The San Diego‐based firm of Wilson Turner Kosmo, one the largest certified women‐owned law firms in California, has elected to partner James Leonard and Katherine McCray. The business and employment law litigators began their new roles Jan. 1.
“James and Katherine are industry-leading litigators whose contributions elevate WTK’s employment-law, business and warranty practice groups to new heights,” said firm partner and co-founder Claudette Wilson. “As we move into a new decade, our firm’s future couldn’t be in better hands.”
A member of the firm’s Employment Law, Business Litigation and Warranty practice groups, Leonard’s practice is multifaceted. He represents major automotive manufacturers in a host of breach of warranty claims brought under the Song-Beverly Act and Magnusson-Moss Act. Leonard also represents employers in every area of employment litigation, including wage and hour, discrimination, wrongful termination, defamation and workers’ compensation discrimination disputes.
Leonard, who joined the firm in 2012, began his legal career with the First Amendment Project litigating free speech and anti-SLAPP cases. Leonard later joined a local firm representing employers in state and federal employment-law matters — a skill he’s further honed at WTK. He earned his J.D. from the University of San Francisco, School of Law and B.A. at the University of California, San Diego.
McCray, a member of the firm’s Business Litigation and Employment Law practice groups since 2011, represents clients ranging from small businesses to large corporations in complex disputes at the state and federal level. She defends clients in disputes arising out of the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act and against unfair business practice, unfair competition, breaches of contract, antitrust and franchise issues. Through her employment law practice, McCray defends clients against single-plaintiff and class-action claims of alleged employment discrimination, harassment, breach of contract and wage and hour matters. She also represents clients before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and state appellate courts.
Outside of her legal practice, McCray serves on the Commercial and Business Litigation Committee of the American Bar Association and has held a leadership role with the Association of Business Trial Lawyers’ (San Diego Chapter) Leadership Development Committee. She earned her J.D. from Yale University and B.A., magna cum laude, from Harvard University.
About Wilson Turner Kosmo
Wilson Turner Kosmo serves as California trial counsel for local and national companies and public institutions. The firm’s 36 lawyers provide litigation expertise in the areas of product liability, employment law, class actions and general business litigation. Established in 1991, Wilson Turner Kosmo’s attorneys are frequently honored for their commitment to the legal profession and the San Diego community. The firm is one of the largest women‐owned law firms in California and is certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, the National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms and The Supplier Clearinghouse for the Utility Supplier Diversity Program of the California Public Utilities Commission. For more information, visit www.wilsonturnerkosmo.com.