Legal practice
Civil litigation, felony and misdemeanor criminal matters, multifaceted family law issues and divorces, high conflict custody disputes, complex asset division, and expert-driven legal issues.
CALIFORNIA ATTORNEY SINCE 1997
Advocacy shaped by trial experience and community leadership.
Khodadad "Ko" Sharif has handled a broad range of civil, criminal, and family law matters, representing plaintiffs and defendants in complex disputes, evidentiary hearings, and jury trials.
Mr. Sharif has been an active member of the State Bar of California since June 1997. An experienced trial attorney, he has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in civil litigation, felony criminal jury trials, and complex family law disputes.
He is deeply committed to serving the legal profession and the broader community. Since 2007, he has volunteered with the San Diego County Bar Association’s Fee Arbitration Program and has also served with its Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Pro Bono Program. He is currently serving his second three-year term on the SDCBA Board of Directors, following an earlier term from 2019 to 2021.
His service includes committee leadership within the SDCBA, Co-Chair of the Lawyers Club of San Diego Trial Advocacy Committee, and prior service as a director of the Iranian American Bar Association’s San Diego Chapter. He is also a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a Barrister in the Louis M. Welsh Inn of the American Inns of Court. Mr. Sharif received the 2023 Friend of SABA San Diego award from the South Asian Bar Association of San Diego for his leadership and commitment to diversity. He has been recognized by Delta Theta Phi-Law Fraternity, International, as the Most Outstanding Alumnus of the Fraternity in the Nation, by its Supreme Senate for the Scholastic Year of 2013-2014.
Since 2016, Mr. Sharif has taught Business Law 140 as an adjunct professor at Southwestern College. His community involvement has included youth soccer, high school mock trial, and work as a founding member of SB ELEVATE, supporting small businesses in San Diego’s South Bay region.
He studied political science at San Diego State University and earned his law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. His comparative-law studies included summer programs at the University of Cambridge and the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California. Throughout his career, he has remained dedicated to promoting diversity in the legal profession and expanding access to justice.
Professional leadership
Longstanding service through the San Diego County Bar Association, Lawyers Club of San Diego, and other legal organizations.
Teaching & mentorship
Adjunct professor of Business Law at Southwestern College (Chula Vista) since 2016, with service to students and faculty.
Community service
Pro bono legal service, youth coaching, mock trial mentorship, and advocacy for South Bay small businesses.