Ernest J. Lee

PRO

Ernest J. Lee

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 24 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at San Diego, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Personal Injury

2878 Camino del Rio South, Suite 400, San Diego, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Ernest

Biography

Millions Recovered For Injured Victims - Get The Compensation You Deserve

The Lee Law Group provide top flight legal representation for you and your family.

Our personal injury relief provides medical care, and compensation for your losses.

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 95%

We provide criminal defense for all types of matters, especially DUI, domestic violence and possession of drugs cases. In addition, we have recently invested significant resources in augmenting our criminal defense practice so that we would be, and are, better equipped to protect you, your rights and your freedoms.

20 years

95%
Personal Injury 5%

Our personal injury relief provides cash awards for medical care to compensate you for your loss earnings and other financial losses due to injury caused by the actions of others.

23 years

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 500-600 per hour

Contingency

25%-40%

Pro bono

2 %

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in California for 24 years

State: California

Acquired: 2001

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Ernest Lee

2878 Camino del Rio South, Suite 400, San Diego, CA, 92108

leelawgroup.net/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Ernest online.

Ernest J. Lee's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

119 Client Reviews

5 star (119)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by anonymous | February 20, 2026 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Helpful lawyer

After 11 years, I’m genuinely impressed that Lee Law Group is still going strong and delivering the same level of professionalism and care as day one. I recently needed old records for employment purposes, and they went above and beyond to track everything down for me. They handled it quickly, kept m...e updated, and didn’t charge me a single dollar for the help. It’s rare to find a law office that stays this consistent, reliable, and supportive over the years. I’m grateful for their work and highly recommend them to anyone who needs legal assistance.

Posted by Terrell | December 3, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Thank you, Mr. Lee!

I’m beyond grateful for Mr. Lee! Leading up to the months I met Mr. Lee, I could tell that I was on the verge of losing myself, as if I felt something was going to happen that would change the course of my life forever. Little did I know, I ran into legal trouble. When I was released on bail, the... bail bondsman handed me a list of lawyers. Mr. Lee was the one that instantly stood out to me because his last name was my middle name. I thought it was funny and didn't think much after that. Little did I know, that was one of the best decisions I would make. The day I met Mr. Lee, I was nervous because I didn't know what to expect after being in jail. I never had to speak with an attorney before, and just thought my world was over before it began. But the moment I met Mr. Lee, he actually put me at ease, despite learning that my charge was in fact a felony and that I could be looking at 2 years in prison. Even with the bad news, I still felt good about the outcome, that I was in the right hands. Mr. Lee was very understanding and easy to talk to. He kindly explained the entire process in a way that I could understand, whether it was good news or bad news. The thing that impressed me the most was that he was so chill and he had already developed a plan to attack my charge to get it reduced to a misdemeanor with no jail time. It was almost as if he had seen the future and knew exactly how it would play out. In the end, he was 100% correct. In the courtroom, Mr. Lee was a master at his craft. Before every court appearance, he would explain what we would accomplish that day and help calm my nerves by reassuring my confidence in the process. It was amazing to see how his presence was felt in every court hearing we went to. Mr. Lee wasn't only an amazing attorney; he was someone that inspired me to do better, as if he was a bigger brother and at times a father figure. Because of Mr. Lee, I am forever grateful for everything he has done for me, going above and beyond. I could actually tell he genuinely loved what he did and cared about his clients. I say it all the time: I don't know where I would be if it weren’t for Mr. Lee. Since the success of my case, I have been married for over 5 years with two beautiful boys. I even recently graduated with my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health to become a Licensed Mental Health Therapist so I too can follow in the footsteps of Mr. Lee in helping my own community. My name is Terrell, and I highly recommend Lee Law Group! From my personal experience, Mr. Lee is the best attorney without any doubt in my mind. Thanks again Mr.Lee!

Posted by Lisa | December 2, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

A good man still exists.

Mr.Lee was responsive and efficient. He got the job done and we really appreciated his help without him. I don't know what we would've done.

Posted by Lana | November 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Mr.Lee made me feel confident about my situation.

I highly recommend Mr.Lees services and guidance. He communicates very well and is happy to go the extra mile for his clients he provided me with a document at the end of our journey together that no other lawyer mentioned, as well as did steps that no other lawyers mentioned in their consultation ca...lls He is priced fair and will help you win!

Posted by Armonte | November 22, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

5 star review

I can’t thank my attorney Lee enough for the work they put into my case. From day one, they were professional, honest, and completely dedicated to helping me through one of the most stressful situations of my life. They fought hard and beat my DMV case from my crash, which lifted a huge weight off my... shoulders. They always kept me informed, explained everything clearly, and never made me feel judged. Their confidence and attention to detail made all the difference, and I truly felt like I had someone in my corner who cared about the outcome just as much as I did. If you’re looking for an attorney who actually delivers results and treats you with respect, I highly recommend them. Five stars all the way.

See All Client Reviews

Ernest J. Lee's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Ernest
Joshua Rollin Bourne headshot
Joshua Bourne

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ernest Lee is a great lawyer. He works hard on every case, and is well respected by his peers, opposing counsel, and the judges."

Erik Adler Friis headshot
Erik Friis

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Ernest for several years now. Ernest is a very hard - working attorney and is always trying to find ways to help his clients. We have had many great discussions about the law and ways we can serve our clients better. Ernest is a stand-up guy, a friendly guy, and a great advocate for his clients as well as a great friend. I endorse him."

Charles Roy Gilliland headshot
Charles Gilliland

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Ernest for several years now and have seen him in action many times. Ernest is always prepared, thorough, and zealous in his representation of his clients. He has been of invaluable assistance to me a number of times in the past and he never hesitates to help. You are in good hands indeed if Ernest is in your corner."

Shoshuen Chiu headshot
Shoshuen Chiu

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Ernest is caring, fair, and professional. Absolutely loved working with him!"

Wei-Hua Wang headshot
Wei-Hua Wang

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ernest is a tremendous attorney. Resourceful, diligent, and cares deeply about his clients. That is a heck of a combination! Any client will be happy to have Ernest as their counsel. I have no reservations in endorsing Ernest!"

Jeremy H. Elias headshot
Jeremy Elias

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 25

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I've had the pleasure of working with and for Mr. Lee on many matters over the last year. He really is a true professional whose number one priority is always his clients. I have the upmost respect for him as an attorney and as a person."

Joshua James Price headshot
Joshua Price

Unknown lawyer | Apr 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Ernest now for a couple of years and every time I see him in Court, he is fighting for his client! I cannot say that about all attorney's and have a huge amount of respect for his willingness to fight and knowledge of the law. He will work relentlessy to get his client the best possible deal! I endorse this lawyer."

Alisha A. Wood headshot
Alisha Wood

Personal injury lawyer | Feb 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"A true professional. Zealously advocates for his clients. I endorse this attorney."

Matthew H. Springmeyer headshot
Matthew Springmeyer

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Ernest for several years, and he is an amazing advocate. He is one of the rare criminal defense attorneys that will go above and beyond for his clients. He not only knows all aspects of criminal law, but he pursues novel issues to ensure his clients' rights are protected. He zealously advocates for all of his clients, but he is also a good person. You will not be disappointed if you hire him to represent you on ANY criminal matter. I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer."

Rosemary Jane Meagher-Leonard headshot
Rosemary Meagher-Leonard

Personal injury lawyer | Jun 24

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Ernest is an excellent and conscientious attorney. He is also a tireless advocate for his clients. I have been working with Ernest on a couple of cases and I have been very impressed with his knowledge of the law and his work ethic. I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Joshua Rollin Bourne headshot
Joshua Bourne

Criminal defense lawyer

Shoshuen Chiu headshot
Shoshuen Chiu

Criminal defense lawyer

Erik Adler Friis headshot
Erik Friis

Criminal defense lawyer

Wei-Hua Wang headshot
Wei-Hua Wang

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeremy H. Elias headshot
Jeremy Elias

Criminal defense lawyer

Joshua James Price headshot
Joshua Price

Criminal defense lawyer

Charles Roy Gilliland headshot
Charles Gilliland

Criminal defense lawyer

Alisha A. Wood headshot
Alisha Wood

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew H. Springmeyer headshot
Matthew Springmeyer

Criminal defense lawyer

Rebecca Lack headshot
Rebecca Lack

Insurance lawyer

Terry Lynn Thomas headshot
Terry Thomas

Intellectual property lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2022

SuperLawyer, SuperLawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2012

Top Attorney, Semi-finalist, San Diego Daily Transcript

Work Experience

2008 - Present

Founder, Chief Counsel, LEE LAW GROUP

2004 - 2007

Associate, Simpson & Brenner

2002 - 2008

Founder, Counsel, Ernest Lee & Associates

2000 - 2001

Associate Attorney, Martorella & Associates

1998 - 1999

Clerk, US District Court, E. District Missouri

Associations

2012 - Present

San Diego Consumer Attorneys

Member

2012 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2012 - Present

American Association for Justice

Member

2010 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

Education

1998

University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1996

University of Missouri

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Languages

Spanish

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution