Jonathan Mandel

I engaged Jonathan after my wife experienced a psychiatric episode from a previously undiagnosed mental illness, and was unfortunately arrested by local law enforcement. He came highly recommended both through my professional network in Los Angeles and through the Department of Mental Health. Jonatha...n was invaluable in helping us maneuver through the very frightening mental competency process, and getting us a hearing immediately after the court declared my wife competent. He successfully negotiated a fair and just resolution of the case with the DA, which will ultimately result in reduction or elimination of all serious charges. Not only is Jonathan THE expert in this area, I am convinced that we would not have had the successful outcome we achieved without the close relationships and respect he has developed with the attorneys, prosecutors and staff of the mental health court and the criminal courts throughout Los Angeles. More importantly, Jonathan helped us feel that someone in this inefficient and often unjust system actually cared about the people caught up in it. I would give Jonathan my highest recommendation for the simplest to the most complex of cases.

Jonathan performed an exceptionally competent and thorough presentation of my case, using expert psychiatrists as examiners and witnesses. It may have taken less time with a jury than through a bench trial, but he understood my nervousness going up against a forensic treatment program I had been invo...lved in for almost 20 years. All in all, my family, friends, church members, and I are all very happy and relieved that I won the case!

Jonathan is a very unique lawyer, though in the very best way. He seemed to care truly and genuinely for our family, and did everything possible to give our son (his client) the best outcome. Speaking from a an emotional standpoint, he always put our needs alongside the needs of our son. That is, Jon...athan cared just as much about making sure our family and home was safe from the violent tendencies of our son, and fought with equal concern towards getting him reasonable settlement and finding the best alternatives to prison time that the judge would agree to. He pushed for the best treatment centers and even came along with us to check one of them out. He seemed to be honestly concerned for our son's welfare, just as much as he was concerned about the fragile state of our family. In a way, Jonathan became a friend and a confidante. It is with grace and humor that he pulled our family through some difficult times, and for that we cannot say enough good things about him.

I was charged with three felony charges back in June of 2011. I was referred to Jonathan by a friend that had recently been put through the court systems. After checking multiple sources including other lawyers and defendants that Jonathan has worked with, I decided to have him represent me. I have... never had to deal with a criminal defense situation before. It is difficult to comprehend what you are going to go through with court if you haven’t done it before. The possibility of serving years in jail can really screw with your head. Fortunately, I had Jonathan to put me at ease and provide me with multiple strategies and different options before going to trial. Jonathan is trustworthy, reliable and most importantly, made me feel confident in the court room. After months of being in the San Fernando Court system, Jonathan got me a plea offer that I couldn’t pass up; 30 days community service and 1 felony that will be reduced to a misdemeanor in the next couple months. He knows his way around the courtroom, communicates well and is punctual. I highly recommend Jonathan!