Welcome to the Board: Patanisha E. Davis Pierson
Patanisha E. Davis Pierson, Esq. is an attorney and author. She is a native of Oakland, California. Patanisha’s name means reconciler of differences and that is exactly what she does in her career as a Partner with Key Counsel, P.C. Her primary practice areas are in Probate, Guardianships, Conservatorships, Housing, Civil Litigation and Adoption. She is also an educator at her law school alma mater, John F. Kennedy University, where she currently teaches the housing clinic and formerly taught Legal Methods. In addition, she recently taught trial skills to Bay Area high school students in a summer program with the Center for Youth Development through Law.
Patanisha has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from historic Black college Tuskegee University, Master of Arts in Organizational Psychology/Change Leadership from California School of Professional Psychology, and a Juris Doctorate from John F. Kennedy University. Prior to practicing law, she taught Criminal Justice at her high school alma mater, San Leandro High and was a case manager for children with developmental disabilities at the Regional Center of the East Bay.
Patanisha is known to manifest the impossible and works diligently to raise scholarship funds for students attending undergraduate and law school. Patanisha is very involved within her community. She currently serves on the board for the California Women Lawyers; is Program Coordinator of the East County Section, and a member of the DEI Committee; a CCCBA Women’s Section Past President, former 1st Vice President of Bay Area Tuskegee Alumni Association; a member of the Robert G. McGrath Inn of Court; and very active with her church.
Patanisha’s publications include: “Barren, but Not Broken: A Guide from Infertility to Adoption” which is based on her overcoming infertility, the joy and pain of private adoption, and parenting a child with developmental disabilities. She has authored an article for the Contra Costa Lawyer and has spoken on several topics related to diversity.
Patanisha’s pride and joy is her family. Her spouse and partner in the firm is Attorney Michael S. Pierson. She is the mother of four wonderful children – Sean, age 17; Justice, age 11; Kayla, age 8 and Aiden, age 8. She has incredibly supportive parents and a large extended family. She and her husband love traveling all around the world. Patanisha enjoys inspiring others, throwing large scale themed parties, singing, puzzling and spending quality time with her family