Leonard T. Hackett

Leonard T. Hackett is a Florida Bar Board-certified labor and Employment Law attorney with extensive experience representing clients in employment disputes, HOA litigation, and personal injury claims. Known for his trial acumen and strategic guidance, Leonard serves both public and private clients facing high-stakes legal challenges.

After earning his B.A. in Criminal Justice from Stonehill College in 1986, Leonard distinguished himself in the U.S. Army, including active duty in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He later earned his J.D. cum laude from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1996, where he served on the Cleveland State Law Review and its editorial board.

Leonard represents employers in all types of employment litigation, including discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, wage and hour disputes, and FMLA claims. He also provides proactive counseling on employment law compliance, handbook and policy development, and risk‑management strategies to help prevent costly lawsuits. In his community association law practice, Leonard defends HOAs and condominium associations in covenant and rule enforcement actions, Fair Housing Act and ADA claims, and breach of fiduciary duty cases.

Leonard’s litigation experience includes personal injury and wrongful death cases involving complex premises liability issues. He has successfully defended business owners, property management companies, and individuals in claims involving catastrophic injury, often related to premises control and safety obligations.

Licensed in Florida, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, Leonard T. Hackett is admitted to practice in several federal courts, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth and Eleventh Circuits. He is a member of both the Florida and Jacksonville Bar Associations and maintains a reputation for thorough advocacy and responsive legal counsel.

Leonard brings discipline, insight, and commitment to every case, shaped by a career that blends military service, academic achievement, and decades of litigation success.

Law Office Affiliations

• Managing Attorney, Vernis & Bowling
• Member, Florida Bar Association
• Member, Jacksonville Bar Association
• Member, Florida Bar Board Certified Labor and Employment Attorney

Licensed State

• Florida
• Pennsylvania
• Maryland

Education

• Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Stonehill College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges