Business Details
Expert Legal Solutions in Southern California
Lester & Cantrell Attorney At Law is a premier civil litigation, construction law, real estate, and business law firm serving Southern California. Our team of highly skilled attorneys combines big-firm experience with the personalized service of a small firm, prioritizing client relationships and tailored legal solutions. With over 50 years of combined experience, we specialize in mitigating legal risks, resolving complex disputes, and providing strategic counsel in business, construction, employment, and real estate law. Our attorneys are certified specialists in California legal malpractice, demonstrating exceptional expertise and a commitment to excellence. We serve clients across Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, San Diego, Los Angeles, Ventura, Kern, and Santa Barbara counties, maintaining a strong reputation for integrity, courtroom advocacy, and cost-effective representation.Our practice areas include business litigation, contract disputes, trade secret protection, construction law, employment law, product liability, and estate planning. We emphasize proactive legal guidance to help clients navigate regulatory challenges, avoid litigation, and achieve long-term success. Our track record includes high-stakes victories in jury trials, arbitrations, and appellate proceedings, reflecting our dedication to achieving favorable outcomes. We prioritize transparency, responsiveness, and one-to-one client service, ensuring clients receive practical, business-minded legal advice both inside and outside the courtroom. Our firms commitment to excellence is underscored by our AV-Preeminent Martindale-Hubbell ratings and recognition for resolving complex legal matters with innovative solutions.
Services
Business Law
Construction Law
Employment Law
Real Estate Law
Product Liability
Estate Planning
Civil Litigation
Legal Malpractice Defense
Contract Disputes
Trade Secret Protection
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of combined legal experience in Southern California.
- Our attorneys are certified specialists in California legal malpractice law.
- We provide personalized service with the expertise of a big-firm background.
- Our track record includes multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements.
- We prioritize proactive legal guidance to minimize litigation risks for clients.
Associations and certifications
- State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
What people say
Exceptional courtroom advocacy
Cost-effective solutions
Personalized service
Proactive legal guidance
Successful verdicts
Services
Business Law
Our business law practice provides comprehensive legal guidance to companies of all sizes, focusing on risk mitigation, contract disputes, shareholder conflicts, and trade secret protection. We offer strategic counsel for commercial litigation, business formation, and transactional matters, ensuring clients navigate complex legal landscapes with confidence. Our attorneys combine decades of experience with a commitment to cost-effective, tailored solutions for Southern California businesses.
Construction Law
We represent construction industry clients in contract drafting, lien enforcement, and dispute resolution, addressing issues like bid protests, delay claims, and workmanship disputes. Our attorneys leverage deep industry knowledge to protect clients' interests in public and private projects, ensuring compliance with California regulations while minimizing litigation risks through proactive legal strategies.
Employment Law
Our employment law team advises employers and employees on compliance, contract disputes, discrimination claims, and wage-hour litigation. We provide defense against class-action lawsuits, FMLA claims, and whistleblower allegations, combining aggressive courtroom advocacy with practical solutions to mitigate workplace legal risks for businesses across industries.
Product Liability
We defend manufacturers, retailers, and distributors in product liability claims involving design defects, warnings, and safety standards. With over 50 years of combined experience, our attorneys handle complex litigation for automotive, industrial equipment, and consumer goods sectors, offering strategic defense solutions from settlement negotiations to trial verdicts in high-stakes cases.
Real Estate Law
Our real estate practice covers commercial transactions, lease disputes, and litigation for property owners and developers. We provide counsel on contract enforcement, boundary disputes, and lender conflicts, combining transactional expertise with courtroom advocacy to protect clients' investments in Southern California's dynamic real estate market.
People
Mark S. Lester
Partner
Experienced trial lawyer specializing in professional liability, construction law, and civil litigation with an AV-Preeminent Martindale-Hubbell rating. Serves as lead counsel in complex disputes across California.
David Cantrell
Managing Partner
Problem-solving attorney focused on business, professional, and construction client needs. Known for creative solutions in litigation and dispute resolution with a track record of favorable settlements.
Matthew J. Kraus
Partner
Aggressive advocate with expertise in construction disputes, business litigation, and personal injury cases. Achieves favorable verdicts through strategic courtroom representation and negotiation skills.
Kevin R. Crisp
Senior Counsel
Specializes in products liability, personal injury, and commercial litigation with over 50 years of combined experience. Advises manufacturers on safety standards and warning labels for domestic and international markets.
Colin A. Northcutt
Partner
Experienced advocate in business, real estate, and trust litigation. Provides strategic counsel for complex disputes, emphasizing efficient resolution through mediation or trial advocacy.
Questions
What areas of law does Lester, Cantrell & Kraus, LLP specialize in?
We specialize in business law, construction law, employment law, real estate law, product liability, and civil litigation, with a focus on dispute resolution and strategic legal counsel.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
We provide confidential consultations to discuss your legal needs and develop tailored solutions. Contact us to schedule an appointment with our attorneys.
What regions do you serve?
We serve clients across Southern California, including Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Ventura, Kern, and Santa Barbara counties.
How do you handle complex litigation cases?
Our attorneys combine proactive legal strategies with aggressive courtroom advocacy, prioritizing cost-effective resolutions through mediation, arbitration, or trial representation.
Are your attorneys certified specialists?
Yes, our partners are certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization in legal malpractice law, reflecting our expertise and commitment to excellence.
Can you assist with business contract disputes?
Yes, we provide comprehensive counsel for contract disputes, including breach claims, shareholder conflicts, and trade secret protection to minimize litigation risks for businesses.
