Honorees

Peter C. Lehman

1927-1989

Peter Lehman was born in Baden-Baden, Germany in 1927.  He escaped the Nazis with his parents by coming at age 12 to the United States following a brief stay in England.  He graduated from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in 1949, and joined the United States Army, serving in West Germany and later in Korea.  As a Captain in Intelligence, he monitored Soviet military activity from his station post behind the Iron Curtain.  It was in Germany he met his future wife, Inge.  Lehman came to San Diego to work in Convair engineering. 

In 1960 he served as a juror in a murder case prosecuted by Robert Stahl (later a Superior Court Judge).  He “became fascinated with the business of a criminal trial,” which inspired him to attend law school (Los Angeles Daily Journal, June 15, 1989.)  He studied by taking night classes at the University of San Diego Law School.  He graduated in 1963, and in 1964, joined the District Attorney’s Office.  He served as supervisor of the Municipal Court division attorneys until 1975, when he was promoted to Chief of the Appellate Division. He held that position at the time of his death at the age of 61, though he had twice turned down the honor of a judicial appointment. 

Pete supervised and personally prosecuted the most complex and controversial cases the District Attorney’s office handled.  He was active in the District Attorney’s Association and served on several of its committees.  He also taught at the University of San Diego.  His abilities and professional standards were well respected by his adversaries and by the judges hearing and deciding such matters.  His achievements and high professional standards were recognized by the leaders of the Bench and the Bar.  As described by his associates, “He was a complete professional and a dedicated career prosecutor.  He was well liked by everyone in the office.  He was warm, friendly and helpful.  We will all miss him.” (Obituary).  His colleagues, and many journalists, relied on Lehman to translate complex legal decisions into plain English. 

At his poignant and deeply moving memorial service, held at the University of San Diego, it was said “the appellate function of the District Attorney office is where the law is made and Peter Lehman’s imprint on his profession was profound.”

He was also active in the San Diego County Bar Association, where he served as chair of the Criminal Law Subcommittee of the Legislative Committee and as a member of the Youth and Law, and Criminal Justice Committees.  For several years, he taught Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure.

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