Sharmin Bock Makes Historic Bid for San Francisco District Attorney
By PAAIA Staff
May 12, 2011, San Francisco, CA– Sharmin Bock has worked in the law enforcement community for more than two decades. She is a tireless prosecutor and a nationally recognized leader on cutting edge criminal prosecutions including DNA cold cases and human exploitation and trafficking. Endorsed by Congresswoman Jackie Speier, the National Women’s Political Caucus, and an extensive coalition of community leaders who support her law enforcement credentials, Bock has a real opportunity to become the first American of Iranian descent to serve as a District Attorney in the United States.
Born in Iran, Bock moved to San Francisco at an early age and attended Sacred Heart Elementary School. She received her bachelor’s degree from Occidental College and graduated from Georgetown University Law Center, Cum Laude, in 1988.
After graduating from law school, Bock returned to San Francisco and served as a Law Clerk for the Honorable D. Lowell Jensen, United States District Court, Northern District of California. In 1989, she joined the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, which is widely recognized as one of the best prosecutor’s offices in the country. Throughout her 21-year career in the Alameda County District Attorney’s office, Bock has prosecuted almost every kind of serious and violent crime. Appearing in court on over one thousand cases, she has achieved a 96% conviction rate in cases brought to trial.
Bock currently leads the specialized trial and support units for the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, many of which are considered state and national models. As Assistant District Attorney in Charge of Special Operations and Policy, she leads many experienced and senior trial lawyers as well as their supervisors.
A strong believer in public service and community involvement, Bock was recognized in 2009 by the California Women Lawyers with the prestigious Fay Stender Award for promoting the advancement of women in the legal profession and demonstrated ability to affect change and serve others. In March 2010, under the nomination of Assemblymember Sandre Swanson, the California State Legislature honored Bock as Woman of the Year.
“Public service is a family tradition,” says Bock. “I grew up with the notion of fair play and giving back to society. I would like to continue in this tradition by serving my community as the next District Attorney of San Francisco.”
Bock faces former Police Chief and current District Attorney George Gascon as well as David Onek, Senior Fellow at UC Berkeley Center for criminal Justice, in the November election.
“As the only candidate for District Attorney with court room experience, I am confident that I can win this race,” Bock explains. “The challenge that I face is raising the funds that I need to get my message out in a city-wide campaign.”
Bock resides in the Richmond District of San Francisco with her husband, daughter, and son.
Click here to learn more about Sharmin Bock’s campaign.
If you have any questions regarding the campaign of Sharmin Bock, are interested in volunteering for her campaign, or attending her kick-off reception on May 17th, please contact her campaign by email at sharminbock2011@gmail.com.
