Vera Institute of Justice

Christine Leonard joined Vera as the director of the Washington DC Office in July 2011. Prior to joining Vera, she was the associate director of legislative affairs for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy for the Obama administration. In that capacity, Christine developed and implemented strategies to advance key legislative priorities with relevant congressional committees. She also led and oversaw all communications with members of Congress, as well as hearing participation and confirmation of agency nominees. Previously, Christine served as senior counsel to the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy. In this role, she worked on a range of criminal justice issues, including legislation relating to juvenile justice, sentencing reform, prison conditions, and national security. She also advised Senator Kennedy on these and other matters within the jurisdiction of the Senate Judiciary Committee as well as the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Prior to her work in the Senate, Christine served as a counsel to Rep. William D. Delahunt, working on matters pending before the Judiciary Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives. Previously, she worked in the Boston office of Holland & Knight LLP. Earlier in her career, Christine also served on the staff of Rep. James P. McGovern during his first term in Congress. Christine holds a BA in international studies from Boston College and a JD from the college’s Law School.