Mr. Kleven owns and operates his own law practice in San Diego, California, with an emphasis on plaintiff’s personal injury cases (e.g., car accidents, slip and falls, etc.) and federal criminal defense. In addition, Mr. Kleven has written multiple appellate opinions to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, as well as successfully arguing before the Ninth Circuit. In 2015, Mr. Kleven became a member of the National Trial Lawyer’s Top 100.
Prior to opening his own practice in 2013, Mr. Kleven was an associate attorney at Baughman & Associates, where he gained valuable experience in and out of the courtroom. He opened his own firm to pursue his desire to represent plaintiffs in personal injury cases.
Mr. Kleven earned his law degree from California Western School of Law in San Diego. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in international politics from Brigham Young University.
For more than five years, Mr. Kleven has volunteered at the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program. While a law student, Mr. Kleven interned with the program's HIV/AIDS Legal Services Project, assisting low-income HIV positive individuals with estate planning, bankruptcy and other debtor/creditor problems, and employment discrimination. As an attorney, he continues to assist the program and consults with the program’s attorneys and client's. He was a recipient of the Wiley W. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal Services from the State Bar of California in 2007.
In his spare time, Mr. Kleven enjoys the occasional movie, cooking and traveling to less-common get aways. Mr. Kleven has traveled extensively through the British Isles, Norway, Bali and North America.
Practice areas
Mr. Kleven assists those injured in a car accident to obtain compensation for your injuries. If you have suffered damages in a car accident please contact our office for a free consultation.
Representing plaintiffs in all forms of personal injury cases, ranging from dog bites to car accidents to sexual abuse cases. If you have suffered damages as a result of another's misconduct please contact our office for a free consultation.
12 years, 25 cases
Mr. Kleven represents individuals charged in federal court. Federal charges commonly involve drug smuggling, alien smuggling, RICO, white collar crimes, and illegal reentry.
14 years, 150 cases
Mr. Kleven has successfully argued before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal and is available to represent you.
12 years, 8 cases
Languages spoken
English, Spanish
Law Office of Leif Kleven
910 Hale Place
Suite 212
Chula Vista, CA, 91914
Law Office of Leif Kleven
1059 10th Ave
San Diego, CA, 92101
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CA | Active | 2009 | 02/07/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Rising Star | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2019 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2018 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2017 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2016 |
Special Recognition | American Bar Association, Immigration Justice Project | 2012 |
Wiley W. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal Services | State Bar of California | 2007 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Attorney/Owner | Law Office of Leif Kleven | 2013 - Present |
Associate | Baughman & Associates | 2009 - 2013 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Irish American Bar Association of San Diego | Member | 2017 - Present |
San Diego County Bar Association | Member | 2016 - Present |
San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association | Member | 2015 - Present |
Criminal Defense Bar Association of San Diego | Member | 2015 - Present |
San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyers Club | Member | 2015 - Present |
American Bar Association | Member | 2015 - Present |
The Source Professional Association | Founding Member | 2013 - Present |
Tom Homann Law Association | Member | 2007 - Present |
National Trial Lawyers Association | Member | 2015 - 2016 |
American Immigration Lawyers Association | Member | 2013 - 2015 |
Federal Bar Association | Member | 2010 - 2011 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
HubPages | Why I Represent Individuals Charged with Illegal Reentry | 2015 |
Avvo | Considerations When Charged With Illegal Reentry | 2014 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
California Western School of Law | Juris Doctor | 2009 |
Brigham Young University | B.A. | 2006 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
The Source Professional Association | Appellate Oral Arguments | 2015 |
The Source Professional Association | Improving Client Interviews | 2015 |
The Source Professional Association | Law Firm Technology | 2014 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
United States v. V. | Felony Complaint Dismissed |
U.S. v. Rodriguez | |
U.S. v. Y. | CASE DISMISSED |
M.L. v. W.T. | Pre-lawsuit settlement |
U.S. v. B | Sanctions reversed |
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March 28, 2016
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Patrick Monroe, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 18, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Kleven is an exceptional attorney who is highly regarded and well respected by his peers. He serves his clients with integrity, diligence and professionalism while vigorously defending their rights. I strongly recommend Mr. Kleven to anyone who needs an exceptional criminal defense attorney on their side.
Colleen Dillon, Immigration Attorney on Jun 12, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have known Mr. Kleven for a number of years. I have worked with him on a few cases and consulted with him on legal issues. I have always been impressed by his thoroughness and insight on complex cases. He genuinely cares about his work product and most importantly his clients. He has handled extremely difficult criminal matters that involve many other areas of the law and he does so with command knowing how one action affects the other. He has also traveled across the country to interview potential witnesses and depose key parties. I was very impressed with his abilities and handle on these large cases.
Anthony Hasson, Unknown Attorney on Jun 22, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Ekaterina Powell, Unknown Attorney on Jun 11, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Michael LeMond, Criminal defense Attorney on May 5, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Leif. Highly respected in the legal community with a strong reputation for client advocacy and dedication.
Jill Rogers, Unknown Attorney on Mar 17, 2015
Relationship: Other
Top-notch attorney. I endorse this lawyer.
John Elbert, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 14, 2015
Relationship: Other
Leif is an experienced, highly respected attorney who always represents his clients with the utmost of skill,knowledge and understanding.i can readily endorse him without hesitation or reservation.
David Dastrup, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 9, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Erin Lee, Unknown Attorney on Feb 23, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Aaron McAllister, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 20, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Vonnie Dones, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 16, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A top-notch attorney, highly respected in the legal community.
Thomas Spivack, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 4, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. It is very clear from his experience, contributions and reviews that Mr. Kleven is extremely knowledgeable and highly competent. I wouldn't hesitate recommending him.
Jessica Hargis, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 3, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. A well-known lawyer in the criminal defense community.
Michael Payne, Personal injury Attorney on Jan 30, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Dorinda Myers, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 19, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
When you find yourself, or a loved one, in need of criminal representation it is important to have an experienced knowledgeable attorney on your side. Mr. Kleven is well respected in the legal community because he is just that.
Sean Cleary, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 20, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community.
David Schwarz, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 17, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I highly recommend this lawyer he is a true professional
Giacomo Behar, Immigration Attorney on Oct 25, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant attorney, highly respected in the legal community.
Matthew Nezhad, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 23, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse attorney Leif Harrison Kleven. He is experienced, skilled, and an asset to the legal profession. He has earned respect from his clients and colleagues in the legal field.
Jack Boltax, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 19, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have known Mr. Kleven for over 5 years since he did some work for me as a law clerk. I have recently worked with him when he second chaired a case involving the sexual exploitation of a minor. He is also helping me with the appeal on that case as well as on a contempt citation and trial preparation in a complex federal drug conspiracy case. His legal skills are unparalleled, particularly in the areas of computer case organization and research. He has a crisp and clear legal mind and is quickly able to ferret out red herrings in a case, His writing style is direct and to the point. Very efficient in terms of time management. I whole heartedly recommend him and endorse him.
Colleen Dillon, Immigration Attorney on Jun 12, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have known Mr. Kleven for a number of years. I have worked with him on a few cases and consulted with him on legal issues. I have always been impressed by his thoroughness and insight on complex cases. He genuinely cares about his work product and most importantly his clients. He has handled extremely difficult criminal matters that involve many other areas of the law and he does so with command knowing how one action affects the other. He has also traveled across the country to interview potential witnesses and depose key parties. I was very impressed with his abilities and handle on these large cases.
Jennifer Erdmann, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 1, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Kleven and I attended law school together and have since maintained a friendship and business relationship working in the San Diego legal community. Since then, I have learned that he is a thoughtful, and dedicated attorney. When it comes to matters of criminal defense and any related issues, I would not hesitate to recommend Mr. Kleven to my clients and friends.
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