Services
Industries
Education
Howard University School of Law, J.D., 1971
Mansfield State College, B.S., 1961
Bar Admissions
- Michigan
Leonard brings experience in all facets of labor and employment law to the courtroom, the hearing room and the bargaining table.
During a long and distinguished legal career, he has represented companies before the National Labor Relations Board, negotiated more than 200 collective bargaining agreements and handled countless matters related to federal and state anti-discrimination laws. In addition, Leonard advises his clients on such critical issues as avoiding violating the National Labor Relations Act, working effectively and fairly with labor during a merger or acquisition, and complying with the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Leonard is an expert on issues pertaining to the Fair Labor Standards Act and ERISA, retiree issues and has acted as an arbitrator in both employment and labor contract cases. He represents K-12 school districts, community colleges and universities in all employer/employee matters as well as issues pertaining to student governance.
Representative Matters
Successfully overturned several decisions holding that a collectively bargained termination incentive plan which resulted in reductions in pay ($250 per pay period per employee) violated the Michigan Payment of Wages and Fringe Benefits Act. Detroit Public Schools v. Conn, 308, Mich. App. 234 (2014).
Honors
State Bar of Michigan, Labor and Employment Section, 2010 Distinguished Service Award
Best Lawyers in America, Labor and Employment Law - Management, 2003-present; 2012 Detroit Labor Law - Management Lawyer of the Year
Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, Employment and Labor, 2003-2019
Michigan Super Lawyers, Labor and Employment, 2006-present
DBusiness Magazine, Top Lawyers, Labor and Employment
The Nation's Most Powerful Employment Attorneys - Top 10 for Labor Law, Human Resource Executive, May 2009
Corp! Magazine, one of Southeastern Michigan's 10 Best Lawyers, 1999
Crain's Detroit Business, one of Metro Detroit's Most Influential Black Business Leaders, 1998
Professional Activities
American Bar Association, Labor Section
State Bar of Michigan, Labor Section Council Member
Michigan State Bar Foundation, Fellow
National Bar Association
Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association, President, 2000-01; President-elect, 1999-00
Oakland County Bar Association
Wolverine Bar Association
National Employment Labor Council, Board Member
American Labor and Employment Council
Michigan Biotechnology Institute, Board Member
Judicial Screening Committee, Oakland County
College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, Fellow, Inducted August 2003
Civic, Cultural & Social Activities
Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, Board Member; Vice-chair
Homes for Black Children, Board Member
The Nature Conservancy of Michigan, Board Member
Detroit Regional Chamber, Former Board Member
Speeches
Union Organizing
Sexual Harassment
Investigating Discrimination Charges
Preparing for Arbitration
Negotiating Collective Bargaining Agreements
Guest Lectures at U of M negotiations (3 years)
Dealing with Media in High Profile Litigation
Employment at Will
Update on Labor and Employment Law
OFCCP – Preparing for Audits
Guest Lecturer at Oakland University
Tenure Act K-12
Disciplining Procedure K-12
Open Meetings Act
Student Privacy
Pro’s and Con’s of Interest Arbitration
Labor and Employment Law Post-Present-Future
Acquisition and Mergers – Labor and employment matters
