Declan C. Leonard
Managing Partner

703-760-0402
dleonard@BerenzweigLaw.com

Declan Leonard works with companies and executives in the Washington Metropolitan area and throughout the United States to navigate the maze of employment and business laws with an eye towards minimizing legal risks in order for his clients to maximize revenue.  For the past decade, Declan led the employment law and business litigation practices at one of Virginia’s largest law firms.  He is admitted to practice law and actively represents clients in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.  Declan has achieved the highest “AV” rating in Martindale Hubbell directory for legal ability and ethics.

Awards and Recognition:
Declan has consistently been named one of Virginia’s “Legal Elite” by Virginia Business Magazine, and has been selected a “Superlawyer” in the areas of employment and business law by Law & Politics Magazine.  Most recently, Declan was selected by Smart CEO magazine as one of its 2012 Legal Elite based on client nominations. In addition, he has been frequently quoted as an authority on business legal issues in such major publications as The Washington Post, Washington Business Journal, SHRM HR Magazine, and Lawyer’s Weekly.  Declan also lectures frequently to other lawyers and to members of the business community on employment and business law issues. Declan was recently selected to serve as the Program Chair for the Fairfax Bar Association, Employment Law Section.

Employment Law:
Declan regularly advises companies and executives in all facets of the employment relationship, from the hiring stage through the termination process.  He is intricately knowledgeable about the numerous federal and state laws and regulations affecting the workplace, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).  Declan also has extensive experience in handling non-compete and trade secret disputes that often arise during workplace transitions.

Business Law/Corporate Transactions: 
Declan has extensive experience in business litigation, including prosecution and defense of breach of business contracts, allegations of conspiracy to injure business, and collection of accounts receivables.  In addition, Declan has handled a multitude of corporate transactional work for the firm’s business clients, including the negotiation and preparation of asset purchase agreements, stock transfer agreements, joint venture/teaming agreements, and corporate formation documents.

Law School:

• George Mason University School of Law (Juris Doctor, 1996)

Court Admissions:

• Admitted to Virginia State Courts, 1996
• Admitted to Eastern District of Virginia Federal Court, 1997
• Admitted to Western District of Virginia Federal Court, 1998
• Admitted to Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, 1999
• Admitted to District of Columbia Courts, 2006
• Admitted to Maryland State Courts, 2009
• Admitted to Maryland Federal Courts, 2010

Practice Areas:

• Employment Law
• Business Litigation
• Corporate Transactions
• Civil Litigation
• Government Contracts

Published Articles:

• Washington Business Journal featured employment law monthly columnist (2007)
• “Keeping Up With Noncompete Law in Virginia,” Virginia Lawyers Weekly, (September 25, 2006)
• “Ex Parte Contacts With Employees: Rules Not Always Clear Cut,” Virginia Lawyers Weekly (February 27, 2006)
• “Virtually Identical Job Duties Needed for Equal Pay Act Claim,” SHRM HR Magazine (February, 2005)
• “Cell Phone Use While Driving Can Pose Legal Liability for Employers,” Atlantic Coast In-House Counsel publication (January, 2005)
• “U.S. Supreme Court Clarifies Constructive Discharge in Title VII Cases,” Atlantic Coast In-House Counsel publication (July, 2004)
• “Workplace Monitoring: Balancing Business Interests with Employee Privacy Rights,” SHRM Legal Report (May-June, 2003)

Legal Presentations:

• “Current Issues in Labor and Employment Law,” American Bar Association presentation (May, 2002)
• “Lawsuit-Free Hiring and Firing,” National Institute of Business Management presentation (June 9, 2004)
• “Legal Issues for Starting a New Business,” Arlington Bar Association presentation (September 30, 2004)
• “Arbitration: A Comprehensive Overview,” Virginia State Bar Continuing Legal Education presentation (April 12, 2005)
• “Health Reimbursement Arrangements, Health Saving Accounts, and COBRA,” Lorman Education Services presentation (December 1, 2005)

Professional Memberships:

• Fairfax County Bar Association (Program Chair, Employment Law Section)
• Arlington County Bar Association (Past Chairman, Business Law Section)
• Northern Virginia Technology Council
• Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce
• Legal Services of Northern Virginia, Pro Bono Employment Law Project