UCLA

Trial Lawyers Relentlessly Pursuing Justice

Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP | Powerful Advocacy, Proven Results - Video Poster

Trial Attorneys for UCLA Students & Staff

As a UCLA student or staff member, you’re part of one of the world’s premier academic communities. Whether you’re pursuing groundbreaking research, teaching, or building your future through education, legal challenges can arise unexpectedly and threaten your standing, career prospects, and rights.

Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP provides experienced, compassionate, and aggressive representation tailored to the unique needs of UCLA students and staff. We understand the high stakes at a top-tier institution like UCLA: a single legal issue can impact enrollment, employment, professional licensing, or long-term opportunities. Our team is committed to defending your rights and helping you navigate these challenges.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation by calling (888) 643-2943.

Cases We Handle for UCLA Students & Staff

We specialize in four key practice areas that frequently affect members of the UCLA community:

Criminal Defense: We aggressively defend UCLA students and staff facing misdemeanor or felony charges, including those stemming from campus life or incidents in the Westwood/Los Angeles area. Common cases include DUI, drug possession, theft, violent crimes, and internet-related offenses.
Mental Health: We advocate in mental health-related legal matters, such as 5250 hearings (involuntary holds), conservatorships, incompetency proceedings, and related crisis interventions. We fight to protect your rights, privacy, and access to support services while addressing any intersecting legal issues.
Personal Injury: If you’ve been injured due to negligence, whether in a campus-related accident, slip-and-fall, assault, or other incident, we pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages (including impacts on stipends or employment), pain and suffering, and more. We handle personal injury cases on a no-recovery-no-fee basis, ensuring UCLA community members can seek justice without added financial burden.
Civil Rights: We represent UCLA students and staff in civil rights issues, including cases involving police brutality, excessive force, and institutional sexual abuse. We pursue accountability, compensation for harm, and protection of your rights.

Why Choose Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP

With over 50 years of combined experience, our award-winning team has successfully handled thousands of cases, earning a reputation for zealous advocacy and personalized attention. We know the unique pressures faced by UCLA students and staff, from maintaining academic standing and campus privileges to protecting professional reputations in competitive fields.

Key reasons to choose us:

24/7 Availability: Immediate support when you need it most, including after arrests or urgent mental health crises.
Compassionate & Aggressive: We treat every client with respect while fighting tirelessly for the best possible result.
Proven Results: Track record of dismissals, reductions, favorable settlements, and protecting futures in high-stakes environments.
Free Consultation: Start with a no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation.

Supportive with Clients. Aggressive in Court.

Navigating the legal system can be complicated. To maximize your chance of securing the best outcome possible, it is essential that you reach out to us without delay. When you hire our firm, we will work quickly to gather every detail, examine every piece of evidence, and build a strong case.

We will not hesitate to go toe-to-toe in trial with an insurance company, corporation, prosecutor, or law enforcement officer. Regardless of the type of situation you are involved in, rest assured that we will do everything we can to protect your rights and help you secure the most favorable result possible.

Electronic Monitoring

Third-Time DUI

2 Days in Jail & House Arrest

DUI Enhancement

Reduced to Dry Reckless

Prescription Drug DUI

Dismissed

DUI

Felony Charge Reduced To A Misdemeanor

Multiple Felony Charges

Case Not Filed

Battery & Criminal Threats

Minimal Jail Time & No Registration

Felony Sexual Assault

Charges Not Filed

Multiple Counts of Fraud

Electronic Monitoring

Carrying a Concealed Firearm

Dismissed

Multiple Charges of Unlawful Firearm

View All Results

Meet the Lawyers Fighting for You

The Lessem, Newstat & Tooson Team

Jeremy Lessem

Partner

J. Tooson

Partner

Joshua E. Newstat

In Memoriam (1976 – 2016)

Ricky Worsfold

Associate

Taryn Williams

Associate

Mark D. Lessem

Of Counsel

William C. Makler

Of Counsel

All Attorneys

Their No. 1 Priority is Achieving Positive Outcomes for Clients

I have nothing but praise.

No Jail Time

We are very pleased and impressed!

I just want to say thank you for your expert handling of my son’s case this summer.

DEFINITELY the best lawyer

Thank you for all the work you put into my case and for believing in me

I will recommend you and your firm to anyone

Having a clean record has allowed me to pursue a successful future

You were always willing to listen, explain, and share

Our Clients Are Our Focus.

When facing complex legal matters, it is not uncommon to encounter an issue that needs immediate attention from your team.

For this reason, we are available to assist our clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to ensure any questions or concerns you may have will be addressed immediately. With around the clock service and multiple office locations, clients throughout Southern California can be confident knowing our counsel is available to them whenever and wherever they need it.