Greg Brenner x Lawyer Stories

I had a panic attack during my first law school exam at Loyola. Winter 1990.  We were given the first 30 minutes to look at the questions before our “blue book” was passed out and we could put pen to paper.  I wanted to walk out of the exam but my mom taught me that I was a survivor. That I was not a quitter.  I used all 30 minutes to get my breathing pattern back to normal.  It ended up being my second highest grade in law school.

My highest grade was in my Trial Advocacy class. My mom was dying from cancer at the age of 50.  I’m 52 as I write this.  I was awarded the American Jurisprudence Award for having the highest grade in the class.  It was my final semester in law school.  Spring 1993.  My adjunct professor was a well-respected Deputy Public Defender with the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office.  He told me that I was “born to litigate.” He asked me to submit an application so I did.  That was a moment that changed my life.  I’ve used my privileged position as an officer of the court to change as many lives for the better as I can.  Everything I do, in honor of my mom.

I decided to go to law school because my stepdad was a big Los Angeles civil attorney in his day.  It all looked good to me.  I was watching Arnie Becker, the divorce attorney character on L.A. Law.  Armani suits.  Beautiful Porsche.  Rolex watch.  I think those things seemed more important to me at the time.  Before marriage.  Before kids.  Before my career.  I loved being a Deputy Public Defender.  I gave it my all.  After 6 years of service, I left to start up my own practice.  I had a client back then that stole from an employer. A lot of money.  My client was struggling through a very difficult time in life.

I still don’t know why I woke up on a Saturday and called into my office voicemail system.  My client had left me a message.  My client didn’t want certain family members to find the body.  The method chosen, an overdose.  My client was halfway there when the message was left.  I didn’t have the file with my client’s address so I jumped in my car and sped to my office hoping to maybe get pulled over.  I got to my office and called 911.  I arrived at the same time as the paramedics and fire department.  They had to break down the front door.  My client was almost gone.

Today my client is happy.  A parent. A grandparent.  The money stolen has been repaid, the case expunged.  I feel lucky to be able to help a lot of different people in a lot of different ways.  This client still sends me a holiday card every year.  I think of this client often. Being a lawyer has given me that opportunity.  When I say, “on behalf of,” it is said with purpose.  I feel grateful to be able to be the voice for the “voiceless.”  I am proud to be able to advocate for others in their effort to seek justice.  I am proud to be a criminal defense attorney. “For of those to whom much is given, much is required.” – JFK

About Attorney Gregory D. Brenner, Beverly Hills Defense

Gregory D. Brenner is a well-known criminal defense attorney in Southern California. He is the founder of Beverly Hills Defense and a prominent legal expert on criminal trials across the country. He has been selected as a Super Lawyer 2019 – 2021 and has appeared on CBS, Court TV, Good Morning America, Fox News, Spectrum News and Law & Crime. Since attaining his Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School, Greg has become one of the most distinguished and reliable voices in complex criminal defense cases. Greg specializes in aggressive defense against all types of misdemeanor and felony charges, providing access to justice for all.
Contact:
Defense: Greg @ 310.880.5394 | greg@beverlyhillsdefense.com
Media: Johnnie @ 323.459.8400 | johnnieraines@realbrandinc.com