Van Nest defended a California county against claims that its land use decision regarding a Christian school violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). Read more

John Keker Named One California's Top 100 Lawyers

September 2007

John Keker has been featured on the list for a decade. Read more

John Keker Named a Champion in the Courtroom

12/21/2006

John W. Keker has been named the best lawyer in San Francisco, one of the top three criminal defense attorneys in the country, and a "super lawyer" by various articles and surveys. Read more

Top 100 - California's Leading Lawyers

09/21/2006

John Keker and Jan Nielsen Little Are Among California's Top 100 Attorneys Read more

John Keker Named One of Ten Attorneys Other White Collar Defenders Would Hire

02/01/2006

In today's high-stakes legal environment, top white-collar attorneys are ready to defend the CFO. John W. Keker is one of ten attorneys nationally selected as a lawyer other white-collar criminal defenders would hire. Read more

Google Hires John Keker to Handle Lawsuit Filed by Microsoft

08/26/2005

In its fight with Microsoft over an executive's defection, Google has enlisted attorneys from Keker & Van Nest. Read more

Help, I'm in Legal Trouble. Get Me John Keker

08/01/2005

John Keker is the person they would want to represent them if trouble ever strikes. Read more

A Mouse Among Elephants

02/22/2005

Keker & Van Nest boasts a client list resembling a who's who of the Fortune 500 Read more

John Keker Named Top San Francisco Lawyer

05/04/2003

The San Francisco Chronicle canvassed scores of lawyers, judges, headhunters and other legal observers for their picks. Read more

Effective Direct and Cross Examination, California Continuing Education of the Bar, John Keker and William A. Brockett

Frequent lecturer on litigation to professional groups, including the State Bar Litigation Section; National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; Patent Law Institute; Securities Law Institute; Association of General Counsel; American Bar Association Litigation, White Collar, and Business Law Sections; California Continuing Education of the Bar; California Attorneys for Criminal Justice; Mississippi Bar Association; Nevada Trial Lawyers Association; Texas General Counsel Association; Hawaii Continuing Education of the Bar; and American Board of Trial Advocates.