Matthew Robert Lembke, Criminal Defense Attorney in Rochester, New York
Over 32 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatCerulli Massare & Lembke
Rochester, NY
Practicing criminal defense in Rochester since 1994.
- 32+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Matthew Robert Lembke?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Matthew Robert Lembke is a member based in Rochester, NY. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation. Matthew has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cerulli Massare & Lembke. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Rochester, NY
- Experience
- over 32 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · General · Litigation
- Handles Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation matters from Rochester, NY.
- Over 32 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Matthew Robert Lembke: Matthew Robert Lembke is a member based in Rochester, NY. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation. Matthew has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cerulli Massare & Lembke. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Matthew takes on
Matthew concentrates on criminal defense, general, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
View other Criminal Defense attorneys
General
View other General attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Personal Injury
View other Personal Injury attorneys
Criminal Defense cases in Rochester, New York
Matthew takes criminal defense matters in Rochester, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
General cases in Rochester, New York
Matthew takes general matters in Rochester, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Rochester, New York
Matthew takes litigation matters in Rochester, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Rochester, New York
Matthew takes personal injury matters in Rochester, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Matthew Robert Lembke — criminal defense lawyer in Rochester
Matthew Robert Lembke is a member based in Rochester, NY. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation. Matthew has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cerulli Massare & Lembke. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
• February 1994 – Present (24 years) Rochester, New York AreaI operate a solo law practice concentrating on civil and criminal litigation in New York State courts and United States federal district courts. A sample results I have obtained for clients and professional distinctions include:2017: Monroe County jury acquitted a Rochester man of all counts of attempted murder, felony assault, and weapons possession charges. 2014: Selected by U.S. District Court District Judges and Magistrate Judges to received the districts “CJA Award” for outstanding representation of the accused without regard to the accused’s financial circumstances. 2014: After a nine week trial, a Buffalo federal court jury acquitted a Rochester man of all crimes related to accusations of that he murdered a government informant. 2010: Jury awarded a pedestrian $795,000 for injuries sustained from being hit by a car. 2006: $1.5 million settlement for a passenger injured in a crash. 2005: $800,000 settlement for two passengers injured in a crash. 2003: Jury awarded a truck driver $695,000 for injuries sustained in a collision. 2001: Rochester federal court jury verdict for a prisoner against corrections officers for civil rights violations. 2001: After an 8 week trial, Rochester federal court jury trial acquitted a Rochester man of drug trafficking charges that would have resulted in a sentence of more than 25 years in prison. 2002-03 and 2008: Represented defendants in the two longest, most highly publicized “white collar crime” trials in the history of the United States District Court for the Western District of New York. 1999: Youngest lawyer selected by Rochester’s legal newspaper in the first class of Rochester’s “Up & Coming Attorneys.”
Working with Matthew on a criminal defense matter
• February 1994 – Present (24 years) Rochester, New York AreaI operate a solo law practice concentrating on civil and criminal litigation in New York State courts and United States federal district courts. A sample results I have obtained for clients and professional distinctions include:2017: Monroe County jury acquitted a Rochester man of all counts of attempted murder, felony assault, and…
Who Matthew represents
Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, general, and litigation matters in Rochester and the surrounding New York area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Toledo
J.D. · 1993
Eastern Kentucky University
B.A. · 1990
Jurisdictions
Matthew's state bar admissions
New York
1994 · ACTIVE
Matthew studied at J.D. in University of Toledo and B.A. in Eastern Kentucky University.
Law school and academic background
Matthew completed J.D. in University of Toledo and B.A. in Eastern Kentucky University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Matthew has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Matthew Robert Lembke's office in Rochester
Matthew's primary office is at 45 Exchange Boulevard, Suite 925, Rochester, NY, 14614. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Cerulli Massare & Lembke
45 Exchange Boulevard, Suite 925
Rochester, NY 14614
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Matthew Robert Lembke — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Matthew. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Rochester.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Matthew Robert Lembke claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Matthew Robert Lembke — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Matthew usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Matthew charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Matthew will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Rochester, New York
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Matthew
Matthew discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Matthew confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Matthew's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Matthew Robert Lembke
How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Matthew walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Matthew offer a free consultation?
Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in New York typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside Rochester?
Matthew is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Matthew will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Matthew?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Matthew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Matthew accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Matthew's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Rochester and Albany in New York
Matthew handles criminal defense matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in New York
If Matthew's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Rochester handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.