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LLL&S LEGACY AND HISTORY
The Firm’s -year Legacy of Helping Families in Florida
The Firm’s 97-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 celebrated its 97th Anniversary in March.
“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.
Joseph Lesser as a new lawyer, circa late 1920s.
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 97 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.
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 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 several 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 he died in 1982.
Joseph Lesser established the Firm’s beginnings, both in terms of professional service, hard work, and dedication to our client’s 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.
Bar is Advised to Clean House
June 30, 1942
Lawyers should clean up any irregularities in their own number before public scandal arrises, thus improving the prestige and honor of the profession, Circuit Judge Ross Williams, Miami, declared today at the monthly meeting of the Palm Beach County Bar Association in the Hotel George Washington. Read complete news article.
Joe Lesser Wins Dr. Ralph Overstreet Memorial Trophy
1964
The Palm Beach County Lion’s Clubs was proud to present Joseph Lesser with this trophy for his victory for Low Gross at their Golf Tournament in downtown West Palm Beach in 1964.
Joseph Lesser Named President of Lions Club
April 22, 1960
Joseph H. Lesser was elected President of the West Palm Beach Lions Club, at a luncheon meeting of that group Friday at Hotel George Washington. Read complete news article.
Joe Lesser Receives Boss of the Year Award
January 21, 1965
The Palm Beach Times – Boss of the year award from the West Palm Beach Jaycees went to Joe Lesser (right) during ceremonies Wednesday at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Belvedere Road. President Bill Nicholson presented the award in honor of Lesser’s contributions and support of the local organization during 1964. Charles B. Potter of Burdines was guest speaker at the annual Bosses’ Night Banquet.
Lantana Awards Hall Contract
July 25, 1960
West Palm Beach Attorney Joseph Lesser represents two Lantana citizens. Read complete news article.
Shepard Lesser Advocates for Locating the 4th District Court of Appeals in West Palm Beach
January 1, 1969
Palm Beach County has more to offer for location of a new Appellate Court here, local attorneys contended Thursday. Members of a committee of County Bar Association and Junior Bar Association attorneys working on a proposal to entice… more.
Mayor Sets Apart "Fire Prevention Week"
October 9, 1961
Mayor Persey I. Hopkins Jr., West Palm Beach, shown center, signed a proclamation Saturday, setting aside a “Fire Prevention Week” this week in this city. Shown left is Shepard Lesser, chairman of the 1961 “Miss Fire Prevention” beauty queen pageant. Read complete news article.
Next Generation Supports Israel Bonds
December 17, 1996
Passing the torch from generation to generation, or L’Dor V’Dor, can produce a lasting benefit for an entire Jewish community. This was the theme of the Sunday, Dec. 8, tribute dinner in honor of Shep Lesser and his son, Gary, that was given by the New… more.
