About

Experienced, Dedicated & Successful

Mr. Cleary is the son of Irish immigrants and a first generation American. After graduating from the Bishop’s School in La Jolla, California, he attended Tulane University receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 1989. Mr. Cleary continued his studies at Tulane University Law School, graduating in 1992 before returning to California to start his practice. He dedicates his practice to the wrongfully accused in both State and Federal Trial Courts, gaining considerable and wide-ranging experience representing persons and corporations accused of criminal conduct.

Mr. Cleary handles complex criminal cases involving everything from controlled substance conspiracies to Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO). He has experience negotiating such cases in all stages of the criminal process: pre-Indictment and post-Indictment agreements as well as trial. His trial experience spans both State and Federal court where he has successfully defended individuals accused of sexual abuse, lewd conduct, and a variety of felony and misdemeanor accusations. He has also represented individuals and corporations in connection with investigations from regulatory agencies and successfully avoided causes of actions, prosecutions, and incarcerations.

In addition to his criminal work, Mr. Cleary holds an “AV” Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubble, the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards. Mr. Cleary has lectured at professional programs and has sat on the Board of professional organizations such as the Tom Homann Lesbian and Gay Law Association, and the State Bar Committee of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination. He has also enjoyed membership in the San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Club, the California Attorney’s for Criminal Justice, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyer.