Barbara Parker (California politician)
Barbara J. Parker | |
|---|---|
| City Attorney, Oakland, California | |
| In office July 19, 2011 – January 6, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | John A. Russo |
| Succeeded by | Ryan Richardson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Seattle, Washington |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic Party |
| Alma mater | University of Washington Harvard Law School |
| Website | www |
Barbara Parker was the city attorney of Oakland, California, from 2011 to 2025. Born in Seattle, Parker was one of the first African American women to graduate Harvard Law School. After 20 years working as an attorney in the Oakland City Attorney's Office, Parker was appointed city attorney to fill the vacancy left by John Russo. Parker won three elections in 2012, 2016 and 2020 to keep the seat. She is the first and only African American woman elected to citywide office in Oakland. While in office, Parker led the office in lawsuits concerning cannabis regulation, the finance industry, climate change and the environment, and human trafficking.