Leonard is an associate in the firm’s Labor, Employment, Benefits & Immigration section focusing on complex civil and employment litigation. His extensive experience includes representing individual, business, and public entity clients in State and Federal Court.
Leonard’s employment law practice includes handling discrimination, disability, sexual harassment, civil rights violation, whistleblowing, Title VII, and Title IX investigations. He also advises clients on all aspects of employment law and regulation, conducts internal investigations of complaints, and drafts policies. Leonard has represented clients in a variety of traditional labor matters, including disciplinary and contractual arbitration disputes pending in various agencies, including the Office of Collective Bargaining, New Jersey's Public Employment Relations Commission, and the American Arbitration Association, as well as represented clients in unfair labor practice proceedings and contract negotiations. With his extensive jury trial experience, he successfully defended numerous civil matters through jury verdicts in various counties in New Jersey. Leonard served as an Assistant Prosecutor with the Union County Prosecutor's Office and prosecuted cases involving narcotics, violent crimes, and economic crimes.
Leonard was recognized by Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch in 2024 in the area of Labor and Employment Law – Employee. Named the 2023 Young Lawyer of the Year by the New Jersey State Bar Association, Leonard has proven his commitment to excellence, diversity, and advocacy for underrepresented groups in law. His standout achievements in his personal and professional life, significant community and public service contributions, and active participation in the organized bar have earned him recognition as a leader in the legal profession in New Jersey. He currently serves as a Young Lawyer trustee for the Union County Bar Association and the North Jersey Director for the Garden State Bar Association.
Prior to joining Buchanan, Leonard was an associate in the commercial litigation group at a regional law firm in New Jersey. He also clerked in the Union Vicinage of the Superior Court of New Jersey for the Honorable James P. Wilson, J.S.C. In 2021, Leonard was appointed by the New Jersey Supreme Court to a four-year term on the District XII Fee Arbitration Committee and now serves as Vice-Chair.
What Clients Can Expect
Clients can expect Leonard to be knowledgeable, responsive, passionate, and committed to working with them to develop solutions for complex legal issues. In an unpredictable and everchanging legal landscape, his goal is to work vigorously to protect clients against any potential legal exposure.
Outside the Office
Leonard is deeply committed to combating the challenges facing Black boys and men in all aspects of daily life, including education, healthcare, the criminal justice system, and employment. He is devoted and focused on crafting and supporting initiatives to increase diversity and inclusion in all areas of the legal profession.
Leonard is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He loves to travel and is a food enthusiast.
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