Morris James has promoted eDiscovery lawyer Joseph C. Leonard to Counsel, effective January 1, 2026.
Joe is a member of the firm's corporate and commercial litigation practice. He provides legally compliant, cost-efficient eDiscovery advice and support in complex corporate and commercial litigation and transactions. He works closely with clients' legal and IT teams, outside technology vendors, and attorneys across the firm to deliver end-to-end discovery and litigation support.
With a career spanning decades in eDiscovery, Joe advises on issues involving digital evidence and information governance, and he has extensive experience supporting internal investigations, data breaches, electronic discovery, and document retention. He also manages large-scale and complex document review projects.
“Joe brings steady judgment and a practical, solutions-forward approach to eDiscovery that clients value," said Albert Manwaring, chair of the Firm's litigation department. "He understands how the technical details connect to the strategy of a matter, and he helps teams move efficiently without losing sight of what matters most. His promotion to Counsel recognizes the impact he has for our clients and across the firm.”
Joe earned his J.D. from Temple University Beasley School of Law and his B.A. from the University of Delaware. He is admitted in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Joe's promotion to Counsel reflects his sustained contributions to the firm and the increasing role he plays in advising clients on complex eDiscovery and information governance issues. As discovery continues to be a critical driver of cost, risk, and strategy in modern litigation and investigations, his experience strengthens the firm’s ability to deliver efficient, defensible, and well-coordinated solutions for clients across matters and practice groups.
