Jean-Paul Le Clercq, Makarem & Associates associate
Image: courtesy photo
Jean-Paul Le Clercq, 32, associate
Makarem & Associates
Since joining Los Angeles-based litigation firm Makarem & Associates in 2007, Le Clercq has been the lead attorney on nearly every case he's worked on, including contract disputes, legal malpractice, pharmaceutical product liability, personal injury and consumer protection class actions. His work has included depositions and defense, summary judgment motions and trial preparation. His practice has focused lately on employment disputes, including wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment and wage-and-hour class actions. In 2011, Le Clercq was the sole attorney at trial on a breach of contract/wrongful termination suit that ended in settlement, and acted as second chair on a monthlong pharmaceutical suit that ended with a defense verdict. During law school, he worked as an extern with the Beverly Hills/Malibu district attorney's office.
Word that best describes you?
Efficient.
Toughest moment in law school or as a lawyer?
No tough moments in law school. Five-week trial last year against Eli Lilly & Co. was the hardest I've ever worked in my life.
Guilty pleasure?
No pleasures I feel guilty about.
Favorite quote?
"The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars." — Jack Kerouac
A lawyer you admire?
I don't "admire" any lawyers, but there are many that I think are good.
