- Mark S Lester
- David Cantrell
- Matthew Kraus
- Heather Whitehead
Mark S. Lester, Partner
BIOGRAPHY
On April 1, 2010, Mark launched Lester & Cantrell LLP. Prior, he spent 20 years with a large statewide litigation firm, the final 12 of which as managing partner of the firm's Inland Empire office and, in 2006 he joined a local Riverside firm, which became Lobb Cliff & Lester, LLP.
Mark's practice primarily concentrates on the representation of private business, industry and individuals in litigation and pre-litigation claims arising from professional errors and omissions; and commercial, property and casualty losses, based upon theories of contract, negligence and fraud, product liability, and landowner, developer and contractor liability. He has tried cases in many California counties and the State of Nevada representing professionals, business owners, landowners and operators, product manufacturers and contractors. He has experience in cases involving a broad array of claims ranging from legal malpractice and malicious prosecution, design professional and broker and agent errors and omissions; real property disputes involving claims for damages, specific enforcement and injunctions; ownership of valuable mineral rights, forged deeds and even stolen race horses. He has also tried cases involving contaminated, dangerous and defective products.
Mark's practice also includes the representation of general engineering and construction contractors in both public and private works projects in resolving contract disputes, contractor remedies, and job-site accident litigation and claims.
Mark serves as an arbitrator and mediator for both the San Bernardino and Riverside County Superior Courts and has lectured to companies and organizations on issues pertaining to risk management, insurance and indemnity. He has also published articles related to his broad experience, ranging from malicious prosecution to rights and remedies under California's contractors license law.
ADMISSIONS
- State Bar of California
- United States District Court, Central District of California
- United States District Court, Southern District of California
- Riverside County Bar Association
- Associate member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
- Member of the State Bar Committee on Professional Liability Insurance
EDUCATION
- University of San Diego School of Law, J.D., 1985
- University of California, San Diego, B.A., English/American Literature, 1982
David Cantrell, Partner
BIOGRAPHY
Prior to opening Lester & Cantrell, LLP, in 2010, David was a partner in a regional full-service business law firm. David's practice concentrates on the representation of entrepreneurs, private businesses and professionals in litigation and business planning. David has tried cases throughout Southern California. David has experience handling claims arising from business disputes, failed real estate transactions, employment issues, malpractice claims against professionals, malicious prosecution. A large portion of his practice is dedicated to representing lawyers in litigation and pre-litigation planning arising from almost all areas of the practice of law-including issues involving ethical obligations.
In addition to his service to his clients, David has been involved in the local legal community through his service as a past director for the Riverside County Bar Association (2008-2010), President of the RCBA Barristers group (2008-2010), and a member of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court (2007-2009). David has also lectured on numerous occasions on issues concerning civil procedure and professional duties owed by lawyers to their clients.
ADMISSIONS
- State Bar of California
- United States District Court for the Central District of California
- United States District Court for the Southern District of California
- United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
ACTIVITIES
- Member of Riverside County Bar Association (RCBA) Board of Directors (2008-2010)
- President of the RCBA Barristers' group (2008-2010)
- Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court (2007-2008)
EDUCATION
- Pepperdine University School of Law, J.D., 2003
- San Diego State University, B.S., Criminal Justice, 1999
Matthew Kraus, Associate
BIOGRAPHY
Matthew graduated from University of California San Diego with a degree in Political Science with a focus on Law in Society. Matthew completed his legal education at Pepperdine University, School of Law. During law school, Matthew was an Editor for the Dispute Resolution Law Journal and received a Certificate in Dispute Resolution from the number one ranked, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution. During law school, Matthew also worked for a law firm where his practice areas included elder abuse and medical malpractice litigation.
Matthew graduated from Pepperdine University, School of Law in 2008, and joined the firm Lobb Cliff & Lester LLP, where his primary practice areas included the litigation of commercial, real estate and professional liability disputes.
EDUCATION
- Pepperdine University, School of Law, J.D. 2008
- University of California San Diego, B.A., Political Science, 2004
MEMBERSHIP
- State Bar of California
PRACTICE AREAS
- General Civil Litigation
- Business Litigation
- Professional Liability
ADMISSIONS
- California, 2008
- United States District Court for the Central District of California
Heather R. Whitehead
BIOGRAPHY
Heather graduated from Thomas Jefferson School of Law after obtaining her undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of California, Riverside.
Heather's previous practice focused on business litigation with an emphasis on representing contractors pursuing construction remedies.
At Lester & Cantrell, Heather works with the firm's staff to assist clients as they navigate through all phases of litigation including case evaluation, discovery, law and motion, trial preparation and alternative dispute resolution procedures.
EDUCATION
- Thomas Jefferson School of Law, J.D., 2005
- University of California, Riverside, B.A., Political Science, 2002
PRACTICE AREAS
- Professional Errors and Omissions
- Business Litigation
- Real Estate Litigation
- Construction Law
ADMISSIONS
- State Bar of California