Leon J. Sokol is a partner in the firm’s Corporate department. He represents national and regional companies with regard to corporate matters as well as real estate development and regulatory issues. Originally appointed as Counsel to the New Jersey Senate in 1976, he has remained in that capacity to date, and for the past two decades, he has represented both the New Jersey Senate and the General Assembly in all litigation matters. In that capacity, he has argued many cases before the New Jersey Superior Court’s Appellate Division and the New Jersey Supreme Court, resulting in a significant number of landmark decisions.
Leon's corporate practice involves representing clients in contract negotiations, strategic planning, personnel issues, and litigation. His representation of national publicly-traded companies includes negotiating complex matters before state and federal agencies, as well as handling all legal aspects of large-scale redevelopment projects.
Leon previously served for three decades as Counsel to the New Jersey Legislative Apportionment Commission and the New Jersey Congressional Redistricting Commission. He represented both commissions in challenges to various apportionments and redistricting plans, resulting in decisions by the New Jersey Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court. The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Karcher v. Daggett in 1983, in which Mr. Sokol participated, is a seminal case that controls how congressional districts are drawn nationwide.
Leon established the first office devoted entirely to environmental law in New Jersey, which continues to be an important part of the firm’s practice. Leon was also involved in the early organization of joint insurance funds comprised of county, municipal and school district members. His experience also includes establishing the first joint insurance fund providing coverage to municipalities for environmental matters and serving as general counsel to funds that provide property, casualty, workers’ compensation and health insurance coverage. This experience allows him to provide strategic counsel to his corporate clients with regard to insurance coverage and risk management.