Gary Lesser

Managing Partner, Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, West Palm Beach

This nearly century-old law firm has been representing clients for three generations. It has 10 lawyers and 40 professional staff. Lesser has been the managing partner for almost 30 years. As Florida Bar president from 2022-2023, Lesser helped create Counsel to Counsel, the Bar’s mentoring program for newer lawyers. He has also served in leadership positions in many community organizations.

EDUCATION: George Washington University (BA), University of Miami School of Law (JD)

IF I WERE GOVERNOR: I would broaden the availability of health care for Floridians. This was worked on strongly in the last legislative session by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo. This will proactively save lives and improve the quality of living for so many Floridians. Research has shown that poor health is a major drain on our economy. The investment of funds for more health care will pay great dividends for our state.

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: After my parents, it’s my grandfather Joe Lesser, who started the firm in 1927. My grandfather always had a smile on his face and always believed that things could be better. He loved being a lawyer because he loved helping people

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: It all comes down to your reputation. Not a ‘brand’ you try to manage, but who you really are as a person and how you do your job and treat other people. Your reputation is a finite resource. If you give some portion of it away, it’s very difficult to get back.