Omar Figueroa is a highly experienced attorney based in Sonoma County, California, known for his pioneering work in cannabis and psychedelics law. With over two decades of practice and an unwavering commitment to social justice and civil liberties, Figueroa has developed a reputation as both a skilled litigator and a respected community figure. Whether advocating for clients or contributing to local civic life, he blends legal expertise with deep roots in Sonoma County and a national presence in emerging regulatory fields.
Professional Background and Expertise
Education and Legal Training
Omar Figueroa earned his undergraduate degree from Yale University and received his Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School. He also attended the Trial Lawyers College in Wyoming and completed a corporate governance program at The Wharton School’s Aresty Institute. His educational path reflects a dedication to both advocacy and thoughtful leadership.contentReference[oaicite0]
Cannabis, Hemp, and Psychedelics Law
For more than twenty-five years, Figueroa has been at the forefront of cannabis legal practice in California. He founded the Law Offices of Omar Figueroa in Sonoma County, a boutique firm specializing in cannabis permitting, licensing, regulatory compliance, hemp, CBD, psychedelics, and intellectual property issues tied to regulated substances.contentReference[oaicite1]
Contributions to Legal Reform and Advocacy
Thought Leadership and Publishing
Figueroa authored a series of legal reference books on California and New York cannabis laws and regulations. These works are housed at prestigious institutions including Stanford Law Library and Yale Law School Library, making him a chronicler of cannabis law evolution.contentReference[oaicite2]
Community and Policy Engagement
Appointed by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, Figueroa served on the Sonoma County Cannabis Advisory Group, helping shape local cannabis policy. He also holds leadership roles with the Sonoma County Bar Association and the Sebastopol Center for the Arts, demonstrating his civic involvement.contentReference[oaicite3]
Legal Practice Highlights
Recognition and Awards
Ranked by Chambers & Partners as a leading cannabis lawyer in the Western U.S., Figueroa has also received the Distinguished Counsel’s Award from NORML. He appears regularly in Super Lawyers ratings and has earned high marks for professionalism and client trust.contentReference[oaicite4]
Notable Cases and Pro Bono Work
Figueroa is known for defending activists, medical cannabis cultivators, and journalists in complex civil and criminal litigation. His pro bono efforts include securing dismissals or favorable outcomes in federal prosecutions involving animal rights defenders, investigative journalists, and high-profile activists. He also defended forest protectors and cyberactivists in Northern California courts.contentReference[oaicite5]
Candidacy for Sonoma County Superior Court
2024 Judicial Race
In early 2024, Omar Figueroa ran for a seat on the Sonoma County Superior Court bench. He was one of two candidates seeking to succeed retiring Judge Brad DeMeo. His opponent, Court Commissioner Ken English, led the election with approximately 69% of the votes, while Figueroa received around 31%.contentReference[oaicite6]
Campaign Focus
Figueroa emphasized the need for greater diversity on the bench and highlighted his decades of litigation experience across state and federal courts. He positioned himself as a candidate rooted in community service and representative of marginalized voices in the legal system.contentReference[oaicite7]
Community Involvement and Civic Leadership
Local Boards and Cultural Engagement
In addition to legal and policy work, Figueroa serves on the board of the Sebastopol Center for the Arts, supporting arts and culture in Sonoma County. He is also an officer of the Sonoma County Bar Association, working to strengthen legal professionalism at the local level.contentReference[oaicite8]
Civil Liberties Advocacy
His volunteer work with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and involvement in establishing Sonoma County’s first surveillance technology ordinance reflect his commitment to civil rights and responsible governance.contentReference[oaicite9]
Practice Areas at a Glance
- Cannabis permitting, licensing, and regulatory compliance
- Hemp, CBD, and psychedelics law
- Corporate and business formation, Intellectual Property (trademarks, copyrights)
- Commercial litigation, constitutional and criminal defense
- General counsel services for emerging regulated businesses
His firm has handled transactions, compliance strategy, municipal advocacy, and licensing in jurisdictions across California, including Sonoma County.contentReference[oaicite10]
Why Omar Figueroa Matters in Sonoma County
Respected as a boutique firm founder and legal strategist, Figueroa combines deep regulatory expertise with a strong sense of public service. His long-standing presence in Sonoma County and leadership across policy, civil liberties, and cannabis reform initiatives have made him a recognized voice in local, state, and national legal circles.
Future Perspective
Although not elected in 2024, Figueroa remains active in legal advocacy and policy. His continuing work, including publishing, teaching, pro bono representation, and community involvement, positions him as a prominent figure in ongoing reform around cannabis, entheogens, civil liberties, and judicial equity. For residents of Sonoma County and beyond, his contributions reflect a blend of legal acumen and grassroots engagement.
Omar Figueroa’s career in Sonoma County spans public service, legal advocacy, thought leadership, and community engagement. With roots in cannabis and psychedelics law, decades of courtroom experience, published scholarship, and civic activism, he embodies a modern legal professional committed to both justice and representation. While his bid for judicial office was not successful, his influence and leadership continue to resonate across Sonoma County and the broader legal community.