Manius Aemilius Lepidus was the son of Marcus Aemilius Lepidus the Younger and consul of Rome in 11 AD. Tacitus reports that Augustus on his deathbed, while discussing possible rivals for the Roman Emperor Tiberius, described him as worthy of becoming emperor (capax imperii), but "disdainful" of supreme power.
He defended his sister Aemilia Lepida at her trial in 20 AD. He had a daughter also called Aemilia Lepida.
At the trial of Clutorius Priscus, he argued without success that the proposed death sentence was excessively harsh.
In 21 AD, Tiberius appointed him to the governorship of Asia.