James P. Leonard, Juris Doctor, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, the editors select individuals profiled based on current reference value. The selection process considers factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility and prominence in a field.
Respected Plaintiff’s Attorney Recognized for Commitment to Client Advocacy
Mr. Leonard, an esteemed attorney with more than four decades of experience, has dedicated his career to plaintiffs’ personal injury work. He has been at the helm of the Law Office of James P. Leonard LLC for more than five years, where he handles all litigation matters and is retained to try cases and oversee them on appeal.
Mr. Leonard has earned a distinguished reputation for his proficiency in managing complex cases from inception to completion, particularly for his appellate work before the Missouri appellate courts.
“I’ve demonstrated my ability to handle cases from start to finish, confirming that they are seen through to completion regardless of complexity,” states Mr. Leonard.
Mr. Leonard began his career in civil litigation defense, focusing on railroad Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) defense, pharmaceutical product liability and Structural Work Act construction cases. After five years, he transitioned to plaintiff representation and subsequently spent more than 20 years with two St. Louis firms where he focused on medical negligence cases and managed all appellate work before establishing his own practice.
“I find representing people who have been injured particularly gratifying,” Mr. Leonard shares. “I value getting to know my clients, learning about their lives and helping them overcome their difficulties.”
Distinguished Legal Career Built on Strong Foundation and Unexpected Beginnings
Mr. Leonard’s academic journey laid a strong foundation for his legal career. He earned a Juris Doctor from Washington University in 1981, following a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Notre Dame in 1978. Mr. Leonard is also licensed to practice law in both Missouri and Illinois.
Mr. Leonard’s path to law came through an unexpected circumstance. “In my senior year, I took the LSAT because one of my roommates didn’t want to do it by himself and didn’t have his own car. The funny thing was my roommate didn’t wake up in time, so I went by myself and took the exam,” Mr. Leonard recalls.
“When I finished college, I started working in construction,” Mr. Leonard continues. “My father thought that I should do better than that. Interestingly, my father found my application, which I hadn’t signed yet, and he signed it himself and mailed it in, and I got accepted.”
Several organizations, including Martindale-Hubbell and the Lawyers of Distinction, have recognized Mr. Leonard for his illustrious career. His dedication to the legal profession is also evident through his active membership in the Missouri Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Leonard has made significant contributions to civic organizations. He acts as a docent at the Saint Louis Zoo and has served two terms on its board of directors. He has also been involved with the St. Anselm Conference of the Society of St. Vincent DePaul. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Leonard enjoys spending time with his family and considers his civic work at the zoo an avocation.
About Marquis Who’s Who
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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