For more than 40 years, Leonard has served as a trusted legal adviser providing strategic legal and business counseling to a range of domestic and international business enterprises at various stages of growth, including some of the world’s most acclaimed fashion brands. He serves as Co-Chair of the firm’s Fashion Industry Practice Group.

Leonard has a comprehensive understanding of the legal and business aspects involved in the fashion industry, including production, financing, distribution, brand registration and protection, licensing, franchising, retail store leasing and exit vehicles. Since the start of his legal career, he has worked with an esteemed list of fashion clients on a broad array of endeavors, ranging from software and cosmetics to celebrity management and real estate. Leonard’s first major European brand representation was a renowned shoe designer, and he currently represents designers and manufacturers who started in the industry working with this designer. Leonard routinely travels to Europe to maintain personal connections to his clients and the European fashion industry.

In the realm of corporate law, Leonard possesses in-depth knowledge of the practical business matters that enterprises and entrepreneurs commonly face, including business formation issues, employment, intellectual property issues such as trademark prosecution and maintenance, commercial real estate, and the partial or entire sale of a business.

With a deep connection to countries overseas, Leonard often works closely with local counsel in Europe to ensure pertinent business and legal issues are properly translated and understood to minimize any potential cultural barriers. To best serve his European client base, Leonard has developed a comprehensive understanding of European Union law and culture, allowing him to assist clients through the nuances associated with launching a business in the United States. Additionally, he has advised and represented his European clients on business transactions and launches outside of the United States.