EDUCATION

Temple University, School of Law, Juris Doctor, 1991

"At the heart of the Temple Law community is our outstanding faculty.   They blend ground-breaking scholarship with real world experience and a passion for teaching, so that students can fully grasp the power of law to change lives. Temple law professors are not content to teach from the casebook and the podium; they are here on the strength of their leadership in the real world and they are committed to addressing problems in the real world.  It is this passion – alive in our faculty, our students, and Temple lawyers everywhere – that makes Temple Law the place where law meets life."

JoAnne A. Epps, Dean 

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University of Massachusetts, Boston, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, 1988

"The University of Massachusetts Boston is nationally recognized as a model of excellence for urban public universities. The scenic waterfront campus is located next to the John F. Kennedy Library, with easy access to downtown Boston.

The second-largest campus in the UMass system, UMass Boston combines a small-college experience with the vast resources of a major research university.  With a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students easily interact with professors because most teaching occurs in small class sizes.  Ninety-three percent of full-time faculty hold the highest degree in their fields." (Source, University of Massachusetts Web Site).

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South Lancaster Academy, High School Diploma, 1981

"The South Lancaster Academy family is dedicated to nurturing independent thinkers who will go forward seeking a lifetime of learning, total fitness, positive social interactions, and a joyful relationship with God.

South Lancaster Academy is operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church to provide a spiritually oriented education for children.  A belief in the existence of the Creator God is fundamental in the philosophy of Seventh-day Adventist schools.  We respect His divine authority and recognize His intervention in human affairs.  We believe that true education develops the spiritual, mental, and physical powers of each student; preparing each for the joy of service in this life and for the higher joy of service in the life to come." (Source, S.L.A. Web Site)

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WORK EXPERIENCE

 

Law Offices of Leon A. King II, Attorney,
Philadelphia, PA, January 2009 to Present

General 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.

Drexel University, Department of Culture and Communication, Associate Teaching Professor of Criminal Justice,
Philadelphia, PA, March 2004 to Present

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. 

City of Philadelphia, City Council, Office of the Honorable Frank Rizzo (R), Councilman at Large, Director of Legislation,
April 2008 to January 2009.

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.

City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Prison System, Commissioner
December 2002 to January 2008

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 2,300 staff (1,750 armed security officers and specialized units), 2,000 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 saving over $28,000,000.00 over 5 years.

City of Philadelphia, Prison System, General Counsel
February 1997 to December, 2002

Brought multiple private and governmental entities together to oversee, coordinate compliance, or resolve the complex class action lawsuits: Jackson v. Hendrick (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.

City of Philadelphia, Law Department, Deputy City Solicitor, Labor and Employment
March 2001 to March 2002

Building on experience working for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, as  well as General Counsel to the Prison System, and a major trial in 1995, I was responsible for all phases of litigation in matters brought against all City departments 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.

City of Philadelphia, Law Department, Deputy City Solicitor, Civil Rights - Law Enforcement
May 1993 to March 2001

In 1993, one 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.

City of Philadelphia, Law Department, Assistant City Solicitor, Claims - Personal Injury
September 1991 to March 1993

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. 

Teaching & Lecturing

Philadelphia Police Training Academy, Lecturer, "The United States Constitutional & Law Enforcement," 1994 - 2001

Philadelphia Prison Training Academy, Lecturer, "The Unites States Constitution & Legal Issues in Corrections," 1994 - 2008

University of Pennsylvania, Jerry Lee School of Criminology, Lecturer, "Database Management in Corrections & Criminal Justice," 2005 - 2007

Pro Se Panel of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Lecturer, "Pro Se Prisoner Litigation," 1994 - 2002

Government Agency Internships
Boston, Massachusetts - Worcester, Massachusetts - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1986 - 1991

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

SPECIALIZED TRAINING

Association of State Correctional Administrators

Professional Development Seminar, New Orleans, LA, October 2007

New Director’s Seminar, Salt Lake City, UT, June 2004

Special Issues Seminar: Keeping Staff and Offenders Safe, Charleston, SC, November 2004

Professional Development Seminar, Charleston, SC, November 2004

Professional Development Seminar, Savannah, GA, November 2003

Corrections Cost Containment Seminar, Savannah, GA, November 2003

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United State Department of Justice, National Institute of Corrections

Legal Counsel for Corrections, Training, Boulder, CO, 1997

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