Leonard Budow, a partner in our Corporate & Business Law Department, specializes in advising and guiding business enterprises at various stages of development, from launch to exit vehicles.  For over 28 years, he has been actively engaged in providing legal and business counseling to enterprises both here in the United States and abroad.

Leonard has broad experience in the business matters generally presented to enterprises and entrepreneurs as well as a specialization in various industries. These business matters can range from business formation issues, employment, intellectual property issues such as trademark prosecution and maintenance, commercial real estate and the sale in whole or in part of a business. After working with him for several years many of his clients avoid the use of the term 'lawyer' when referring to Mr. Budow: more often you will hear 'counselor', 'adviser' and 'avocat'.

His engagements include working closely with his clients and their local counsel in Europe to ensure that both legal and business cultural issues are understood and translated into the United States context. Almost effortlessly, with his understanding of European Union law and culture, he bridges the barriers to understanding the nuances and commonalities necessary for a successful business launch in the United States.  Exemplifying that transcendent ability was his participation and citation in “Ouvrir un point de vente a New York” published by the Mission Economique de New York, as well as the private seminars he will present in France for launch companies.  He also has advised and represented some of his European clients on business transactions and launches outside of the United States.

As an example of his understanding of industries, in Fashion, his clients are some of the most acclaimed brands in the fashion world.  His first major European brand representation was the renowned shoe designer Stephane Kelian.  As an example of the loyalty and collegiality which is a signal aspect of Leonard’s relationships, he still represents and advises designers and managers who cut their teeth with Stephane Kelian so many years ago.  He understands both the legal and practical aspects of fashion from production, financing, distribution, brand registration and protection, licensing, franchising, retail store leasing, and the exit vehicles as they may arise whether it be in the form of a tuck in, private equity sale or public float.  He brings this same commitment to business to each of his client’s undertakings including software, cosmetics, celebrity management or real estate.

This understanding of industry harkens back to the first time he visited a shoe factory in Romans-sur-Isère, France to see, feel and grasp his client’s business and concomitant legal needs.  Routinely, he visits Europe three or four times a year to retain that understanding and internalization of culture necessary for his practice.  While we suspect he does not “suffer” strolling down the streets of Paris, and he seems to gain a pound or two on each trip, we do remain a little suspicious since he constantly protests that his travels are “real work”.

Leonard is admitted to the Bars of the State of New York, State of New Jersey and the Supreme Court of the United States of America. He graduated summa cum laude from Yeshiva University, where he began a lifelong love of fencing, and from Boston University School of Law, where he developed a taste for Gustav Mahler.