Jamahl Calvin Kersey

Jamahl Calvin Kersey

4.2
Rating: 9.2

Licensed for 16 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at San Diego, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Domestic Violence

427 C Street, Suite 313, San Diego, CA

About Jamahl

Biography

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 16 years

State: California

Acquired: 2009

Active

No misconduct found

Location

The Law Office of Jamahl C. Kersey, Esq.

427 C Street, Suite 313, San Diego, CA, 92101

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Jamahl Calvin Kersey's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.2 /5.0

17 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (17) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Feliz | September 10, 2015 | Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Review

I hired Jamahl Kersey as a criminal attorney about 4 years ago and he worked on my case for a little over a year. Never being in legal trouble in my life and then being charged with felony grand larceny, obviously caused a great deal of stress. I did not want to rely on a state appointed attorney f...or something so serious that was going to have a long term affect on my life. Jamahl was recommended to me by a family member and after my first phone consultation, I at least had confidence in having someone who would represent me well. Describing the details of my case are probably not too important in review of Jamahl Kersey but some details of the process and Jamahl's approach do tell a lot about him. By far the thing that stands out the most to me looking back on the process was how personally invested Jamahl was in my case. He took what felt like a personal interest in getting MY desired result. I probably was not the easiest client in that I was not willing to take any kind of deal at all. I did not do what I was being accused of and refused to take any type of deal. Through the whole process different deals were being offered our way, each getting better and better. At one point the deal offered was no jail time, record wiped clean after I think 1.5 years and a fine that was going to be cheaper than if we went to trial. I asked Jamahl for advice and he told me this deal was worth considering but always left every decision up to me. I was innocent so I said no to every deal. I remember having a conversation with Jamahl telling him that I was 100% innocent and he might hear that all the time but it is true with me and that is why I will never plead guilty. He said something to me that I feel is a characteristic you would want in an attorney. First he let me know he believed me when I claimed I was innocent and second he told me he didn't care a whole lot if I was or not. He said to me "My concern is to protect your Constitutional Rights." In any situation I would want an attorney who is going to fight for me no matter what and I feel he would've fought that way for me weather I was really guilty or not. Throughout the year long process Jamahl was always well informed on my case. He was familiar with all the details and never did I feel like he didn't know something about the cases status or was he confused or unfamiliar with the facts. Probably the thing that impressed me the most about Jamahl was his aggressive style. Talking to Jamahl on the phone and in person he does not come across as that type of person. In court and when dealing with the state's attorney he gave off a presence of not someone you can mess with and definitely don't try to bully or BS with. This was very apparent at my pretrial. At one point a detective on the witness stand was trying to give facts that were false and Jamahl quickly got on him and made it be known to everyone that this will not fly. I think his courtroom presence and aggression when dealing with the state's attorney is what lead to my case being dismissed. Jamahl was fully prepared for an actual trial and was ready to put on his big show but the state's attorney dropped the case days before the trial, they knew they would not be able to win. If I had gone with a public defender or another attorney I honestly don't believe this would have happened, I probably would have gone through a full trial. When it was all over he was just as happy and excited as I was. As I said earlier, Jamahl is an attorney who is definitely invested and cares about his clients. You can tell right away that he is a smart guy who is highly motivated and gives 100 percent effort in everything he does.

Posted by anonymous | April 14, 2014 | Immigration

Husband detained and going through deportation proceedings

My Husband was detained and was going through a deportation process. Mr. Kersey was able to help my husband get out. Mr. Kersey was very knowledgable about the case, kept me and my family informed of every process. He explained everything so we can understand. When I had questions he responded ...quickly. He knows what he is doing. I have and will recomend Mr. Kersey to others.

See All Client Reviews

Jamahl Calvin Kersey's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Jamahl
Kristine Carole Blagof headshot
Kristine Blagof

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Troy Patrick Owens Jr. headshot
Troy Owens

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jamahl is widely known as an expert in criminal cases with immigration issues. He remains a resource to many attorneys who lack the expertise. Jamahl's dedication to his clients and his attention to detail make him a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom. I highly endorse Jamahl to any client in need of his services."

John Howard Walker headshot
John Walker

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jamahl is an thoughtful and experienced attorney who brings real world common sense to getting the best result possible for criminal defendants. The criminal justice system can present many traps for the innocent. Jamahl is very skilled in navigating through the process. I strongly endorse this lawyer."

David Carl Beyersdorf headshot
David Beyersdorf

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Mariana Lotfy Hanna headshot
Mariana Hanna

Criminal defense lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jamahl Kersey is an outstanding attorney. He genuinely cares about each and every client and goes above and beyond to ensure that they receive the very best representation. His passion for his work makes him a great advocate for his clients!"

Cristina R Nuno headshot
Cristina Nuno

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jamahl is a zealous advocate who truly cares about his clients. He is always someone I think of when I need to give referrals for criminal or immigration cases."

James Nelson Dicks headshot
James Dicks

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"This attorney works very hard for the client and keeps up with the law by attending legal seminars to assist them in this regard. I endorse this attorney."

Michael Shemtoub headshot
Michael Shemtoub

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Our QC and Safety Plans, of cource we only extract the applicable parts or summaries and we do not include in our proposals the entire plan, unless they ask for it specifically."

Pablo A Zamora headshot
Pablo Zamora

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Daniel Guinn Shay headshot
Daniel Shay

Immigration lawyer | Jun 14

Relationship: Co-worker

"I worked with Jamahl at DLA Piper when we were file clerks during the day and in law school at night. He was always easy to work with and had a positive attitude. I am glad to see he is an attorney now because we need more attorneys like him!"

Allan Roth Mackins headshot
Allan Mackins

Immigration lawyer | Jun 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Mr. Kersey for any immigration matter. Whenever my firm is in need of a trusted San Diego attorney to handle either a complex or simple immigration matter, Jamahl is the first person we call. He has a firm grasp of immigration law, ICE detention and the court system."

Filex Alexandro Sanchez headshot
Filex Sanchez

Immigration lawyer | Jan 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Elliot M.S. Yi headshot
Elliot Yi

Unknown lawyer | Sep 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Nicole Lynn Heeder headshot
Nicole Heeder

Immigration lawyer | Apr 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have much respect for Jamahl as an attorney and a person. He takes the time to get to know his clients and truly provide them with the individualized service that they deserve. I highly recommend him for your immigration needs."

Taleed Rashad El-Sabawi headshot
Taleed El-Sabawi

Unknown lawyer | Mar 22

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Kersey is a brilliant litigator who is experienced and passionate about his cases. His knowledge of immigration, criminal law, and personal injury is impressive to say the least."

Fabian Powell headshot
Fabian Powell

Immigration lawyer | Feb 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kathryn Ursula Tokarska headshot
Kathryn Tokarska

Immigration lawyer | Feb 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jamahl is a hard working, caring, and very knowledgeable attorney. I highly recommend Jamahl to individuals needing immigration legal assistance."

Ashley Ellen Teague headshot
Ashley Teague

Immigration lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jamahl is not only an amazing person, he is an amazing immigration attorney who tirelessly fights for his clients' rights. I send any and all immigration referrals his way!"

Anne Marie Diggle Rabago headshot
Anne Rabago

Immigration lawyer | Feb 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jamahl is dedicated to serving his clients through challenging times. He is friendly, down-to-earth, hardworking, and genuinely cares about his clients' needs. I highly recommend him for criminal defense and immigration issues. If you happen to have both, he is the attorney you want representing you."

John Francis Mccarthy headshot
John Mccarthy

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jamahl is a brilliant, criminal defense attorney who understands the ins and outs of the immigration system. Unlike most criminal defense lawyers, Jamahl knows how your criminal case might affect your immigration status. Anytime I hear of somebody with criminal and immigration issues, Jamahl is the first name to come to mind."

View All Endorsements
John Howard Walker headshot
John Walker

Business lawyer

Mariana Lotfy Hanna headshot
Mariana Hanna

Immigration lawyer

Cristina R Nuno headshot
Cristina Nuno

Family lawyer

Elliot M.S. Yi headshot
Elliot Yi

Immigration lawyer

Nicole Lynn Heeder headshot
Nicole Heeder

Employment and labor lawyer

Taleed Rashad El-Sabawi headshot
Taleed El-Sabawi

Business lawyer

Fabian Powell headshot
Fabian Powell

Immigration lawyer

Kathryn Ursula Tokarska headshot
Kathryn Tokarska

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer

Ashley Ellen Teague headshot
Ashley Teague

Estate planning lawyer

Anne Marie Diggle Rabago headshot
Anne Rabago

Tax lawyer

John Francis Mccarthy headshot
John Mccarthy

Employment and labor lawyer

Mackenzie Wilker Mackins headshot
Mackenzie Mackins

Immigration lawyer

Jeffrey Paul Mach Jr headshot
Jeffrey Mach

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.2 (Superb)

Honors

2014

Top Attorney, San Diego Daily Transcript

2008

Order of Barristers, University of San Diego School of Law

2008

American Board of Trial Advocates Award, University of San Diego School of Law

2008

Third Place, American Association for Justice Trial Advocacy Competition

2007

Kathy Payne Scholarship, Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association

2007

Delroy Richardson Endowed Law Scholarship, University of San Diego School of Law

2007

First Place, San Diego Defense Lawyers National Mock Trial Competition

2006

Kathy Payne Scholarship, Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association

Work Experience

2014 - Present

Attorney, San Diego Office of Assigned Counsel

2010 - Present

Owner and Managing Partner, The Law Office of Jamahl C. Kersey, Esq.

2009 - 2009

Graduate Law Clerk, San Diego District Attorney's Office

2009 - 2010

Associate, Trachtman & Trachtman

2007 - 2008

Certified Legal Intern, San Diego District Attorney's Office

2007 - 2008

Law Clerk, Balestreri, Pendelton & Potocki

2007 - 2007

Judicial Intern - The Honorable Steven R. Denton, San Diego Superior Court

Associations

2012 - Present

Justicia Criminal Defense Association

Member

2011 - Present

San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association

Member

2011 - 2012

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member

2008 - 2008

Black Law Students Association

President

2006 - 2008

La Raza Students Law Students Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Hector Aguiluz-Pineda v. Holder

Petition for Review Granted

People vs. Salgado

Charged with First Degree Murder, ultimately Convicted of Second Degree Murder

See More Legal Cases

Education

2008

University of San Diego School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2004

San Diego State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

City Heights Law Day

Defending Criminal Cases

2014

USD Law Career Services Lunch Presentation

Starting a Solo Practice

2014

Neighborhood Law School

Immigration Law: Navigating the System and Where to Get Help

2014

Immigration Justice Project Volunteer Lawyer Training

Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions

2013

Recent Developments in Criminal Immigration

Criminal Defense/Immigration

2012

Immigration

Know Your Rights

Publications

2014

San Diego County Bar Association publication On the Stand - Jamahl Kersey

2012

University of San Diego Torero Network Featured Torero

Languages

Spanish

Activity

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