Andrew Leventhal is a dynamic, passionate, and charismatic criminal defense lawyer. Andrew spent the first seven years of his career battling in the courtroom trenches as a Los Angeles Public Defender. Here, Andrew developed a reputation for being a fearless trial lawyer. In 2015, Andrew left public practice and created THE LEVENTHAL FIRM; he has defended thousands of criminal cases and conducted many jury trials involving everything from DUI and domestic violence to theft and murder. Andrew's legal knowledge and passion for justice has led him to a 90% jury trial non-conviction rate.
Andrew loves the underdog and fights for his clients to the end. He treats his clients like family and advocates for them like they’re his own flesh and blood. Andrew earned a 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, & 2019 invitation into the National Trial Lawyers “Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers” club. He also received the Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” Award in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. The Rising Stars list recognizes no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state. In addition to the Top 100 and Super Lawyers honors, Pasadena Magazine named Andrew a “Top Attorney" for criminal defense in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Andrew was also re-selected among America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys for Southern California in 2019. And, last but not least, the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys selected Andrew as one of the "10 Best Attorneys" for California in 2017, 2018 and 2019. He truly strives to be regarded as one of the best criminal defense attorneys in U.S. history.
Andrew Leventhal has dedicated his life to defending people. His strong reputation, vast network and authentic approach separates him from the rest. Andrew is direct and to the point. He is respectful and respected. You will know if he can help.
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Practice Area
18 years | 13,000 cases
Sometimes
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Chat withState: California
Acquired: 2008
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FORTY EAST COLORADO BOULEVARD, Pasadena, CA, 91105
531 ENCINITAS BLVD. STE 201, Encinitas, CA, 92024
Showing 1 - 5 of 79 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by James | February 24, 2026 | Hired Attorney
I had a truly positive experience working with Andrew, Jasmine, and Dan. They helped me resolve several tickets from my past, and I couldn’t have asked for a better team to guide me through the process. From start to finish, they were incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and responsive. What st...
Posted by anonymous | September 8, 2025 | Hired Attorney
I don’t even know where to start with how grateful I am for Andrew and Jasmine. They literally saved my life when I was drowning in the scariest, most awful situation I’ve ever faced. A serious case came out of nowhere, and for over a year, it was pure hell—sleepless nights, constant anxiety, and thi...
Posted by anonymous | January 20, 2025 | Hired Attorney
The Leventhal Firm is a “set it and forget it” operation. From start to finish… Their firm collected my evidence, organized the case presentation, talked to law enforcement exclusively and provided peace of mind in a time of dread and confusion. I am a healthcare provider that was falsely accused ...
Posted by anonymous | December 30, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This is the most important recommendation I have ever written. Tomorrow is New Years Eve, and like many of us, we look at the events of the recent year with reflection. I could not let this year close without sharing how the work of The Leventhal Firm literally saved my loved one's life. If th...
Posted by Molly | December 16, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Andrew and Jasmine are an exceptional husband-and-wife legal team—dynamic, compassionate, and absolutely the best in the business. From the moment I met Andrew, his genuine care and compassion were evident. He shared personal stories that put me at ease during a very stressful time. Jasmine was alway...
"When it comes to passion and dedication of one's craft few have reached the level of Andrew Leventhal. He has a combination of skill and talent that can't be taught. Coupled will his vast experience and knowledge of criminal defense makes him my "go-to" attorney for all referrals in the Los Angeles area."
"I’ve known Andrew for many years now and can attest to him work ethic. He is a great advocate for his clients!"
"I have known Andrew for a few years, having first met him through local bar associations. Andrew is very passionate about his work. He worked in the public defenders office before going into private practice. He knows criminal law like the back of his hand, as well as every single nock and cranny in the LA court system. He is respected by his peers and by prosecutors. If I got arrested and needed a criminal defense attorney, he would be the first person I would call."
"Andrew Leventhal is so passionate about his work and his clients, I would not hesitate to hire him myself if I needed a criminal defense attorney. You can tell he loves what he does for a living and is always putting his clients best interest as a top priority. Andrew is a great asset to the legal community!"
"Andrew (aka Lincoln Lawyer) is truly passionate about criminal law and he was born to be a criminal defense lawyer. I would not hesitate to contact him regarding my own criminal matter and I would easily refer him to my family and friends."
"As a former public defender and now Retired Workers' Compensation Judge, I wholeheartedly endorse Andrew as a top notch, intelligent and aggressive criminal defense attorney that I would want on my side on any day. His knowledge of the law, professionalism and willingness to go to bat for his clients regardless of the facts makes him one of the best lawyers I have come to know both in practice and while on the bench."
"I highly endorse Andrew for criminal law matters. Andrew is a true professional who goes beyond everything that is expected of him to make his clients happy. I can attest to his zealousness for his clients. I highly endorse Andrew!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Leventhal is an impressive, charismatic, knowledgable, creative, and fearless advocate. When you come into contact with him, you can feel a deep sense of commitment and passion for the cause of defending the accused. Additionally, Mr. Leventhal possesses a valuable combination of comfort in a courtroom setting, a profound understanding of the law, and concern for his clients. Should I find myself in a jam, I know who I would call."
"Andrew Leventhal is a consummate professional in the courtroom. His extensive list of favorable results for his clients is a testament to his dedication and knowledge for the criminal justice system. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Leventhal provides a much needed service on Avvo. He donates his time to individuals who are in need of immediately legal answers."
"I endorse this lawyer. Andrew Leventhal is the epitome of what you expect when hiring a private criminal defense lawyer. He is extremely knowledgeable on the law, and knows exactly how to successfully navigate his client's case through the justice system. From his days as a LA County Public Defender, to working in private practice, I've witnessed the devotion and passion Andrew puts into his clients cases. Andrew is the attorney we all strive to be. Diligent in his research, and tenacious in his advocacy - if you're in trouble, you want Andrew Leventhal in your corner."
"Andrew has worked closely with many highly respected and well known lawyers in the community. All of which hold him in high regard which is no easy task. You are in good hands with this attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer with pleasure. I've seen Andrew in court (in action). He is brilliant & smart. After he left the Public Defender's we had occasion to work together. He is respected by judges as well as fellow lawyers. Great guy."
"Andrew is truly one of the best criminal defense attorneys I've ever known, and I've been running with heavy hitters for 15 years. Andrew shows up and he shows out. He would take a bullet for a client. He has no fear, particularly in serious cases. The bottom line is this: if I personally got in trouble, Andrew is the first lawyer I would call."
"Andrew Leventhal is an excellent advocate, with a very high level of legal expertise. He is always prepared, and will never back down from a challenge. Outside the courtroom, he is a great person as well."
"Mr. Leventhal is a passionate criminal defense attorney. He is extremely knowledge and hard working. I endorse this lawyer."
"Andrew is a great lawyer. He is very well versed in the law and he is passionate in his defense of his clients. Any defendant would be lucky to have him as an attorney."
"Andrew Leventhal is a master of his craft as an advocate. He is an absolute master at captivating his audience as anytime he stand before a court room, everyone in that courtroom listens to what he has to say. His knowledge of the law combined with his zealous performance in the courtroom makes him by far the most talented trial attorneys I’ve ever seen. Hire with confidence."
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2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2016
Top Attorneys, Pasadena Magazine
2016
Nominee, Super Lawyers
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2015
AVVO Client's Choice Award 2015, AVVO
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2007
Dean's List, California Western School of Law
2006
Dean's List, California Western School of Law
2006
Academic Achievement Award - Practicing Law, California Western School of Law
2006
Academic Achievement - Contracts, California Western School of Law
2005
Academic Achievement Award: Criminal Procedure, California Western School of Law
2005
Dean's List, California Western School of Law
2005
Academic Merit Scholarship, California Western School of Law
2005
Academic Achievement Evidence, California Western School of Law
2004
Dean's List, Calfornia Western School of Law
2015 - Present
Lead Trial Attorney, THE LEVENTHAL FIRM
2011 - 2012
Trial Lawyer, Los Angeles Public Defender - East Los Angeles Court
2010 - 2010
Trial Lawyer, Los Angeles Public Defender - Glendale Branch
2010 - 2015
Trial Lawyer, Los Angeles Public Defender - Pasadena Branch
2009 - 2009
DUI Trial Lawyer, Los Angeles Public Defender - Metropolitan Court
2008 - 2010
Trial Lawyer, Los Angeles Public Defender - Downtown (Criminal Courts Building)
2006 - 2006
Law Clerk, Lionel Sawyer & Collins
2005 - 2005
Law Clerk, Trovilion Inveiss Ponticello & Demakis
2017 - Present
United States District Court for the Central District of CaliforniaMember
2015 - Present
Los Angeles Attorney NetworkMember
2015 - Present
Los Angeles Jewish Bar AssociationMember
2015 - Present
Westside Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
2008 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
2008 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
2001 - Present
Golden Key Honor SocietyMember
2001 - Present
National Society for Collegiate ScholarsMember
2005 - 2007
California Western Law ReviewAssociate Editor
Conspiracy to Commit Murder Dismissed
Not guilty
Not Guilty
Not Guilty
Not Guilty.
client successfully diverted pre-plea to earn a dismissal after we cross-examined the detective. Prosecution therefore moved to dismiss later = not guilty on all counts. Client saves time and money and most importantly walks.
Not guilty on all counts.
Not Guilty on all counts.
Not guilty.
HUNG JURY; DISMISSED PC 1385.
MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL GRANTED; former jeapoardy entered during second trial to enhancement- PC 1004(5) demurrer to enhancement sustained; client thus secures better plea offer [no jail] in round 2.
Not Guilty on both counts (VC 23152(a) and VC 23152(b)); NO ACTION on the alleged probation violation. Client walks.
HUNG JURY; DISMISSED PC 1385.
Hung jury on both counts.
HUNG JURY; DISMISSED PC 1385.
2007
JD - Juris Doctor (magna cum laude)
2004
Bachelor of Arts (high honors)
2016
2015
Miranda v. Arizona
2015
2014
2005
Torts
2005
Constiutional Law
2005
Community Property
2005
Criminal Law
2005
Civil Procedure
2005
Property Law
2005
Evidence
2005
Criminal Procedure
2015
2015
2005
2005
Spanish
English
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Can the police refuse to take and file a battery report? Would an attorney help me to go to the police with the footage to file?
19 Oct 2018
I broke someone's property who trespassed my home. Can they press charges?
23 Oct 2018
Is it possible to have an arrest removed from CA DOJ backround check?
08 Jun 2018