Jim Leonard is a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, who has spent almost his entire career in public service on behalf of the City of Philadelphia.

He has served as the Commissioner of the City of Philadelphia Department of Records since April 2016, when he was appointed by Mayor Jim Kenney. As Commissioner, Jim serves as the Recorder of Deeds for Philadelphia, manages the City’s records management program for all departments, administers the Department’s public access to records program, including the City’s historical archives, and oversees the City’s printing and binding center and official City photographer.

Prior to being appointed Commissioner of Records, Jim practiced law in Pennsylvania for approximately 17 years, with a focus on real estate transactional law, municipal pension matters, and the PA Right-to-Know Law. He spent almost his entire legal career at the City of Philadelphia Law Department.

Mr. Leonard received his law degree in 1999 from Villanova University School of Law. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Villanova University in 1996.