In Memory of Paul R. Leitner

May 24, 2021

The law firm of Leitner, Williams, Dooley & Napolitan, PLLC regrets the passing of Paul R. Leitner, member of the firm for over 60 years.

Born in 1928 in Winnsboro, SC, Mr. Leitner graduated from Duke University in 1950 and went on to receive his LL.B. from McKenzie College of Law in Chattanooga in 1954. He became an employee of the firm in 1952 while attending law school and became an associate with the firm in July 1954 after passing the Tennessee bar. He was named a partner in 1957.

Paul was a member in many professional organizations locally and nationally throughout his distinguished career. He was named “Young Man of the Year” by the Chattanooga Jaycees in 1957. He was President of the Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association in 1975-76 and Tennessee State Chairman for the Defense Research Institute from 1978-79. Some of the organizations he was associated with are the Chattanooga Bar Association (Founding Fellow), Tennessee Bar Association (Fellow), American Bar Association, Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, International Association of Defense Counsel, Trial Attorneys of America, American College of Trial Lawyers (Fellow), American Board of Trial Advocates (Advocate), U.S. Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference (Life Member), listed in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in American Law, named a Best Lawyer in America by US News and World Report, he was a member of the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a certified Civil Trial Specialist in Tennessee and a member of the Commission on Continuing Legal Education.

Mr. Leitner tried over 20 civil cases from 1963 to 1989. He published an article in the American Bar Association newsletter entitled “Primary, Secondary or Pro Rata – Apportionment and Contribution Between Insurers” in January 1972. He was also a presenter and panelist at many local and national legal associations throughout the years.

He was also involved in numerous community activities. Paul was President of the Chattanooga Jaycees (1956-57), Member of the Hamilton County Juvenile Court Commission 1955-61 (Chairman, 1958-59), Member of the Hamilton County Metropolitan Government Charter Commission (1962-64), Board of Directors at the Family Service Agency (1957-1963), Member of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Community Action Board, Board of Directors at Camp Ocoee, Chairman for the Citizens Committee for Better Schools, Member of the Governors No Fault Insurance Committee (1976-77), Board of Directors at the Chattanooga Opera Association (1982-83) and the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Association (1987), Member of the Official Board at the First-Centenary United Methodist Church (1988-94), Member of the Kiwanis Club, Board of Directors at the Chattanooga Prison Ministry (1995-1997) and Board of Directors at the Japan Center of Tennessee (1992-1996).

Mr. Leitner passed peacefully on Saturday May 22, 2021 surrounded by loved ones. Services will be held Wednesday, May 26th at noon at First Centenary United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your charity of choice.

His obituary may be viewed by clicking here.