New York, New York
A Lawyer Helping Others
Matthew G. Leonard was the kind of lawyer who would join a homeless man in singing Christmas carols in downtown Brooklyn, successfully drawing contributions from charmed passers-by. "He probably was the kindest law clerk I ever had," said Peter Leisure, a federal district judge in Manhattan.
Mr. Leonard, 38, had done well as a lawyer, rising to director of litigation for Cantor Fitzgerald. But he was also known for extensive pro bono work, largely at MFY Legal Services. He started working there as an intern, helping poor Chinatown residents while he was at Columbia Law School, and served for more than a decade on its board, including five years as vice chairman.
On Sept. 11, he rose early, as he always did, well before his 7-month-old daughter, Christina, had awakened. "He said he got more work done before the phones started ringing at 9," said his wife, Yolanda Cerda Leonard, who had met him when she was a paralegal and he a lawyer at Willkie Farr & Gallagher, a Manhattan law firm. As he left their Brooklyn apartment to go to his office high in the World Trade Center, his wife looked at the clock. It said 7:11 a.m.
Matt was one of the kindest people I met in my law career. We spent the third year of law school at Columbia working hard on the Moot Court Executive Committee—lots of time to talk and get to know each other. He was a hard worker, generous with his time, and good to talk to.
On this twentieth anniversary of 9/11, I’m thinking of him and his family.
Aileen Arrieta
September 11, 2021 | Berkeley, CA
A beautiful and honorable young man gone too soon. My prayers are with your loving family who miss you to this day.
Regina M Molony
September 11, 2021 | New Bern, NC | Family
September 11, 2020
It has hard to believe it has been 19 years. I knew Matt from Georgetown University. During our senior year there, he and I were the two teaching assistants for aProfessor Walter “Jack” Giles. Matt was the TA for Professor Giles’ Constitutional Law class and I was the TA for Professor Giles’ American Government class. He was a hell of a lot smarter than me. He was brilliant but, yet, very humble. We shared an office.
Matt was a gentleman and a...
John G. Farnan
September 11, 2020 | Classmate
18 years have passed, and I still cry over the loss of Matthew G. Leonard. I hold memories of him close to my heart. I worked with Matt at Willkie Farr & Gallagher. At 4:59 pm, he would poke his head around the corner of my desk and say, "Feel like working late tonight?" His bright beaming smile always made it impossible to say no. My two co-workers, Undine and Shavanda would stay too. You could hear the four of us howling with laughter all night. I still marvel that we got any work...
Felicia Bams
September 11, 2019 | Queens, NY | Coworker
I remember Matt from MHT. For many reasons I wish he had stayed at the bank. I remember being at the memorial service at the church. His wife and young child was there. He will always be missed.
Michael Ganz
September 12, 2016 | Shoreham, NY
Rest In Peace Matt, 15 years and I can still see you working late. I will never ever forget you! Zenobia
Zenobia Souter
September 12, 2016 | New York, NY
Yolanda and Christina, thinking of you and Matt today.
Drew Keen
September 11, 2016
In Memory
With Honor& Respect.
S J. Friscia III
May 08, 2014 | Staten Island, NY
I am thinking of you, Matt, today on the 12th Anniversary of 9/11. I just read the glowing notes on this website from some of the many lives you touched. I know they are not exaggerating your kindness and compassion. My prayers are with your wife and your daughter who must be about 13 or 14 now. I remember you at that age when we were riding the train together to Regis H.S. as freshmen. I recall one time when I was on the F train with my father and you got on at Park Slope and I introduced...
MIchael McLoughlin
September 11, 2013 | Pittsburgh, PA