BIOGRAPHY
In 2001, James J. Leonard Jr. began his career in law as an associate in a well established Camden County law firm. While at the firm, Mr. Leonard played a key role in the successful defense of two high-profile capital murder cases.
In 2002, Mr. Leonard left the firm and started his own practice. From the outset Mr. Leonard won a series of jury trials that quickly established his reputation as one of South Jersey's premier criminal defense trial attorneys.
In 2004, Mr. Leonard successfully represented accused Atlantic City drug kingpin Vincent "Omar Salaam" McDaniels in a massive 154 count indictment, negotiating a plea in which the kingpin count and other serious charges were dismissed.
In 2005, Mr. Leonard's services were retained by Grammy Award winning rap star Kimberly "Lil Kim" Jones to help her secure an early release from federal prison. On July 3, 2006, Ms. Jones was given an early release by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
In 2007, Mr. Leonard successfully represented Atlantic City resident Angela Burton in a series of criminal matters involving imprisoned ex-city council preisdent Craig Callaway, inclduing a matter where Callaway was convicted of harassing Ms. Burton.
Later that year Mr. Leonard was retained by an Atlantic City citizens group seeking to recall then mayor Bob Levy. After a lengthy Court battle, the petition to recall Levy was approved and several months later Levy resigned the Office of Mayor amidst personal and political scandal. His successor William "Speedy" Marsh retained Mr. Leonard's services as a "legal advisor" regarding the succession of power following the vacancy created by Levy's sudden resignation.
Mr. Leonard successfully defended alleged Atlantic City serial killer Terry Oleson in a quadruple homicide investigation involving the deaths of four prostitutes. After six months behind bars Oleson was released and no charges were filed.
In 2002, Mr. Leonard left the firm and started his own practice. From the outset Mr. Leonard won a series of jury trials that quickly established his reputation as one of South Jersey's premier criminal defense trial attorneys.
In 2004, Mr. Leonard successfully represented accused Atlantic City drug kingpin Vincent "Omar Salaam" McDaniels in a massive 154 count indictment, negotiating a plea in which the kingpin count and other serious charges were dismissed.
In 2005, Mr. Leonard's services were retained by Grammy Award winning rap star Kimberly "Lil Kim" Jones to help her secure an early release from federal prison. On July 3, 2006, Ms. Jones was given an early release by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
In 2007, Mr. Leonard successfully represented Atlantic City resident Angela Burton in a series of criminal matters involving imprisoned ex-city council preisdent Craig Callaway, inclduing a matter where Callaway was convicted of harassing Ms. Burton.
Later that year Mr. Leonard was retained by an Atlantic City citizens group seeking to recall then mayor Bob Levy. After a lengthy Court battle, the petition to recall Levy was approved and several months later Levy resigned the Office of Mayor amidst personal and political scandal. His successor William "Speedy" Marsh retained Mr. Leonard's services as a "legal advisor" regarding the succession of power following the vacancy created by Levy's sudden resignation.
Mr. Leonard successfully defended alleged Atlantic City serial killer Terry Oleson in a quadruple homicide investigation involving the deaths of four prostitutes. After six months behind bars Oleson was released and no charges were filed.