Firm Overview

Firm Overview: Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP

Aggressive Criminal Defense, Personal Injury & Mental Health Lawyers in Los Angeles

There are few law firms in the Los Angeles area that have the qualifications, credentials, and successful court record that you will find at Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP. Backed by more than 50 years of combined experience, our legal team has effectively served as defense counsel for thousands of individuals who have been arrested and and charged with crimes.

Call us at (800) 462-7160 to learn more about how we may be able to help you.

More About Us

We are more than capable of taking on the most difficult matters. We have taken more than 200 cases to trial; therefore, we are always ready to put our trial skills to work. Our broad experience and knowledge allow our attorneys to develop comprehensive legal strategies to advocate for our clients. Whether your case involves a serious injury, an arrest on suspicion of a felony or misdemeanor, a sanity hearing, or when your matter must be taken to a mental health court such as Department 95 or the Ventura Mental Health Court, we are prepared to provide legal support and guidance throughout the entire process.

There is no better firm to turn to for effective defense skills than Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP. We know that this is an overwhelming time for our clients, so we go above and beyond in order to ensure that you are kept fully informed every step of the way.

Mental health cases involving criminal defense, defining insanity, NGI, sexually violent predators, and more can be complicated procedures of which you will need to be kept up-to-date at all times. We have carried this philosophy into all areas of our practice, including keeping you informed about Murphy Conservatorships, mental health disability rights, and the restoration of sanity.

Many lines of defense exist that we can employ on your behalf. For example, pulling from the history of the M'Naghten Rule or exploring treatment vs. jail options could be used in your favor during a courtroom trial or out of court settlement.

You can confidently turn to us for help and information regarding the pre-filing of mental health cases, crisis consultations, and any other questions that may arise as you proceed through your legal journey.

Your Fight is Our Fight

We are here and ready to learn your story and your case, and to tirelessly fight on your behalf. 

Award-Winning Attorneys

In addition to our experience in the field of criminal defense, our attorneys have protected the rights of hundreds of injured victims resulting in millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts. Due to our dedication and ceaseless efforts, our firm has been AV® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, the highest possible rating in our field. We are also rated 10/10 by Avvo and have been designated California Superlawyers every year that we have been in business.

Southern California Mental Health Lawyers

The California criminal justice system often fails in how it treats those suffering from mental health related conditions. Therefore, you need to ensure that you secure experienced and knowledgeable legal representation to help protect the rights and freedoms that are at risk when you are criminally accused. Choosing to align yourself with a Los Angeles mental health lawyer from our firm could greatly benefit the outcome of your case. Our mental health attorneys have successfully obtained numerous dismissals, reduced sentences, and treatment based outcomes for mentally ill clients accused of crimes

We understand that residents throughout Southern California are at risk of being criminally accused. Therefore, we have extended our mental health defense services to areas throughout Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Van Nuys, Orange County, and the San Fernando Valley.

Learn More About Attorney Ricky Worsfold

Learning Your Story, Not Just Your Case
  • A Dedication to High-Quality Representation

    Our Los Angeles trial lawyers are dedicated to becoming exemplary legal representatives. That is why Jeremy Lessem is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. As a criminal law specialist, Mr. Lessem is included in an elite group of California attorneys; less than one percent of lawyers across America who practice criminal law are certified specialists. According to the Board of Legal Specialization, hiring a certified attorney is wise; the more complicated your case is, the more you need a lawyer who is familiar with criminal defense. At our firm, we are devoted to becoming the best legal representatives we can be. Mr. Lessem's certification is a reflection of his desire to constantly become a more educated and knowledgeable legal advocate.

  • Our Promise to You

    Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP is one of Southern California's leading full service litigation law firms, and we are dedicated to providing winning legal defense to those in need. With more than 50 years of combined courtroom experience, and hundreds of jury trials to our name, there is no case that is out of reach when it comes to defending and protecting the rights and freedoms of those accused of crimes in Southern California. We have built a law firm predicated on the belief that accused individuals are innocent until proven guilty. 


    As such, we are committed to doing everything in our power to make sure that others in the legal field see it the same way. Being injured, or being arrested and accused of any type of criminal offense, can be a frightening experience; add to the mix that a mental health condition may have played a part in the allegations brought against you, and the situation can become even more overwhelming. For this reason, our team is ready to represent individuals in need of strong, aggressive personal injury or criminal defense as it pertains to one's mental health.

  • Discuss Your Case Today

    All of our clients are treated with honest, fair, and truthful legal counsel, and with the dignity and respect they deserve. No matter what you are charged with, Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP will review your case immediately. Our early intervention in a criminal case can often lead to a full dismissal or reduced charges. Immediately involving us after an injury can better help you secure maximum compensation for your pain and suffering. When it is necessary to take your case to trial, you can have confidence that every possible advantage will be pursued.

Why Choose Us

Respected & Recognized in the Legal Community
  • 1,000's of Cases Handled In & Out of Court
  • 50+ Years of Combined Legal Experience
  • No Recovery, No Fees for All Injury Cases
  • Strong & Attentive Counsel Available 24/7

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