Our History
Joseph Lesser hard at work, circa 1950s.
Joseph H. Lesser graduated from the University of Georgia in 1917. He moved from Rome, Georgia to West Palm Beach in 1926 and began selling real estate. Joe Lesser began practicing law in West Palm Beach in 1927, and the Firm has continued in active practice throughout Florida since that time. Joseph Lesser set the Firm’s standards of practicing law with professionalism, hard work, and attention to client service that are still adhered to today.
Joseph Lesser as a new lawyer, circa late 1920s.
Joseph Lesser quickly became very involved with numerous organizations in town. He was a founder and the first President of Temple Beth El, Palm Beach County’s first Conservative synagogue. He was the founder and one of the first Presidents of the first local B’nai B’rith chapter, and he was a regional President of and a volunteer for the Lion’s Club for most of his life. Joseph Lesser was also very involved with the Salvation Army, at one point serving as General Counsel. He was recognized by a number of organizations for his community involvement and leadership, most notably receiving the Ben Gurion award from the State of Israel Bonds. Mr. Lesser stayed very active in the community and continued to practice law until his death in 1982.
Joseph Lesser established the Firm’s beginnings, both in terms of professional service, hard work and dedication to our clients’ needs, as well as setting the finest example of the importance of community service.
The lawyers at Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith have continued this tradition of service to our clients, community involvement and dedication to professionalism.
The Firm’s 90-year Legacy of Helping Families in Florida
Back during the age of the Flagler Era that ushered in the “Land Boom” expansion in Palm Beach County, my grandfather Joseph H. Lesser cultivated the beginnings of the law firm now known as Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC, which is celebrating its 90th Anniversary in March 2017.
“Joe,” as he was called by his friends and clients, graduated from the University of Georgia and began practicing law there. He moved from Rome, Georgia to West Palm Beach in 1926 during the height of the growth of the area and began selling real estate, but was drawn back to practicing law in 1927, and the Firm has continued in active practice throughout Florida since that time.
When Joe Lesser started out as a young lawyer, he quickly became very involved with numerous organizations that helped create the fabric of the community in Palm Beach County. He was a founder and one of the first Presidents of Temple Beth El, he served as the regional President of and a volunteer for the Lion’s Club for most of his life. My grandfather was also very involved with the Salvation Army, at one point serving as the local General Counsel. He stayed very active in the community and continued to practice law until his death in 1982. In continuation of his legacy and in the spirit of inherently caring about the community, the Firm, its lawyers and staff continue this strong commitment to community service.
In 1960, Joe’s son, my father Shepard Lesser joined the firm, turning it into a family-run operation, and “Lesser & Lesser” was born. “Shep” as he is known, expanded the practice by adding real estate and probate law to the firm’s general practice established by his father. To continue the legacy of giving back, Shep served as Vice President of the Gulfstream Council of Boy Scouts of America, President of the Family Services Agency, in addition to his involvement in numerous other charitable endeavors. “Shep” Lesser is currently the Firm’s Senior Partner and is a distinguished member of The Florida Bar for over 55 years.
The firm’s family legacy continued in 1992 when I joined my grandfather’s firm, missing the opportunity to work with my grandfather by ten years. I expanded the firm’s practice into personal injury law, and in 1992, the firm consisted of two lawyers and one assistant. In my 25 years at the firm, I have had the fortune of two great partners, Joe Landy and Mickey Smith, joining the firm and together we have expanded the personal injury practice to 11 lawyers and 25 staff members. Staying true to my grandfather’s values of practicing law with professionalism, hard work and attention to client service – Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith still does no formal direct advertising, getting cases by word of mouth, reputation, and referral.
It’s 90 years later and the Firm is still growing. What started out as a small office on Narcissus Avenue has turned into a third generation firm that has helped thousands of personal injury clients throughout Florida. On the eve of its anniversary, the Firm honor’s Joe’s memory and the foundation that he established.
A Look Back at 90 Years
Contact Lesser Lesser Landy & Smith PLLC Today
We are committed to providing equal access to justice for all. As a result, every personal injury and wrongful death case is handled on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will never write a check to our firm or come out of pocket for any expense. Instead, our fee is taken from the amount that the insurance company pays, and it is based solely on the amount that you recover.
Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith handles cases throughout the State of Florida, ranging from personal injury and wrongful death to nursing home abuse, product defects and medical malpractice. Our team of eleven attorneys has the experience, resources and ability to help you obtain justice as you work to rebuild your life. Please feel free to browse our website, fill-out the contact form or simply call our offices at any time if you have additional questions or if you would like assistance with your legal matter.
Happy 92nd Anniversary To The Firm
Today marks the 92nd anniversary of Lesser Lesser Landy & Smith. The Firm was founded by Joseph Lesser from Rome, GA, in a small one-room office inside the Citizens Building in downtown West Palm Beach. Joe had a simple mission: Do your best to help your clients and your community. The Firm is proud… Read More »
Lesser’s Committee Moves 4th District Court of Appeals to Area in 1960s
A Palm Beach Post article circa 1965 about Shepard Lesser’s efforts to make West Palm Beach the 4th District Court of Appeals new home…. Read More »
Senior Partner, Shepard Lesser, Celebrates 50 Years
June 3, 1960 marked an important date at the law offices of Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC. Senior Partner, Shepard P. Lesser, began working with his father, Joseph H. Lesser, on this date – 50 years ago… more… Read More »
