David Leon
Criminal Defense Attorney Boston, MA

David Leon received his law degree from the University of Chicago Law School after first receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Brandeis University. He was named a Ruth Wyatt Rosenson Scholar and awarded the Joseph E. Green Scholarship during his time at the University of Chicago. While in law school, David worked as an intern for two years at the school’s Criminal and Juvenile Justice clinical program and completed the requirements necessary to practice as a third-year law student. In this capacity he worked on a wide variety of cases including murder, attempted murder, arson, sexual assault, and post-conviction proceedings. Following graduation, he joined the public defender’s office in Boston and worked in the District and Municipal Court office from 2011 until 2014. He was promoted to the Boston Superior Court office in 2015 where he defended clients against serious felony charges and was certified to accept murder cases in 2020 after trying over a dozen superior court trials as lead counsel. He developed a reputation for handling the toughest and most challenging cases in the office and is widely recognized for his expertise as a trial attorney. He helped educate fellow lawyers by teaching Superior Court trial skills courses and mentoring younger lawyers.

David specializes in criminal defense on all levels and prides himself on fighting tirelessly and aggressively for each of his clients. He promises clients that he will do all he can to win their case and will focus on their individual wishes. His goal is to help his clients get exonerated of the charges they face either by having the case dismissed or winning an acquittal at trial; however, if the client’s desire is to resolve the case before trial, his goal is to obtain the best outcome for them. He believes in providing clients with every possible solution to their legal issues, then evaluating what option best suits their needs and objectives to allow them to make the best decision for themselves. This approach has earned him the respect of not only his clients, but also local judges and attorneys.

In 2020, David became one of the youngest attorneys appointed to the Murder Trial Panel in Massachusetts, qualifying him to represent indigent defendants indicted for first-degree and second-degree murder. In 2022 he left the public defender’s office to start his own private criminal defense practice before starting Leon & Davis with his longtime friend Ian Davis.  

From early in his career, David has shown that he does not shy away from difficult cases and that he excels in the courtroom. His experience as lead defense counsel in dozens of jury trials over the last 12 years has given him the knowledge and skill to successfully handle virtually any type of criminal case. His successful track record attests to his commitment to staying informed of all legal developments in criminal law and cutting-edge investigative techniques, as well as his skill in cross-examining witnesses and delivering closing arguments.