Michael Lesser

Michael Lesser

Thornton Law Firm LLP
  • Asbestos & Mesothelioma, Personal Injury, Products Liability
  • Massachusetts
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Biography

Mr. Lesser heads Thornton Law Firm’s False Claims Act / Qui Tam litigation section, representing whistleblowers that report fraud on the Federal and State governments. While practicing in traditional areas of False Claims litigation, including Medicare and Medicaid fraud, Mr. Lesser also handles litigation involving finance and bank fraud.

In 2020 Mr. Lesser's client, an FX trader who worked for Bank of New York Mellon, was awarded the then largest individual SEC whistleblower award in the history of SEC whistleblower litigation. The client's almost $50 million dollar award was for providing original information to the Securities and Exchange Commission that resulted in a successful enforcement action that returned a significant amount of money to harmed investors.

During his time at Thornton Law Firm, Mr. Lesser has represented clients in all of the firm’s practice areas, including victims of exposure to asbestos, glycol ethers, and lead. Mr. Lesser was also part of the firm’s litigation team that represented the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in its claims against the tobacco industry. Mr. Lesser was appointed Special Assistant Attorney General representing the Commonwealth from 1996 through 1999 for this purpose. Mr. Lesser was selected as one of New England's 2020 Top Rated Lawyers by ALM Media and Martindale-Hubbell™. He was selected as a Massachusetts Super Lawyers Rising Star for 2010. He was also named an Up-and-Coming Lawyer by Massachusetts Lawyers’ Weekly in 2002.

Practice Areas
Asbestos & Mesothelioma
Personal Injury
Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
Products Liability
Drugs & Medical Devices, Motor Vehicle Defects, Toxic Torts
Additional Practice Areas
  • False Claims Act/Qui Tam
  • Whistleblower Litigation
Fees
  • Contingent Fees
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Massachusetts
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1st Circuit
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Languages
  • English
Professional Experience
Attorney
Thornton Law Firm LLP
- Current
Education
Boston University School of Law
J.D. (1995)
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Brandeis University
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Awards
New England's 2020 Top Rated Lawyers
ALM Media and Martindale-Hubbell™
Distinguished - Peer Rated for High Professional Achievement
Martindale Hubbell
Distinguished - Peer Rated for High Professional Achievement
Martindale Hubbell
Distinguished - Peer Rated for High Professional Achievement
Martindale Hubbell
Rising Star
Massachusetts Super Lawyers
Professional Associations
American Bar Association
Member
Current
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American Association for Justice
Member
Current
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Taxpayers Against Fraud
Member
Current
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Massachusetts State Bar  # 631128
Member
- Current
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Websites & Blogs
Website
Thornton Law Firm LLP
Blog
Thornton Law
Contact & Map
Thornton Law Firm LLP
Main Office
1 Lincoln St. 13th fl.
State Street Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Toll-Free: (800) 431-4600
Telephone: (617) 720-1333
Fax: (617) 720-2445
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Today)
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Thornton Law Firm LLP
California Office
9595 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 900
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Toll-Free: (310) 282-8676
Fax: (310) 388-5316