Trial Lawyers Relentlessly Pursuing Justice
Trial Attorneys Serving UCSB
At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, we understand the unique pressures facing students and staff at the University of California, Santa Barbara. From the demands of academic life in Isla Vista and Goleta to unexpected encounters with law enforcement or personal setbacks, legal challenges can arise quickly and feel overwhelming. Our Santa Barbara office is conveniently located to serve the UCSB community with compassionate, aggressive representation that protects your rights, your record, and your future.
Contact our Santa Barbara office today at (805) 742-8869 for a free, confidential consultation. We are available 24/7 to discuss your situation and provide the clear guidance you need.
Experienced Legal Representation for UCSB Students and Staff
We offer targeted legal support across four core areas that frequently impact UCSB students and staff. Our attorneys draw on decades of experience to deliver results in both criminal and civil matters.
- Criminal Defense: We provide vigorous defense against felony and misdemeanor charges, including DUI, drug offenses, assault, theft, sex crimes, and more. Whether the matter stems from a campus event, traffic stop, or Isla Vista incident, we fight to secure dismissals, reductions, or alternative resolutions that preserve your academic and professional standing.
- Mental Health Law: Mental health issues can intersect with legal proceedings in complex ways. We handle mental health diversion programs, sanity hearings, Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGI) defenses, Murphy Conservatorships, restoration of sanity proceedings, and appearances in specialized mental health courts. Our team works to connect clients with treatment-focused outcomes rather than incarceration when appropriate, recognizing the unique stressors of university life.
- Personal Injury: We represent those injured due to the negligence of others, including car accidents, campus-related slips and falls, sports injuries, and catastrophic harm. Operating on a “no recovery, no fees” basis, we pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering so you can focus on recovery and returning to your studies or work.
- Civil Rights: We hold accountable those who violate constitutional rights, including cases of excessive force by law enforcement, privacy invasions, discrimination, or abuse of authority. Our civil rights practice protects the freedoms of UCSB students and staff who have been wronged in interactions with police, institutions, or other parties.
Why UCSB Students and Staff Choose Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP
With more than 50 years of combined experience, over 200 jury trials, and hundreds of successful case dismissals and settlements, our firm delivers proven results. Jeremy Lessem is a State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization Certified Criminal Law Specialist; an elite designation held by fewer than 1% of California attorneys. Our team is AV-rated, recognized by Super Lawyers, and known for high-profile advocacy that secures favorable outcomes in even the most challenging cases.
What sets us apart for the UCSB community is our local presence and deep understanding of campus life. Our Santa Barbara office serves students and staff throughout Santa Barbara County, including Isla Vista, Goleta, Montecito, and Carpinteria. We treat every case as if it were our own, providing 24/7 availability, transparent communication, and a client-first approach that combines aggressive courtroom strategy with genuine compassion, especially in matters involving mental health.
Whether your case requires early intervention to prevent charges from being filed, skilled negotiation with prosecutors or insurers, or trial-ready representation, we are committed to protecting your rights and helping you move forward. At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, you are not just another case; you are part of our community, and we fight relentlessly until you achieve the justice you deserve.
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.
Meet the Lawyers Fighting for You
The Lessem, Newstat & Tooson Team
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.
Powerful Advocacy, Proven Results.
When going through serious legal matters, do not put your case in the hands of just any attorney. Rather, work with a team who has earned a respected reputation for outstanding legal service and one with a proven track record of success.
Make Your Future
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