Smith LaCien LLP Welcomes Litigation Attorney Matthew S. Leonard to Its Growing Personal Injury Practice
CHICAGO, IL — [November 25, 2025] — Smith LaCien LLP, a leading Chicago-based personal injury and mass tort law firm, is proud to announce that Matthew S. Leonard has joined the firm as its newest litigation attorney. Leonard, a former three-year law clerk with the firm, focuses his practice on representing individuals and families affected by catastrophic personal injuries and wrongful death.
Leonard brings a strong foundation in civil litigation, having supported Smith LaCien attorneys through all stages of complex cases, including pleadings, motion practice, discovery, and trial preparation. The firm—recognized for securing more than $3 billion in settlements and verdicts and over 100 million-dollar-plus results—will further strengthen its client services with Leonard’s addition to the legal team.
Inspired by a family legacy of plaintiff advocacy, Leonard follows in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both respected trial lawyers in Phoenix, Arizona. Their example instilled in him the discipline, compassion, and precision required to ensure injured clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
Leonard earned his J.D., cum laude, from DePaul University College of Law, where he competed with the DePaul Appellate Moot Court Society and helped secure the third-place brief at the Domenick L. Gabrielli National Family Law Moot Court Competition. He completed his undergraduate studies at Lake Forest College, graduating cum laude with a major in Business and minors in Legal Studies and Philosophy. A former captain of the college football team, Leonard brings the same work ethic and leadership to his legal practice. He is admitted to the Illinois Bar and is an active member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.
“I am honored to officially join Smith LaCien as an attorney,” said Leonard. “Having clerked here for several years, I’ve seen firsthand the firm’s commitment to clients, its meticulous approach to litigation, and its track record of achieving meaningful results. I look forward to continuing that work and advocating for individuals and families during some of the most challenging times of their lives.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Matthew to our team,” said Brian LaCien, partner at Smith LaCien LLP. “His dedication, sharp legal instincts, and genuine compassion for clients have always set him apart. Matthew has been an integral part of our litigation process as a clerk, and we are proud to see him take the next step in his career with us.”
Founded by Todd A. Smith and Brian LaCien, Smith LaCien is a leading Chicago personal injury law firm with a proven track record of exceptional results for clients, with more than $3.5 billion in verdicts and settlements and over 100 cases with results of at least $5 million. The firm has been ranked by Chicago Lawyer as the number-one firm in mass tort litigation and most recently as a Top 5 plaintiffs injury law firm by Trial Lawyers LLP. For a free consultation, contact Matthew Leonard or any member of the Smith LaCien legal team at (312) 500-8295, complete the online contact form, or email info@smithlacien.com. Smith LaCien LLP is located at 70 W. Madison, Suite 2250, Chicago, IL 60602.