We extend congratulations to six of our lawyers recognized by Northern California Super Lawyers:
- Joe Alexander, selected as a Super Lawyer.
- Barry Zimmerman, selected as a Super Lawyer.
- Zachary Merliss, selected as a Rising Star.
- Danielle Keller, selected as a Rising Star.
- Angel Sanchez, selected as a Rising Star.
- Danielle Nygren, selected as a Rising Star.
How the Northern California Super Lawyers Selection Process Works
Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
The patented selection process starts with a peer nomination process, followed by independent evaluation of the nominees by a third-party research firm and peer evaluations by a blue-ribbon panel of highly credentialed attorneys, all of which lead to the final selections.
The magazine recognizes the top 5% of nominees as Super Lawyers.
Super Lawyers Rising Star candidates must be 40 years old or younger or have been practicing for 10 years or fewer. Only the top 2.5% of Rising Star nominees are selected for inclusion.
Joe Alexander
2026 Northern California Super Lawyer
Joe’s distinguished career in criminal law includes roles as the Assistant District Attorney in Nevada County and the Chief Deputy District Attorney for El Dorado County. He joined the Cohen Defense Group in 2024 as a supervising attorney in our Nevada City office. Joe’s work has been recognized in the past, so it is no surprise that he has now achieved Super Lawyer status. As a defense lawyer, Joe has been named a Top Lawyer in the Sacramento Region by SacTown Magazine. As a Deputy District Attorney, he was recognized as Regional Narcotics Prosecutor of the Year for his skilled handling of complex legal issues around investigative techniques, search and seizure, and interrogation.
“With nearly three decades of criminal law experience, I have handled every imaginable type of case, from misdemeanors to murder. My clients benefit from that experience, and I am deeply committed to fighting on their behalf to obtain the best outcome possible in their case. I am honored that my record of success defending people has led to being recognized as a Super Lawyer.”
Barry Zimmerman
2026 Northern California Super Lawyer
For over 40 years, Barry has been one of only a handful of lawyers handling both personal injury and criminal defense cases. Barry heads the litigation department at the Cohen Defense Group and has handled some of the highest-profile cases in Northern California. Barry has been certified as a Specialist in Criminal Law by the State Bar of California for 25 years and has been recognized as a Northern California Super Lawyer for 20 years.
“People ask me all the time, what kind of lawyer are you? And I tell them I’m a Super Lawyer. Most people never have the need for a lawyer. But if you need a lawyer, a Super Lawyer should be part of your research and decision. Choose local. Choose experience. And choose a lawyer that has been recognized by their peers.”
Zachary Merliss
2026 Northern California Super Lawyers Rising Star
This is the sixth time in as many years that Zachary has been chosen as a Super Lawyers Rising Star. He has also been recognized as a Top Lawyer by both Sacramento Magazine and SacTown Magazines. The National Trial Lawyers, an organization which extends membership to only the most qualified attorneys of each state named him one of the Top 40 Under 40. Zach is a senior litigator at the Cohen Defense Group, leading our DUI Defense Team and handling major felonies, including homicide. He has been certified as a Specialist in Criminal Law by the State Bar of California.
“It is an honor to be recognized by these organizations, and I will continue to engage in the pursuit of justice for my clients.”
Danielle Nygren
2026 Northern California Super Lawyers Rising Star
Danielle Nygren, recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star, has years of experience fighting for her clients. She’s done everything from seeking exoneration of her client from the California Supreme Court to pursuing a presidential pardon from the White House. Danielle has an admirable record of success in the courtroom. With years of experience handling cases of all types, Danielle now focuses her energy on defending children charged with crimes and is one of the Cohen Defense Group’s primary juvenile justice lawyers. As one of the few attorneys to garner the distinction of Rising Stars, Danielle has earned the respect of her peers as one of the top-rated attorneys in the nation.
“I am honored to be recognized by Super Lawyers for my defense work. I’m proud to fight for my clients, protect their rights, and stand up for them when the stakes are highest. I am grateful for the privilege of doing this work.”
Angel Sanchez
2026 Northern California Super Lawyers Rising Star
Angel has been chosen as a Super Lawyers Rising Star, which puts her in the top 2.5% of the nominated lawyers. Angel is a respected criminal defense lawyer who handles misdemeanor, felony, and juvenile justice cases in Placer, Sacramento, and surrounding counties. Angel’s selection as a Rising Star is a recognition by her peers of her outstanding work and commitment to the spirit of the legal profession.
“I’m honored to be recognized as a Rising Star among my peers. Criminal defense is about more than the charges someone faces; it’s about protecting their rights, preserving their dignity, and ensuring their voice is heard. I’m grateful to do work that allows me to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, and I remain committed to being a fierce advocate for every client I represent.”
Danielle Keller
2026 Northern California Super Lawyers Rising Star
Danielle Keller, recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star, is one of the Cohen Defense Group’s primary felony lawyers and an invaluable member of our DUI Defense Team. She defends clients facing criminal charges of all kinds, including those facing felony charges in high-profile cases. Being selected as a Rising Star is an honor bestowed on only a small number of attorneys in each state. Danielle gained this recognition through professional achievement and peer recognition of her knowledge of the law, professional work ethic, and outstanding advocacy on behalf of her clients.
“It is an honor to be recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star. I am grateful for the opportunity to advocate for my clients and will continue to approach every case with preparation, integrity, and a commitment to the pursuit of justice.”