Josh Kendrick
I did not start my practice as a prosecutor. I started as a criminal defense lawyer. My first trial was a few days after I was sworn in as a member of the Bar. In over a decade since that trial, I have handled numerous criminal matters on every level of court. From magistrate court to general sessions court, I have handled hundreds of state cases. From Driving Under the Influence (DUI) to murder, I have tried nearly every type of case there is.
I have extensive experience in federal court. The federal system is different. It moves quickly and there is the potential for much harsher punishment. It is not a place for everyone. It requires diligence, creativity, and a deep understanding of complex law and procedures. As lead counsel in over 200 federal cases, I have the experience and skill necessary to guide you through the federal system. I have handled cases involving drug charges, violent crimes, fraud, and white collar matters.
Trying federal cases is a rare opportunity – many lawyers never get the chance to stand in front of a federal jury. I have done it repeatedly. I have defended federal cases at trial involving drug trafficking, armed robbery, murder for hire, racketeering, gambling, and fraud charges.
Cases do not always end at trial. Whether you lose or win on a pretrial motion, appeals are an important part of the criminal justice system. I have handled numerous state and federal appeals. I have argued in front of the South Carolina Court of Appeals, the South Carolina Supreme Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
In addition to criminal defense, I have handled numerous civil cases. From simple car wrecks to complex products liability or bad faith insurance cases, I have no problem handling any case, big or small, no matter who is on the other side.
EDUCATION
1999Clemson University B.S. Marketing
2002University of South Carolina J.D.
ADMISSIONS
South Carolina Supreme Court
United States District Court, District of South Carolina
United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Supreme Court of the United States
MEMBERSHIPS
2020 Superlawyers
Greenville Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Greenville Bar Association
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers – Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Chris Leonard
Practicing law is not just about knowing codes and legal jargon- it is about knowing people. Being able to stand up for my clients against the often unjust legal machine is what I enjoy doing the most. Whether it’s over-eager police, aggressive prosecutors or uncompassionate insurance companies- all too often it is the actual people who are forgotten or mistreated in our justice system.
It is important for me to have a real connection with the people I represent. It is this connection that allows me to convince juries and judges to side with us. I’ve had the honor of representing the citizens of South Carolina at every level of court. I have battled with police officers over DUIs in magistrate court, gone toe to toe with some of the best prosecutors in the State in general sessions court and argued my clients’ cases before the South Carolina Court of Appeals. It has always been a tremendous privilege to represent real people and make a difference in their lives.
The justice system often causes anxiety and stress. As your lawyer, I will guide you through this process and answer all of your questions to help relieve those stresses. The primary goal of this firm is to ensure that people are treated fairly, and I work tirelessly to ensure that I meet this goal with every individual I represent.
I am a certified Super Lawyer. Super Lawyers™ is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
EDUCATION
2007 University of Georgia B.S. Political Science
2010 University of South Carolina J.D.
ADMISSIONS
South Carolina Supreme Court
United States District Court, District of South Carolina
United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
MEMBERSHIPS
2019 Rising Stars Superlawyer
2020 Rising Stars Superlawyer
South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Richland County Bar Association
BOARD CERTIFICATION IN CRIMINAL TRIAL ADVOCACY
Kendrick and Leonard was built in the courtroom. The firm’s experience and successes are a direct result of a willingness to go get results in a courtroom, whether from a judge or jury. We understand most cases are not resolved at trial. But we are willing to resolve any of our cases at trial.
Our decision to try a case is never a bluff. We know the experts, we know how to examine witnesses, and we know how to talk to juries. Whether the government has accused you of a crime or an insurance company is refusing to pay for your injuries, we are happy to force the right result by taking your case all the way to a verdict.
If you want a fair trial in your case, you need experienced trial lawyers. Our commitment to trial advocacy is not a sales pitch. We have done it.
Partner Josh Kendrick is board certified in criminal trial advocacy from the National Board of Trial Advocacy. This certification is recognized by the South Carolina Bar. Unlike many of the organizations you see, there is only one way to become board certified – by trying cases.
You cannot be invited to board-certification and you cannot buy your way into it. The standards are rigorous. Certification is based on extensive trial experience and knowledge of both trial strategy and evidentiary rules. Board-certified attorneys are required to maintain trial experience and education related to the certification.
As of 2019, five attorneys in the state of South Carolina are board-certified in criminal trial advocacy. This is a testament to the difficulty obtaining the certification and the extensive experience required for the certification.
Trust your case to a lawyer who has the experience to stand in a court and argue your case.