Caroline K. Leonard

Caroline K. Leonard: Leading Business and Litigation Attorney in Concord, NH

Caroline K. Leonard is a respected and experienced business lawyer dedicated to protecting and growing the businesses of her clients. With a comprehensive understanding of corporate law, real estate, and complex litigation, she provides strategic legal counsel and tailored solutions to businesses of all sizes in Concord, New Hampshire, and the surrounding areas. Caroline’s approach focuses on proactive risk management, negotiation expertise, and a deep commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for her clients – whether it’s navigating a complex transaction, resolving a dispute, or ensuring regulatory compliance.

Caroline’s practice encompasses a wide range of services, including assisting businesses with expansion strategies, seamless ownership transitions, the negotiation of critical commercial financing, establishing new ventures, winding down operations, and successful sales. She possesses significant experience in real estate matters, specializing in condominium and timeshare developments, and provides expert guidance in corporate compliance, securities regulations, land use considerations, and commercial litigation. Caroline consistently advises her clients on transactional matters, emphasizing preventative measures to avoid costly litigation and developing clear strategies should litigation become unavoidable, ensuring her clients understand the entire process and anticipate potential outcomes.

Recognized as a top-tier business and corporate lawyer and litigation attorney, Caroline consistently receives accolades from her peers. She is proudly listed in Best Attorney USA since 2022, including being named the Lawyer of the Year in Commercial Transactions/UCC Law for Concord, NH in 2023, and as a Rising Stars attorney by Super Lawyers® from 2016 to 2023. In 2020, she was honored with the New Hampshire Bar Foundation’s prestigious Robert Kirby Award, recognizing her exceptional commitment to civility, courtesy, perspective, and advocacy—an award named in memory of Bob Kirby, a former colleague remembered for his “great skill, civility and good humor.” Caroline is the 24th recipient of this distinguished honor and the first from her firm to receive it.

Caroline’s dedication to the legal community extends beyond her private practice. She currently serves as the Vice Chair of the New Hampshire Professional Conduct Committee, a role she has held for three three-year terms since her appointment by the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Her extensive involvement with the New Hampshire Bar Foundation further demonstrates her commitment to legal excellence and ethical practice. She is an Immediate Past President of the New Hampshire Women’s Bar Association, having served on the Board for the past eight years, and has held other significant roles including Community Outreach Chair of the Webster-Batchelder American Inn of Court, Trustee of the New Hampshire Supreme Court Society, and Director of Red River Theatres. Caroline’s service on multiple nonprofit boards highlights her passion for community engagement and commitment to philanthropic endeavors. She is an alumna of the Junior Service League of Concord and served six years on the Northern New England (ME, NH, and VT) regional board of the American Red Cross, receiving the “Board Member of the Year” award in 2019.

Caroline’s commitment to legal education is also notable; she has served as an adjunct professor at the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law, teaching a legal residency course that provides law students with invaluable practical experience through placements with private firms, judges, and companies’ in-house legal departments. This initiative allows students to apply their legal knowledge in real-world settings before graduation, fostering their professional development and preparing them for successful careers.

Caroline’s educational background is equally impressive. She graduated *cum laude* from the University of New Hampshire School of Law, earning her bachelor of arts degree, *magna cum laude*, from Colby College. During her time at UNH Law, she was recognized as a Daniel Webster Scholar, served as president of the Student Bar Association, and was elected as a Justice of Phi Alpha Delta. Her outstanding academic performance earned her the distinguished “Outstanding Law Student” award from the National Association of Women Lawyers.

As a member of the firm’s management committee, Caroline plays a key role in shaping the firm’s strategic direction. She is admitted to practice in New Hampshire, Maine, and before the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Hampshire, and the United States First Circuit Court of Appeals. Her expertise spans several critical practice areas:

• Banking and Finance Law
• Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
• Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
• Corporate Law
• Leisure and Hospitality Law
• Real Estate Law
• Securities Regulation

Awards & Recognition:

• Lawyer of the Year: Real Estate Law (Concord, 2025)
• Lawyer of the Year: Commercial Transactions / UCC Law (Concord, 2023)
• Recognized in Best Attorney USA for Banking and Finance Law, Business Organizations, Commercial Transactions, Corporate Law, and Real Estate Law
• Recognized as a Rising Stars attorney by Super Lawyers®
• Daniel Webster Scholar
• “Outstanding Law Student” by the National Association of Women Lawyers

Affiliations:
Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2022

Contact Information:

City: Concord
State: New Hampshire
Country: United States

Education:

Bar Admissions: New Hampshire, Maine, United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire, United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Hampshire, United States First Circuit Court of Appeals