Thomas H. Leeder, Esq., JD '03

Thomas Leeder was born and raised in Miami, Florida. Throughout his formative years, Thomas learned his perseverance and determination from his mother, Dr. Ellen Leeder, a former professor at Barry University for forty-six years. She taught him to never give up and always chase his dreams. In 1993, Thomas began his collegiate studies at Barry University and then transferred to Florida State University, graduating with two bachelor's degrees in 1999. From the time he was in high school through even today, Thomas had been fascinated with the law. In 2000, Thomas began his legal education at Barry University School of Law. At Barry Law, Thomas was president of the student government, participated in numerous trial team competitions, took many leadership roles in several student organizations, including president of the student government, and won three leadership awards, including the Hispanic American Law Student Association and Black American Law Student Association leadership awards. In 2003, Thomas graduated from Barry Law and received the highest award presented to any graduating student, the Dean's Award. After graduation in 2003 and passing the bar, Thomas worked as a trial lawyer representing injured victims against corporations and insurance companies. In December 2008, Thomas opened Leeder Law as a solo practitioner with a single paralegal. At Leeder Law, Thomas makes two promises to all his clients. The first promise is we treat all our clients like friends and family. The second promise is the client should focus on getting better and let us worry about everything else. Thomas has always had a firm believe that people must give back to the community. While building Leeder Law, Thomas provided mentorship to Barry undergrads who wanted to go on to become lawyers. Thomas also mentored numerous Barry Law students through their educational years, even hiring two Barry Law graduates as junior associates. During this same time period, Thomas joined Barry University's Alumni Board serving approximately seven years as a director, one year as president and another as past president. Thomas was also appointed to serve a year as a Barry University trustee. In 2015, Thomas started the S. Florida Barry Law Alumni chapter and was named the chair. In December 2018, Leeder Law celebrated its 10-year anniversary. Over those 10 years, Leeder Law grew from Thomas and a single paralegal to having three associate attorneys as well as numerous paralegals and legal assistants. Currently, Thomas handles high stakes medical malpractice and personal injury litigation cases throughout Florida. Also, in December of 2018, Barry Law's very own Dean Leticia Diaz, presented Thomas the Outstanding Achievement Alumni Award.