Celebrating over 40 years in the legal industry, James P. Leonard, JD, is an esteemed attorney who has dedicated his career to the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury work. Since 2020, Leonard has been leading the Law Office of James P. Leonard LCC, where he handles litigation matters and is retained for trying cases and overseeing them on appeal. Due to his expertise in managing complex cases, he has earned a distinguished reputation, particularly for his appellate work before the Missouri Supreme Court.
About Leonard
Leonard’s professional journey began as a defense lawyer with a firm that represented railroads, automobile manufacturers, and pharmaceutical companies. Obtaining a law license in Missouri in 1982, he switched to a firm in St. Louis and began working on the plaintiff’s side of the law.
Since practicing law in Missouri, Leonard has exclusively represented injured individuals in a variety of areas, including automobile accidents, some types of workplace injuries, and medical negligence. While he primarily practices in Missouri, he still works in Illinois with a focus on medical negligence.
Passionate about representing individuals, rather than companies, Leonard continues to take on new clients. Prior to his professional journey, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Notre Dame in 1978 and earned a Juris Doctor from Washington University in 1981.
While in law school, Leonard began writing appellate briefs, and he continues to write briefs and oral arguments in the Court of Appeals. He believes this is a useful skill in one’s day-to-day practice.
Professional Recognition
Throughout his career, Leonard’s contributions have earned him several accolades, including recognition from Martindale-Hubbell and the Lawyers of Distinction. His commitment to the legal industry is also visible through his active membership in the Missouri Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association.
Outside of Law
Outside of his professional endeavors, Leonard is involved in several civic organizations. He volunteers at the Saint Louis Zoo, where he has also served on the board of directors for six years. He is also involved with the St. Anselm Conference of the Society of St. Vincent DePaul. In addition to these passions, he enjoys spending time with his family. Looking ahead, he plans to continue practicing law and representing injured individuals, motivated by his dedication to justice and client advocacy.
