Leon A. King, II: A Lifetime of Service, Leadership, and Justice

Leon A. King, II is a dedicated attorney, civil rights advocate, and public servant with over 30 years of experience in law, government, and community leadership. Leon’s journey to the bench is shaped by personal resilience, a lifelong commitment to justice, and a career defined by transformational leadership.

A Life Defined by Second Chances

Leon’s story is one of perseverance and second chances. As a young man, he faced challenges that could have defined his future including an arrest. Yet, instead of jail time, Leon was given probation and an opportunity to rebuild. That experience—being seen as more than a single mistake—taught Leon the importance of compassion, fairness, and recognizing the humanity in others. It’s a lesson that has guided him throughout his career.

As a seasoned trial attorney, Leon brings decades of courtroom experience, representing clients in civil rights, employment, and criminal cases. His deep understanding of trial procedures and his ability to navigate the complexities of the legal system make him uniquely qualified to serve on the bench. Leon’s work has earned him numerous awards, honors, and recognition, including commendations from the United States Congress, the Pennsylvania Senate, the School District of Philadelphia and Philadelphia City Council. As the son of an immigrant, Leon’s life story reflects a deep appreciation for opportunity, equity, and the promise of the American dream—a perspective he carries with him as he works to ensure that justice serves everyone.

Leadership and Service

Leon’s leadership extended beyond Philadelphia. He later served as Deputy Commissioner of the Baltimore City Jail System, where he worked to address overcrowding and implement systemic reforms. Throughout his career, Leon has championed innovative solutions to complex problems:

• Reducing jail overcrowding and saving millions in city budgets.

• Launching programs to support prisoner re-entry, including partnerships with organizations like Philadelphia FIGHT and the Mural Arts Program.

• Initiating HIV testing and support services to improve inmate health.

• Modernizing correctional facilities to enhance security, safety, and accountability.

In addition to his public service, Leon has spent years in private practice specializing in civil rights law, estate law, employment law, and property law. He also served as an Associate Teaching Professor of Criminal Justice at Drexel University, educating the next generation of legal and criminal justice leaders.

In addition to his professional achievements, Leon has dedicated 26 years to volunteering and community involvement, tirelessly working to uplift underserved populations and create pathways to opportunity. He has partnered with organizations like Mothers in Charge and the Maternity Care Coalition to advocate for juveniles and marginalized communities, developing high school programs and reentry initiatives recognized for their impact on young people and families. Leon has also championed the rights of female inmates, improving access to education, health services, and reentry resources, and his efforts to address mental health issues within the justice system have earned awards for prioritizing dignity and care for individuals struggling with behavioral health challenges.

As Philadelphia’s Prison Commissioner, Leon received an award from the School District of Philadelphia for his work with Pennypack House School and the adult education program for incarcerated youth, where he resolved conflicts between staff, improved attendance, and elevated the principal to the executive leadership team. His leadership expanded GED preparation and testing, leading to higher passage rates, including one year when a female inmate earned the highest GED score in the state.

Leon is running for Common Pleas Court because he believes judges must bring real-world experience, fairness, and empathy to the bench. His own lived experiences—as someone who was given a second chance and as a leader who has fought for reform—give him a unique perspective on the justice system. He understands the profound impact judges have on individuals, families, and communities.

Leon’s career has been guided by one core principle: Justice should work for everyone, not just a privileged few. As a judge, Leon A. King, II will ensure fairness, integrity, and compassion for all who enter his courtroom.

A Career Devoted to Justice

Leon has spent his career advancing justice in Philadelphia. He served for over a decade as Deputy City Solicitor for Civil Rights and Labor, where he represented hundreds of police officers, correctional officers, and four Philadelphia Police Commissioners. He went on to become General Counsel and later Commissioner of the Philadelphia Prison System, where he oversaw one of the largest jail systems in the United States, managing 9,000 inmates and introducing reforms that saved taxpayers millions while improving safety and health services. At age 39, Leon became the youngest person ever appointed to lead the system, and as an openly gay man, he broke barriers as the first LGBTQ+ head of a Philadelphia city department.

Leon graduated in 1988 from the University of Massachusetts at Boston with a degree in Political Science and moved to Philadelphia to attend Temple University School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1991. Since then, he has been admitted to practice law in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and multiple federal courts.