Jamilah D. LeCruise is a Northern Virginia native who relocated to Hampton Roads after law school. Before opening the Law Office of J.D. LeCruise, Jamilah LeCruise served as an Assistant Public Defender for the City of Norfolk, handling hundreds of criminal cases. She zealously defended clients charged with a variety of criminal offenses including traffic crimes, misdemeanors, felonies, and probation violations. From larceny and drug possession to burglary and firearms offenses, Ms. LeCruise has experience in bench and jury trials.
Over the years, she has established a strong reputation as a fierce advocate for her clients and has earned the respect of her peers and members of the judiciary.
Ms. LeCruise graduated with honors from the University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Ms. LeCruise attended William & Mary School of Law where she earned her law degree.
During her time at William & Mary, she volunteered abroad with a human rights organization in Ghana, traveling to villages for educational programs and participating in juvenile defense. Ms. LeCruise interned at the Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia in Williamsburg where she worked on family law matters. In addition, she interned at the Office of the Capital Defender in Richmond, assisting in the defense of individuals charged with death penalty offenses.
After graduating from William & Mary, Ms. LeCruise worked as a Magistrate Attorney for the Office of Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia where she served as a judicial officer.
Currently, Ms. LeCruise is a member of the Norfolk Portsmouth Bar Association, the South Hampton Roads Bar Association, the Virginia Women Attorneys Association, and the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
She has been recognized for her advocacy and service by Super Lawyers, Virginia Lawyers Weekly, Coastal Virginia Magazine, CoVa BIZ Magazine, the Litigation Counsel of America, the American Society of Legal Advocates, the American Institute of Criminal Lawyers, the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, the National Trial Lawyers, and the National Black Lawyers.
She has received the Virginia State Bar Young Lawyers Conference Significant Service Award, has received the highest ranking from Avvo, and has been rated a Top Contributor in Criminal Defense by Avvo.
Languages spoken
English
The Law Office of J. D. LeCruise, PLLC
555 East Main Street
Suite 1106
Norfolk, VA, 23510
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
VA | Authorized to Practice Law | 2011 | 03/25/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Young Lawyer of the Year Award | Virginia State Bar | 2020 |
Top Lawyer | CovaBIZ Magazine | 2019 |
Top Lawyer | Coastal Virginia Magazine | 2019 |
Top 40 Under 40 | Inside Business Magazine | 2019 |
Rising Star | SuperLawyers | 2019 |
Award Winner as Young Business Person of the Year | CoVa BIZ Magazine, Best of Business | 2018 |
Award Winner as Overall Best Law Firm | CoVa BIZ Magazine, Best of Business | 2018 |
Gold Award Winner as Best Local Entrepreneur | CoVa BIZ Magazine, Best of Business | 2018 |
Gold Award Winner as Best Local Leader Making a Difference | CoVa BIZ Magazine, Best of Business | 2018 |
Gold Award Winner as Business Person of the Year | CoVa BIZ Magazine, Best of Business | 2018 |
Gold Award Winner as Business Person of the Year | CoVa BIZ Magazine, Best of Business | 2018 |
Gold Award Winner as Best Small Business | CoVa BIZ Magazine, Best of Business | 2018 |
Gold Award Winner as Outstanding Emerging Professional | CoVa BIZ Magazine, Best of Business | 2018 |
Significant Service Award | Virginia State Bar, Young Lawyers Conference | 2018 |
Rising Star | SuperLawyers | 2018 |
Millennial on the Move | CoVa BIZ Magazine | 2017 |
Up & Coming Lawyer | Virginia Lawyers Weekly | 2017 |
Walter E. Hoffman Community Service Award | Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar Association | 2017 |
Private Practice Fellow | Litigation Counsel of America | 2017 |
Rising Star | SuperLawyers | 2017 |
Top 40 Under 40 | American Society of Legal Advocates | 2017 |
Top Lawyer | CoVa BIZ Magazine | 2016 |
Top Lawyer | Coastal Virginia Magazine | 2016 |
Top 40 Under 40 | The National Trial Lawyers | 2016 |
Young Lawyer of the Year Award | South Hampton Roads Bar Association | 2016 |
Client's Choice | Avvo | 2016 |
10 Best for Client Satisfaction Award | American Institute of Family Law Attorneys | 2016 |
Top 40 Under 40 | The National Black Lawyers | 2016 |
10 Best for Client Satisfaction | American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys | 2016 |
Top Contributor Award | Avvo | 2016 |
Top Contributor Award | Avvo | 2015 |
Significant Service Award | Virginia State Bar, Young Lawyers Conference | 2013 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Attorney/Owner | The Law Office of J. D. LeCruise, PLLC | 2015 - Present |
Attorney | Virginia Indigent Defense Commission | 2012 - 2015 |
Magistrate Attorney | Office of the Executive Secretary Supreme Court of Virginia | 2011 - 2012 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association | Chair, Young Lawyers Section | 2019 - Present |
South Hampton Roads Bar Association | President | 2019 - Present |
Virginia State Board of Elections | Member | 2019 - Present |
Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association Standing Committee on Judicial Endorsements | Member | 2018 - Present |
Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia | Vice President | 2018 - Present |
South Hampton Roads Bar Association | Executive Board Member | 2017 - Present |
Norfolk Board of Zoning Appeals | Member | 2017 - Present |
Urban League of Hampton Roads Young Professionals | Member | 2016 - Present |
Downtown Norfolk Council | Member | 2016 - Present |
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia | Development Chair | 2016 - Present |
Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association | Bench Bar Committee Chair | 2016 - Present |
Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce | Member | 2016 - Present |
National Association of Women Lawyers | Member | 2016 - Present |
South Hampton Roads Bar Association | Marketing Chair | 2015 - Present |
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia | Volunteer Committee | 2015 - Present |
Norfolk Portsmouth Bar Association Young Lawyers Section | Member | 2015 - Present |
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia | Youth of the Year Committee | 2015 - Present |
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2015 - Present |
Norfolk Portsmouth Bar Association General District Court Substitute Judge Committee | Member | 2015 - Present |
Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2015 - Present |
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia | Corporate Board Member | 2014 - Present |
Norfolk Portsmouth Bar Association | Member | 2014 - Present |
Virginia State Bar | Member | 2011 - Present |
Virginia State Bar, Criminal Law Section | Member | 2011 - Present |
South Hampton Roads Bar Association | President-Elect | 2018 - 2019 |
Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section | Treasurer | 2018 - 2019 |
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia | Board Development Committee | 2014 - 2015 |
Norfolk Portsmouth Bar Association | Model Judiciary Coach | 2013 - 2014 |
Virginia State Bar, Young Lawyers Conference | Immigrant Outreach Committee Chair | 2012 - 2015 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
The Virginia Lawyer | In Celebration of William T. Mason's 93rd Birthday and 68 Years of Service to the Virginia State Bar | 2020 |
Virginia State Bar Young Lawyers Conference Practice Tips Series | How to Develop Your Brand and Career in a Difficult Job Market | 2020 |
Virginia State Bar Young Lawyers Practice Tips Series | Building Business as a Young Attorney | 2020 |
Virginia State Bar Young Lawyers Conference Practice Tips Series | Arguing Criminal Motions in Circuit Court: Tips and Techniques | 2019 |
Virginia State Bar Young Lawyers Conference Practice Tips Series | Interviewing 101: Tips for Young Lawyers | 2019 |
AVVO Legal Guides | What is a Magistrate and Why Your Behavior in Front of the Magistrate Matters? | 2016 |
The Freedom Center Journal | When Speaking the Truth is Not Enough: A Model For Juror Voir Dire to Better Protect Capital Defendants From Implicit Racial Bias | 2013 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
College of William and Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2011 |
University of Richmond | BA - Bachelor of Arts, cum laude | 2008 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
William & Mary School of Law | Criminal Pretrial Motions | 2019 |
Regent University School of Law | Work-Life Balance Panel | 2019 |
William & Mary School of Law | Criminal Pre-Trial Motions | 2018 |
Shiloh Baptist Church Vacation Bible School | Knowing Your Rights & Responsibilities as Adults | 2018 |
William & Mary Law Incoming Law Week | Introduction to Legal Practice | 2017 |
National Business Institute | Gun Law in Virginia | 2017 |
Hampton University | Networking 101 | 2017 |
Criminal Justice Systems | Lawyer Q & A | 2017 |
Bar Leaders Institute | Bar Projects Showcase | 2017 |
University of Richmond Jepson School of Leadership Studies EDGE Institute | Lessons Learned | 2016 |
Tidewater Community College Criminal Justice Organization | Introduction to the Legal System | 2016 |
South Hampton Roads Bar Association | Implicit Bias and the Courts | 2016 |
Regent University School of Law Pre-Law Day | Introduction to Legal Practice | 2016 |
How To Work Together Yet Maintain Our Adversarial Roles | Coming Together: Prosecutors and Public Defenders | 2016 |
17th Annual Bench Bar Conference | Ethics CLE: Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4 | 2016 |
William & Mary Law Incoming Student Law Week | Office of Career Services: Introduction to Legal Practice | 2015 |
Tidewater Park Boys & Girls Club | Career Day: Life of a Lawyer | 2015 |
Norview Boys & Girls Club | Norfolk Portsmouth Bar Association Youth and the Law | 2015 |
So You're 18 Series | Virginia State Bar Knowing Your Rights & Responsibilities As Adults | 2014 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Commonwealth v. YB | Dismissed after trial in the Norfolk General District Court. |
Commonwealth v. DW | Dismissed after hearing in the Norfolk Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court. |
Client v. JM | Protective order dismissed in the Chesapeake General District Court. |
Commonwealth be KM | Dismissed after trial in the Norfolk General District Court. |
Commonwealth v. JJ | Dismissed and not guilty findings after trial and preliminary hearing in the Norfolk Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court. |
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Chelsea Wilkerson, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 2, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Genghis Shakhan, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 2, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Le Cruise is a consummate professional and zealous advocate.
Chelsea Wilkerson, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 2, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Genghis Shakhan, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 2, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Le Cruise is a consummate professional and zealous advocate.
Holly Ortiz, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 6, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Meghan Casey, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 19, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jamilah has an outstanding reputation in the Hampton Roads legal community. She is well respected by the bench and the bar as an effective and experienced advocate for her clients.
Kendra Johnson, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 28, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Attorney Jamilah Le Cruise is one of the most hard working attorneys I know. Over the past few years of knowing Jamilah, I have always seen her zealously advocate for her clients. She works hard to develop strong legal arguments and protect her clients' interests. And, she stays up to date on changes in the law that might benefit her clients. I have referred cases to her in the past and I will continue to do so in the future!
Elizabeth Wood, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 5, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jamilah is extremely knowledgeable and accessible. If you have a question, she has an answer. She is familiar with all local judges and knows how to try a case. Hire Ms. Le Cruise today.
Deborah Collins, Unknown Attorney on May 24, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Ms. LeCruise is a competent and knowledgeable attorney.
London Crounse, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 2, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
J.D. LeCruise is an unrelenting advocate, capable of doing what most cannot. She is incredibly intelligent on issues, hard-working for her clients, and fearless in Court. Best of all, she is genuine and down-to-earth.
Patrick Sebastian, Unknown Attorney on Dec 22, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Ms. Le Cruise has an incredible ability to connect with clients and with other professionals. She is extremely good at what she does, and I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of legal services she offers. I very strongly endorse this lawyer.
Andrea Ruege, Unknown Attorney on Dec 6, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jamilah is a passionate advocate for her clients and consistently provides zealous representation. I endorse Jamilah without hesitation.
Stephen Teague, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 23, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jamilah is an extremely knowledgeable driven, dedicated, and conscientious attorney and advocate. It is abundantly clear to anyone that knows her that she puts in the time and work to continually hone her craft and develop her expertise, in order to provide the best legal representation possible for her clients. But not only her clients receive the benefit of her vast knowledge; she also invests time and energy in the development and success of fellow attorneys. I, for one, am better for it. In short, Jamilah is top-notch all around.
Radlyn Mendoza, Expungement Attorney on Sep 28, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jamilah is a conscientious attorney who cares about her clients and community as well as her fellow attorneys. She treats all with respect and is a great advocate for her clients.
Seth Doherty, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 9, 2015
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer. I went to law school with her. She is a smart attorney and a zealous advocate.
Robert Hahn, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 21, 2015
Relationship: Other
Ms. Le Cruise is provides useful and pragmatic answers in her responses on this post and I would encourage anyone who is seeking legal representation in the Norfolk area to contact her.
Diallo Morris, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 13, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Ms. LeCruise is a zealous advocate for her clients. She uses her extensive trial experience and people skills to help her clients achieve the best outcome in their cases.
Katherine Currin, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 31, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Ms. LeCruise is a fantastic attorney in and out of the courtroom. She has a thorough understanding of the law, and applies it intelligently and creatively to the benefit of her clients.
Edward Atkinson, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 30, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jamilah is a highly skilled and experienced defense attorney. I frequently ask her advise on difficult cases, and she always has the right answer.
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