Jose M. Lerma - Qualifications

Firm Focus and History

Criminal law and civil litigation involving small business disputes. Limited personal injury and general civil work.

Private practice from 1973 to 1990 when I assumed Superior Court bench in Santa Cruz County (full time in 1990); resumed private practice in Pima County in October, 1999.

Previous Experience Summary

1985 to 1990 Santa Cruz County, AZ, Superior Court Judge Pro Tem (part time); 1990 to October, 1999, Superior Court Judge Pro Tem (full time), and Superior Court Judge elected for Santa Cruz County, AZ.

Activities and Awards

Pro Bono work for legal aid; consulting attorney for Mexican Consulate in Nogales, Santa Cruz County, Arizona; received "OHTLI" award from Mexican Government foreign relations secretary for work performed on behalf of minorities and low-income; past Board Member, MALDEF (Mexican-American Legal Defense and Education Fund); past Board Member, St. Andrews Crippled Children's Clinic, Nogales, AZ

Bar Admissions

State of Arizona, Sep 1972
Bar Number: 003020

Specialty Certifications

Until 1990 when I took judicial position full-time I was Bar Certified Arizona Criminal Law Specialist.

Other Court Admissions

Arizona Courts; Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals; U.S. District Court, Arizona.

Association Memberships

Arizona Bar member.

Continuing Education

I am currently teaching legal education seminars and attending some to complete requirements.

Example Cases

I have well over 250 jury trials under my belt as both attorney (primary) and judge. I've handled 9 first-degree homicide jury trials and have handled thousands of criminal cases involving violent crimes, sex crimes, burglaries, other property crimes, embezzlement and other white-color crimes. Drug cases in both Federal and State Court we handle with great frequency.

Education

Degree:

Juris Doctor

School:

University of Arizona, College of Law

City:

Tucson

State:

Year:

1969

Honors:

Reginald Herber-Smith Fellowship.

Focus and Accomplishments:

Majored in Government Regulation of Business

Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

School:

University of Arizona

City:

Tucson

State:

Year:

1966

Honors:

Ford Foundation Scholarship; Special Master's Program acceptance.

Focus and Accomplishments:

Majored in Literature/Philosophy.