Leon King Email & Phone Number

Philadelphia, PA, April, 2008 to Present – AttorneyGeneral practice of law specializing in: civil rights; employment; criminal defense; selective Orphan’s Court matters; wills; criminal justice consulting; governmental relations; governmental consulting; and various pro bono matters.

Offer instruction to college students by way of “Introduction to Corrections”, a comprehensive course outlining the role of corrections as an arm of law enforcement, and its role in the criminal justice system.

Responsible to execute and assist in shaping the legislative agenda of an at large councilmanic office. Key aide in facilitating the introduction of Bills to ban the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle, and to curb the influence of money on municipal elections. Coordinated, negotiated, and leveraged political interests with other council members, councilmanic staff, and high level officials of the judicial and executive branches of City government. Reviewed and evaluated legislation proposed by other members of City Council, and assisted the Councilman in coordinating and preparing for council sessions and hearings. Scheduled and conducted meetings with constituents to assist them in resolving issues and disputes, and to craft legislative and other political solutions to address the concerns of constituents.

Chief executive officer of a $271,000,000 corporation with 1.6 million square feet of secure physical plant in 10 separate locations. Responsible for the health, safety, emergency preparedness, and security of 136,000 individuals a year, along with 2300 staff (1750 armed security officers and specialized units), 2000 volunteers, and 650 contract staff from medical directors, medical doctors and other professional staff, to line contract employees. The corporation also was responsible to administer and provide comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction services, as well as, an educational component for residents and staff. Primary focus was to systemically analyze all programs and procedures and implement new data based, performance focused, strategic planning and operational measures. Implemented aggressive and successful enhancements in the running of a $55,000,000 medical and behavioral health operation. Created and executed an aggressive media and community relations campaign bringing together diverse, often conflicting, and sometime hostile constituencies. Excelled at forming strategic partnerships with a variety of governmental and private organizations often at no cost to the taxpayers. Fostered respect and creative partnerships with community leaders and local and state governmental officials. Instituted bold new operational initiatives with existing resources.

Brought multiple private and governmental entities together, to oversee, coordinate compliance, or resolve the complex class action lawsuits: Jackson v. Hendricks (prison conditions); Santiago v. City (Youth Study Center); Harris v. Reeves (prison population); and Warrington v. City (court records). Mediated intra-organizational disputes, responsible for rendering legal advice on all aspects of the corporation’s operations, and managed or facilitated in house and external legal services. Reviewed, drafted, created, and implemented polices and procedures, as well as, negotiated contracts. Supervised numerous confidential investigations, and developed respect and creative partnerships with local and state governmental officials.

On of the founding members of the a new unit in the Law Department and represented police officers, correctional officers, sheriff’s deputies and other civil servants in matters against the City pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Section 1983. Responsible for all phases of litigation and negotiated hundreds of resolutions to disputes before, during, and after the litigation process. Served as one of three lead attorneys in the 39th Police District civil litigation. Became very familiar with the operations of many divisions of the Police Department, the Prison System, the Department of Human Services, the Clerk of Quarter Sessions and the Sheriff’s Office. Tried numerous jury trials to verdict in federal court. Provided training at the Philadelphia Police and Philadelphia Prison Training Academies concerning the use of force, civil liability of officers, and the United States Constitution.

Litigated personal injury claims in state court including motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall, as well as property damage claims against the City of Philadelphia and its various departments. Tried countless arbitrations in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. Obtained integral knowledge of the operations of various city departments.

Responsible for all phases of litigation in matters brought against the City involving employment discrimination and employee discipline. Negotiated resolution of numerous disputes and conflicts without the need for litigation, or prior to an arbitration or trial on the matter. Provided representation for the Philadelphia Police Department before the American Arbitration Association in police disciplinary matters.

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Office of the Governor, Department of the Attorney General and Commission Against Discrimination; First Judicial District of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia County District Attorney’s Office.