Jennifer Lieser

Partner
Jennifer Lieser

Jennifer Lieser

Featured Practices

HEALTHCARE FRAUD
EXPORT CONTROL VIOLATIONS
BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL CRIMES
TAX CONTROVERSY
MONEY LAUNDERING
INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS
AML COMPLIANCE
SENTENCING

Jennifer Lieser is highly regarded in both legal and academic circles for her exceptional skills in litigating and investigating business and financial crimes. She leads the firm’s internal investigation and corporate compliance practice group, working with small to medium-sized companies throughout the country.

Jennifer has published in legal treatises and publications on international extradition, frauds involving cryptocurrency, and other policy, political and legal current events. She makes regular guest appearances on national television and online news networks, and speaks at legal conferences on a diverse array of white-collar and internal investigation topics.

Legal and Civic Leadership

Jennifer contributes to her colleagues as an active leader in white-collar defense lawyer associations. She is a leader of the international Women’s White Collar Defense Association (WWCDA), co-chairing the Social Media Committee, vice-chairing the Young Professionals Committee, and serving as the social media coordinator for the WWCDA Los Angeles Chapter. Jennifer also serves as co-chair of the Criminal Justice Section for the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles (WLALA). She is a member of the White Collar Criminal Defense Committee of the National Association of Criminal Defense (NACDL) and the Criminal Justice Section of the American Bar Association (ABA).

Comprehensive and Collaborative Strategies

Jennifer handles business and financial crimes, including fraud and money laundering offenses, cryptocurrency regulatory issues, tax controversy matters, AML compliance, and other white-collar and complex crimes. Her comprehensive understanding of both federal and state laws enables her to effectively navigate the intricacies of the legal landscape on both a local and national level.

Internal Investigations: As chair of the firm’s internal investigation and corporate compliance practice group, Jennifer represents corporations, financial institutions, and other organizations in investigations commonly triggered by government scrutiny or other litigation. Known for her meticulous attention to detail, Jennifer leads discrete and efficient investigations to identify possible red flags and advise accordingly on the corporate implementation of recommended legal compliance frameworks for addressing and rectifying areas of potential liability or exposure.

White-Collar Defense: In addition to internal investigations, Jennifer devotes a significant portion of her practice to defending clients against various white-collar criminal charges. Her holistic perspective in handling these matters places a strong emphasis on teamwork as the best vehicle by which to achieve a client’s objectives, leveraging a cadre of experts such as forensic accounts, investigators and technology experts. Her work in this area has resulted in the complete dismissal of charges in a healthcare fraud conspiracy, several worker’s compensation fraud matters, and a federal indictment for illegal importation of goods, among others. As an effective litigator, she has successfully defended her clients both in and out of the courtroom, reaching favorable and thoughtful resolutions for her clients.

A Background of Excellence

Prior to joining Kaplan Marino, Jennifer's career journey began with a foundation in corporate public relations, where she honed her skills at one of the world's leading firms in the field. Her experience extended to serving as a marketing and public relations director for a medium-sized company, where she gained valuable insights into strategic communication and brand management.

Jennifer's transition to law was informed by her early exposure to the courtroom at the Orange County Public Defenders, an experience that ignited her passion for advocacy. Drawing on her background in public relations and marketing, Jennifer brings a unique perspective to her legal practice. Her ability to effectively promote large companies and diverse products has proven instrumental in crafting persuasive legal arguments and skillfully representing her clients.

This dual expertise not only enriches Jennifer's approach to litigation but also enhances her ability to navigate complex legal challenges with creativity and confidence.

At Kaplan Marino, Jennifer continues to leverage her comprehensive skill set to provide exceptional legal representation, building on her reputation for excellence and her dedication to client success.

Team Members >

Recent Notable Matters

No charges filed in a $2.5 million healthcare fraud scheme, prominent physician client was recategorized from a target/subject to a witness and victim in a related indictment.

No charges filed in a major tax fraud conspiracy scheme involving client, a young tech entrepreneur.

Dismissal granted in a federal criminal case accusing a luxury handbag exporter of illegal importation.

Obtained court-ordered dismissal of criminal charges for attorney alleged to have been involved in an illegal referral and kickback scheme.

Secured a complete dismissal for businessman client charged with 54 counts of grand theft.

Obtained dismissal of property fraud counts in the infamous Varsity Blues college admissions case out of Boston.

Accolades

Obtained deferred prosecution agreement for attorney and city council member charged in an illegal referral and kickbacks scheme.

Women's White Collar Defense Association, Catherine M. O’Neil Mentoring Award, 2025

BEST LAWYERS, 'BEST LAW FIRMS,' LOS ANGELES, TIER 1 IN CRIMINAL DEFENSE: GENERAL PRACTICE AND WHITE-COLLAR, 2025

Chambers and Partners, Band 1 Litigation, White Collar & Government Investigations, Kaplan Marino, 2025

CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 'UP-AND-COMING LAWYER, WHITE-COLLAR CRIME & INVESTIGATIONS,' 2025

DOYLE'S GUIDE, 'LEADING LOS ANGELES LAWYERS: WHITE COLLAR CRIME & REGULATORY INVESTIGATIONS,' 2025

BEST LAWYERS 'ONES TO WATCH,' 2024–2026

LAWDRAGON '500 X–THE NEXT GENERATION,' 2023–2025

SUPER LAWYERS 'UP-AND-COMING TOP 50 WOMEN,' 2024

SUPER LAWYERS 'UP-AND-COMING TOP 100,' 2024

LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 'WOMEN OF INFLUENCE' ATTORNEY, 2024

LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 'THRIVING IN THEIR 40S,' 2023

LOS ANGELES TIMES 'MOST INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN NOMINEE,' 2021–2026

LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 'WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP AWARD NOMINEE,' 2021–2023

INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY EXPERTS, COMPLEX CRIMINAL LITIGATION LAW AWARD, 2021

DAILY JOURNAL ‘TOP 40 UNDER 40,' 2020

WOMEN’S WHITE COLLAR DEFENSE ASSOCIATION, SPOTLIGHT MEMBER, 2020

SUPER LAWYERS ‘RISING STAR,' 2018–2025

Media Mentions

“Jennifer and Nina have consistently demonstrated leadership, innovation, and excellence in the legal field. Their dedication to client success and commitment to elevating the practice of law make them truly deserving of this honor.” 
– Los Angeles Times, Inspirational Women Forum and Leadership Awards

“Jennifer is definitely a star.”
Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondent
Chambers Guide to the USA 

“Lieser’s ability to articulate complex legal principles and successfully argue on behalf of her clients has garnered her national attention.”
– Daily Journal, Thriving in their 40s 

“[She has] a unique edge on crafting clever legal arguments and confidently representing her clients both in and out of the courtroom.” 
– Los Angeles Business Journal, Women of Influence: Attorneys 

“Lieser’s active involvement in legal organizations, speaking engagements and unique background in public relations set her apart. Her involvement in various legal organizations, such as the Women’s White Collar Defense Association and Women Lawyers of Los Angeles, showcases her commitment to advancing white-collar criminal defense and women’s leadership.”
– Los Angeles Times, Business Visionaries Inspirational Women 

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Education and Bar Admissions

University of San Diego School of Law, JD, 2016
University of California, Berkeley, BA, with Honors, 2006

Bar Admissions
California, 2016
U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit, 2017
District Courts throughout the U.S.

Professional Memberships

Women’s White Collar Defense Association
White Collar Criminal Defense Committee Member, National Association of Criminal Defense 
Criminal Justice Section, American Bar Association 

Association Leadership

Co-Chair, Criminal Justice Section, Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles 
Co-Chair, Social Media Committee, Women’s White Collar Defense Association 
Vice-Chair, Young Professionals Committee, Women’s White Collar Defense Association 
Executive Leadership – Social Media Coordinator, Los Angeles Chapter, Women’s White Collar Defense Association