Jeffrey D. Polisner

Prior to his passing in 2026, Jeffrey D. Polisner received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1961 from Ohio State University, and his Juris Doctor in 1964 from Case Western Reserve University. His first employment was with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s office primarily handling civil litigation cases, including eminent domain (condemnation) cases on behalf of the County.

In 1969, Jeff joined the preeminent West County law firm of Carlson, Collins, Gordon, and Bold, specializing in civil litigation. A year later, Frederick Bold, Jr. and Jeff Polisner moved to Walnut Creek and formed the partnership of Bold and Polisner, primarily representing water agencies throughout California, most notably the Contra Costa Water District, as well as private clients in a variety of civil cases. Following Fred Bold’s retirement in 1992, the firm of Bold Polisner, Maddow, Nelson, and Judson, professional corporation, was formed, bringing on Robert B. Maddow, former general counsel for EBMUD, as well as Jeff’s two associates, Carl. P.A. Nelson and Craig L. Judson, as partners.

During almost 30 years of practice, Jeff specialized in representation of public agencies, primarily water agencies, for which he served as special counsel and general counsel. Jeff also served as general counsel for the American Contract Bridge League and the World Bridge Federation.

Jeff tried over 75 eminent domain and inverse condemnation cases to jury verdict, in addition to many real estate, construction, and personal injury matters. His crowning achievement was serving as lead counsel for the Contra Costa Water District’s Los Vaqueros Reservoir project filing over 100 cases to acquire over 20,000 acres of land to permanently preserve open space and construct the reservoir.

His extensive civil litigation experience was well recognized and respected by the Courts and his peers. At the height of his career, several local judges once referred to Jeff as the “finest and most successful civil litigator in Contra Costa County.”