Firm Legacy
The Firm’s 95-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 95th Anniversary in March 2022.
Joseph Lesser as a new lawyer, circa late 1920s.
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 95 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 95 Years
