Jeffrey A. Leonard at Cozen O’Connor – Philadelphia, PA

Premier Real Estate and Business Law Counsel in Philadelphia

Jeffrey A. Leonard is a distinguished attorney at Cozen O’Connor, where he serves as the co-chair of the Business Law Department and is a key member of the firm’s board of directors. As the founder of the firm’s now preeminent Real Estate Practice, he brings decades of specialized experience to the table. His practice is focused on facilitating sophisticated and complex transactions with a practical, deal-maker’s approach. Based in Philadelphia, he provides strategic counsel to a diverse range of clients, from private equity funds to major corporations, ensuring their objectives are met with efficiency and legal precision.

Business and Real Estate Lawyers

Mr. Leonard’s expertise is the bedrock of the firm’s transactional practices. He has been instrumental in the significant growth of the Business Law Department, doubling its size and revenue during his tenure as chair. His leadership has fostered a collaborative and supportive culture that has driven the firm’s success and high partner retention rate.

• Commercial Real Estate Lawyers: His practice covers the full spectrum of real estate law, including portfolio acquisitions and dispositions, large-scale urban development projects, ground lease transactions, and multifamily property acquisitions and financings.
• Business Litigation Lawyers: While his focus is transactional, his strategic oversight in the Business Law Department encompasses a wide range of commercial matters, including joint venture formations and private equity investments. He is adept at navigating complex negotiations and structuring deals that protect client interests.

A Legacy of Growth and Excellence

Since joining Cozen O’Connor as its first real estate attorney, Mr. Leonard has built the practice into a national powerhouse with over 70 attorneys across the country. His representative work is a testament to his skill in handling high-stakes transactions, such as representing a private equity fund in a $135 million office portfolio acquisition and advising on a $250 million loan secured by international telecommunication assets. He also famously represented The Philadelphia Inquirer in the sale of its corporate headquarters.

Recognition and Community Involvement

Mr. Leonard’s legal acumen is consistently recognized by his peers and leading industry publications. He has been ranked by the prestigious Chambers and Partners USA every year since 2011 and was named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer for fifteen consecutive years (2004-2019). His commitment to the community is demonstrated through his role as a board member of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc., where he chairs the People & Culture Committee, contributing to the city’s vibrant arts scene.

Educated at Lafayette College and Georgetown University Law Center, where he was a member of The Tax Lawyer, Jeffrey A. Leonard combines deep legal knowledge with a pragmatic approach to help clients achieve their most ambitious business and real estate goals.