Francesca Serrano Trial Attorney

Bio

Francesca was raised in Oakland and has dedicated her professional career to giving back to Bay Area residents. In 2024, Francesca came to Venardi Zurada as a seasoned litigator – having tried over twenty jury trials to verdict. She remains committed to fighting to achieve the best outcomes for clients at every stage of the process.

In 2005, Francesca graduated from the University of California, Davis with a BA in Communications and a minor in African-American Studies. Francesca’s initial interest was in sports broadcasting and after graduating, she spent time working on and off-camera in sports entertainment and television broadcasting. Seeking a change, she decided to pursue her law degree. In 2011, she graduated from Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco with a JD. That same year, Francesca joined the Contra Costa County Public Defender’s office where she worked in both the adult and juvenile units defending misdemeanor and felony clients from their first appearance through jury verdict or resolution. In 2014, Francesca moved to the Alameda County Public Defender’s office where she handled cases ranging from petty theft to rape and murder. Serving as a Deputy Public Defender for over a decade, Francesca has negotiated thousands of cases, argued hundreds of dispositive motions, acquired countless dismissals for clients and litigated cases at every stage. Francesca makes the transition to civil litigation with the drive to use her legal experience to help those in need.

Francesca is an active member of the Charles Houston Bar Association and has served on the California State Bar Committee on Judicial Nomination Evaluations (JNE).  In her free time Francesca enjoys spending time with her two lovely daughters, traveling and being an avid 49ers fan.

Areas of Practice

• Personal Injury
• Employment

Bar Admissions

• California, 2011

Education

• Golden Gate University School of Law, JD 2011
• University of California, Davis, BA – Communications 2005