Vcard
PDFLeonard is a partner in the firm’s Maritime and International Trade Practice Groups.
Leonard spent twelve years in the logistics industry between college and law school. During that time, he gained invaluable commercial experience while overseeing the movement of hundreds of containers per week between the United States and Europe, Africa, and Asia. Leonard’s commercial background has complemented his legal skills in the representation of clients from around the world. His commercial and legal experience has enabled him to better assist clients in export and import compliance matters involving the U.S. Customs & Border Protection, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry & Security, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, and the State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. Leonard has spent considerable time counseling clients on export and import compliance planning and assisting clients in enforcement proceedings with various federal agencies.
Leonard received his undergraduate degree from the Victoria University of Manchester, England where he graduated, with honors. He received his law degree from New York University School of Law.
Experience
IMPORT
Len continues to advise multiple divisions of an overseas headquartered multinational manufacturing corporation on matters relating to the new world of tariffs, with an increasing focus on measures that can be lawfully put into place to mitigate the client’s exposure to increased rates of duty.
Leonard represents Canadian oil, gas, and electricity corporations in navigating the complex web of customs and trade regulations put in place between the U.S. and Canada in 2025.
In the same vein, Len is providing ongoing advice to a multinational apparel company regarding tariff and supply chain challenges with regard to e-tailing operations that have arisen in 2025.
He also represents multiple large and small clients in enforcement proceedings initiated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and has successfully mitigated or reduced threatened fines and penalties in all such enforcement proceeding.
Leonard has represented multi-national energy companies in a suit at the Court of International Trade relating to the NAFTA-eligibility of natural gas entering the United States via pipeline.
Leonard has represented and continues to represent multiple importers in filing Voluntary Prior Disclosures with CBP. One such involved a significant breach of U.S. security regulations and the use of voluntary disclosure resulted in a warning letter but no fine or penalty.
EXPORT
Advise multiple clients in all aspects of export trade controls relating to the export of military items (DDTC), dual-use items (BIS) and to the impact of U.S. and EU sanctions policies on shipments destined for sanctioned countries (OFAC).
Provide export classification services for shippers seeking to export dual-use or military products.
Represent client in filing voluntary disclosure arising out of their export transactions.
Presentations
News: Various Social Media Publications:
35% U.S. Tariff Announced on Canadian Imports Effective August 1 – Key Legal and Operational Questions
CIT Rules Trump’s IEEPA Tariffs Unconstitutional
Reciprocal Tariffs are Additional Duty Rates
Customs Puts Forced Labor Under a Spotlight
Customs: Roadmap for the Unwary Importer
Opportunities Exist with Cuba
Customs Voluntary Disclosure is No Sham
Customs' 1st-Sale Rule can Reduce Costs
Customs' New Clarity in Transfer Pricing
Published Work
- Brief for Amicus Curiae Charleston Naval Complex Redevelopment Authority in Support of Respondent.
- Journal of Commerce, August 25, 1997 (Will the FMC Investigate Panama Over its Contract with Port Operator?).
- Journal of Commerce, January 21, 1999 (NVOCCS Left at the Station).
- Journal of Commerce, February 17, 1999 (Bundling Unaffiliated Shippers).
- Journal of Commerce, November 22, 1999 (Middle Ground on Carrier Antitrust Immunity).
- Journal of Commerce, April 13, 2000 (Industry Needs to See FMC as Neutral).