Attorney and mediator
Debbie Leonard
Debbie Leonard received her law degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law (Boalt Hall) with a certificate in environmental law. She also has a master’s degree in education from the University of California, Santa Cruz and graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin, Madison with a bachelor’s degree in zoology.
Ms. Leonard worked for the United States Forest Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service on resource management issues and environmental assessment. She also taught science at the secondary and college levels. After law school, she served as a law clerk to the Honorable David W. Hagen in the United States District Court, District of Nevada.
Prior to starting Leonard Law, Ms. Leonard was a partner with one of Nevada’s largest and most established law firms, chairing its appellate practice group. With Leonard Law, Ms. Leonard continues to focus her practice on appeals, water and land disputes, and mediation.
Education
Berkeley Law, University of California, Berkeley (Boalt Hall)
Juris Doctor with Certificate in Environmental Law (2002)
University of California, Santa Cruz
M.A. Education, June 1997
California Secondary Teaching Credential in Science
University of Wisconsin, Madison
B.A. Zoology (Honors), May 1991
Honors thesis: Production Potential of Cutthroat Trout in Two Streams on the Olympic Peninsula
Awards & Recognition
Martindale Hubbell AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated
Reno-Tahoe Top Twenty Under 40 award (2008)
Northern Nevada Woman of Achievement (2005)
Leadership and Service
Chair, Nevada State Bar Appellate Litigation Section (2013-2014)
Lead Editor, Nevada Appellate Practice Manual (2016 and 2018 editions)
Lawyer Representative, U.S. District Court (2015-2018)
Contributing Editor, Western Water Law and Policy Reporter
Contributing Author, The Writ, Washoe County Bar Association
Volunteer Mediator and Arbitrator, Nevada State Bar Fee Dispute Panel
Pro Bono Counsel, Tahoe-Pyramid Trail (2005-present)