Jeremy Lessem, Of Counsel to the Law Offices of William C. Makler, P.C., is an accomplished and dedicated criminal defense attorney with decades of courtroom experience and a deep passion for defending the rights of the accused. Raised in a family of legal professionals, Jeremy’s commitment to justice and tireless advocacy have earned him recognition as one of Southern California’s preeminent defense lawyers.
Jeremy’s career spans over two decades, during which he has represented clients in virtually every type of criminal proceeding, from serious and violent felonies to complex white-collar cases. His experience covers murder, drug offenses, sex crimes, insurance fraud, and more. Jeremy is widely recognized for his expertise in cases involving mental health, championing treatment over punishment and advocating tirelessly for clients facing these challenges.
Jeremy’s strategic approach and unwavering dedication have garnered consistent recognition, including selection to Southern California’s Super Lawyers® every year since 2014 and the Avvo “Superb” rating for criminal defense attorneys. He is also a Certified Criminal Law Specialist with the State Bar of California and serves as Adjunct Professor at Alliant International University. Under Jeremy’s leadership, the firm has advocated for the rights of the mentally ill, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Jeremy’s commitment goes beyond high-profile defenses. He treats every case as the most important matter for each client, ensuring their story and needs are fully understood and represented at every step.
Jeremy earned a B.A. (with honors) from the University of California at Santa Barbara, followed by a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. He is admitted to practice in all California state courts, the U.S. District Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. His professional memberships include the Los Angeles County Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and several other prominent legal organizations.
Whether defending a high-profile client in a serious criminal case or advocating for a client with a mental health issue to get into a treatment program instead of jail, Jeremy is passionate about fighting for his clients. “I love this work and feel that what I do is extremely important,” Jeremy says. “Through the work I do, I can have an incredible impact on someone’s life. Often, what I can accomplish will impact my clients for the rest of their lives. I understand this. And that’s why I put my heart into every case I handle.”
