James Bart Leonardi
also known as Bart
About James
Biography
Bart Leonardi is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate law by the Ohio State Bar Association. His practice is concentrated in Estate Planning, Probate and Trust law and Probate Litigation.
A native of Cleveland, Mr. Leonardi obtained his B.S.B.A. in Finance from John Carroll University and his J.D. from Ave Maria School of Law. He is admitted to practice in all state courts of Ohio and Kentucky and in the United States District Courts for the Northern District of Ohio and the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Ohio for 16 years
State: Ohio
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Licensed in Kentucky for 17 years
State: Kentucky
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Licensed in Alabama for 19 years
State: Alabama
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
James Bart Leonardi, LLC
24700 Center Ridge Rd, Suite 250, Westlake, OH, 44145
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James Bart Leonardi's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
17 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Warren | September 05, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Probate
Excellent, highly recommended lawyer
My brother, who lived in Cleveland, recently passed away in Scottsdale, AZ. As the executor of his estate, I live in Naples, FL. After consultation with another attorney, James Bart Leonardi came highly recommended to me as a Cleveland area lawyer who could administer his estate for me, no matter how...
Posted by Stephen | March 18, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning
Outstanding Estate Planning Attorney
Bart is an excellent attorney who provided outstanding services to our family in the area of estate planning. He developed a creative estate plan that considers all conceivable events that might happen in the future. He is very organized and our completed documents are indexed for easy reference. ...
Posted by Michael | March 29, 2015 | Estate Planning
Excellent Estate Planning Attorney
Bart was hired to handle my family's estate planning. By listening to my family's needs, issues, and goals, he was able to put together an excellent plan for us. He is professional, communicated with us in a timely manner, and most importantly showed that he is extremely knowledgeable in the recommen...
Posted by Amy | March 25, 2015 | Probate
Highly competent probate attorney
Bart is a highly competent and skilled probate attorney, focusing in all aspects of probate law, including complex probate litigation. I have had the opportunity to work with him on multiple occasions and he has been a pleasure to work with.
James Bart Leonardi's Lawyer Endorsements
"Bart is a highly skilled attorney who knows how to evaluate and “get to the heart” of the most complex transactions. He is knowledgeable and has great relationships with his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Leonardi is one of the finest attoreneys in his area. He is a strong and zealous advocate for his clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly recommend his legal services."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have discussed Probate Law issues with Mr. Leonardi on many occassions over the past few years and he has always demonstrated insight and a complete knowledge in said area of law. Bart is responsive to his clients needs and has a deep understanding of their wishes and concerns."
"Bart is an outstanding lawyer, who always puts his clients' interests first. He is well-versed in estate planning, and makes this complicated legal field easy to understand for his clients. He is always willing to take the extra time to explain everything fully to his clients, and handles each case personally."
Litigation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Trusts and Estates Litigation and Trusts and Estates, Best Lawyers
2024
Trusts and Estates Litigation and Trusts and Estates, Best Lawyers
2023
Trusts and Estates Litigation and Trusts and Estates, Best Lawyers
2022
Trust and Estates Litigation and Trust and Estates, Best Lawyers
2019
Ohio Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
Ohio Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, Ohio State Bar Association
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Managing Member, James Bart Leonardi, LLC
2008 - 2010
Associate, Whonsetler and Johnson, PLLC
2006 - 2008
Attorney, Regions Morgan Keegan Trust
Associations
2012 - Present
Catholic Lawyers Guild of the Diocese of ClevelandExecutive Committee - 2014-17
2009 - Present
Ohio State Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
Kentucky Bar AssociationMember
2006 - 2013
Alabama State BarMember
Education
2006
JD - Juris Doctor
1994
B.S.B.A
Speaking Engagements
2019
Creditor Claims
2018
Probate Litigation and Professionalism
2016
Ethics
2016
Marshalling Assets and Creditor Claims
2016
Planned Giving
2014
Probate Litigation
2013
Asset Based Guide to Probate
2013
Preserving, Protecting and Transferring Assets: An Introduction for Physicians
Publications
2019
2012
2012
2012
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
I had a full POA before my mom passed. She did not declare beneficiaries on her insurance. Can I backdate beneficiary info?
09 Oct 2020
I am the primary beneficiary for my late boyfriend do I have any rights to ashes?
23 Aug 2020
My spouse and I both have our names on the deed to our home. If one dies does the other automatically own the house?
04 Jul 2018