Leon King

Throughout my 34-year legal career, the core of my practice has centered on civil rights, employment law, and constitutional litigation. I’ve represented both plaintiffs and defendants in cases involving police misconduct, false arrest, and unconstitutional prison conditions. I’ve also handled criminal defense, estate matters, landlord-tenant disputes, and administrative law. My practice has taken me into both federal and state courts, and I have worked as both a litigator and a public administrator, serving as General Counsel and then Commissioner of the Philadelphia Prison System, as well as Deputy Commissioner of the Baltimore City Jails. I’ve also appeared as an arbitrator and trial attorney for the City of Philadelphia. My experience spans managing large legal teams, drafting and enforcing policy reforms, and advocating for justice system accountability from within.

My practice over the past 34 years has focused on civil rights litigation, employment law, municipal law, and constitutional issues. I’ve represented plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal courts in cases involving excessive force, wrongful imprisonment, discrimination, and prison conditions. I’ve also handled matters in estate law, landlord-tenant disputes, labor law, and criminal defense. Beyond litigation, I served as General Counsel and then Commissioner of the Philadelphia Prison System, and later as Deputy Commissioner of the Baltimore City Jails. My legal and administrative work has always centered on justice, accountability, and systemic reform.

Despite its flaws, I’m inspired by the potential of our system to offer redemption and second chances. I was given that chance myself, and it changed the course of my life. The idea that justice can uplift, that courts can offer restoration, not just punishment, continues to inspire me. I’ve seen people transform when treated with respect, when given access to treatment, stability, and support. That possibility of growth and change is what keeps me committed to this work.

Too often, the system punishes poverty, trauma, and addiction instead of addressing root causes. We over-incarcerate, particularly Black and Brown individuals, and rely on rigid processes that fail to meet people where they are. We must expand access to diversion, mental health treatment, and restorative justice programs. Courts need to be more transparent and accessible, especially for those without legal representation. Judges must also actively work to dismantle racial, economic, and gender bias. Reform isn't a trend—it's a necessity if we want a fairer future.

Sentences should be thoughtful, proportional, grounded in accountability and rehabilitation, and respectful of the dignity of each individual, regardless of their crime, while also considering the needs of crime victims. My philosophy centers on the idea of resource-based sentencing: connecting individuals with the services they need, whether it's housing, treatment, or job training, while prioritizing public safety. I don’t believe in punishment for punishment’s sake. If someone can safely remain in the community with support and structure, we must consider that path. Justice must do more than punish—it should transform, repair, and restore.

Yes. Years ago, I litigated Olabode v. City of Philadelphia, a civil rights case involving a false arrest. It was one of the few cases I lost—and it stayed with me. During the trial, a key police witness invoked the Fifth Amendment in front of the jury. That moment shifted the entire case, and I knew the optics would impact the outcome. I spent nights reflecting on whether I could have handled witness prep differently or anticipated the fallout. It was a painful, humbling experience—but it taught me to be even more meticulous and empathetic in preparing cases, especially when real lives are affected.

Jesus Christ, of course, is my ultimate role model and supporter. He has been faithful, and guided and supported me my entire life, even when I thought (mistakenly) that He had an issue with me because I was a gay male and was annoyed with Him about that. He gives me hope and peace in difficult times. He is also the agent who created us, and I am very happy to be alive.

My parents, both immigrants, taught me the importance of faith, forgiveness, resilience, integrity, and the value of service.

Thurgood Marshall for his relentless pursuit of justice as a civil rights attorney, and his deep understanding that law must reflect humanity, and as the first, very outspoken, black justice of the Supreme Court.

And the countless community members—incarcerated individuals, youth, LGBTQ+ advocates—who’ve shown courage in the face of adversity. Their strength fuels my own.

The King James Version of the Bible. It speaks to all facets of life and its mysteries. It delivers hope for the future.

“The Logical Song” by Supertramp

Seven. It symbolizes completeness, spiritual depth, and rest as God instituted the Seventh Day Sabbath, my day of rest and spiritual renewal. God set the example by resting on the seventh day after the six days of creation. I center my life around the 7th Day of rest as a queer Seventh Day Adventist.