Marcus S. Bourassa

Marcus S. Bourassa is a seasoned trial attorney with a practice centered on federal criminal defense, white-collar crime, and civil rights litigation. He also handles high-stakes criminal defense matters in state courts, offering strategic advocacy in complex legal battles. His trial skills and client-first approach define his reputation in courtrooms across California.

Marcus began his academic path at Stanford University, earning both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts before completing his Juris Doctor at Stanford Law School. His legal education was marked by several distinctions, including student-president, regional mock trial champion, and honors in criminal, administrative, and contract law. He also received the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Service.

Before law school, Marcus served as an intelligence officer in the United States Marine Corps. During his military service, he led teams in Afghanistan, managing interrogators and intelligence sources. This background sharpened his investigative instincts and his ability to manage high-pressure situations—skills that now serve his legal clients.

Marcus gained early legal experience through externships in both state and federal prosecutors’ offices and pro bono work for vulnerable communities. Notably, he helped secure relief for a client originally sentenced to 25 years to life for a nonviolent drug offense—an early sign of his commitment to justice reform.

Following law school, Marcus lerked for a U.S. District Court judge in the Central District of California. He later worked as a federal public defender in San Diego, where he tried numerous cases, appeared before the Ninth Circuit, and won multiple federal felony dismissals. His advocacy remains focused on representing individuals often overlooked by the system.

Marcus S. Bourassa is admitted to practice in California and in several federal jurisdictions, including multiple district courts and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Through a mix of legal knowledge, courtroom skill, and tenacious advocacy, Marcus continues to stand up for the rights of the accused and underserved.

Law Office Affiliations

• Trial Attorney, McKenzie Scott Civil Rights & Criminal Defense Lawyers

Licensed State

• California

Education

• Stanford Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Stanford Law School
  Masters of Arts (MA)
• Stanford Law School
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges