Partner
Jack Leer is a trial lawyer and partner of Caldarelli Hejmanowski & Leer LLP who focuses his practice on complex commercial, construction, real estate, and insurance coverage litigation in state and federal court.
Jack has served as lead trial counsel in jury and bench trials across a broad range of high-stakes business disputes, and is known for his ability to bring creative, practical judgment to complex litigation — finding efficient solutions when possible, and delivering skilled courtroom advocacy when trial is necessary.
Before entering private practice, Jack served as a Judge Advocate in the United States Navy JAG Corps from 1996 to 2000, based in Norfolk, Virginia. During three years on active duty, he served as both defense counsel and prosecutor in criminal courts-martial and administrative proceedings, trying cases ranging from minor drug offenses to felony charges of financial fraud, theft of explosives, sexual assault, and rape in courts from Keflavik, Iceland to Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. In his final year of active duty, Jack was appointed Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecuting civilians who committed crimes on military installations and other federal property in the Hampton Roads area.
After leaving the Navy, Jack joined Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek, one of San Diego’s leading litigation firms, where he practiced for thirteen years before joining Caldarelli Hejmanowski & Leer LLP in 2013. He served as President of the San Diego Chapter of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers in 2015 and on its Board of Governors since 2008.
Education
- University of San Diego School of Law
J.D. (1996) - University of California, Los Angeles
B.A. (1993)
Bar Admissions & Courts
- State Bar of California
- U.S. District Court
Southern | Central | Northern Districts of California - U.S. District Court
Eastern District of Virginia - U.S. Court of Appeals
Ninth Circuit
Awards & Honors
- The Best Lawyers in America
Lawyer of the Year – Construction Litigation (2022) - The Best Lawyers in America (2013–present)
Commercial Litigation | Construction Litigation - San Diego Super Lawyers® (2016–2023)
Business Litigation | Top 50 - San Diego Super Lawyers® (2013–present)
Business Litigation - San Diego Business Journal: Best of the Bar
- San Diego Daily Transcript
Top Attorneys – Real Estate/Construction Litigation (2013)
Professional Affiliations
- Association of Business Trial Lawyers, San Diego Chapter
Past President (2015); Board of Governors (2008–2024) - American Inns of Court: Louis Welsh Chapter
- San Diego County Bar Association
- San Diego County Law Enforcement Foundation
Past President (2008–2009); Board of Directors (2001–2013) - San Diego Yacht Club
Commodore (2023)
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 764-8112
jrl@chllawfirm.com