Chicago, IL criminal defense attorney Michael Leonard tells the story of a memorable case he handled involving federal charges. He recalls one of his most notable recent victories occurred in January 2023, when he represented a high-ranking employee of a medical device company in a federal trial in Chicago. The case had been ongoing since 2019, representing the culmination of four years of diligent preparation and advocacy. From the outset, he maintained a firm conviction that his client should never have been charged—that she was not only not guilty, but entirely innocent.

After a two-week trial and testimony from approximately a dozen witnesses, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty on all counts. The outcome was particularly memorable for him because of the profound relief and joy it brought to the client and her family. Observing the client’s genuine smile and the sense of a burden lifted after a four-year legal battle left a lasting impression, highlighting the human impact behind the legal work and the significance of achieving justice for his clients.