A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE MARK LEIENDECKER FOR HIS SUCCESSFUL LEGAL CAREER AND TO WISH HIM A HAPPY AND RESTFUL RETIREMENT.

Whereas, it is with great pleasure that the members of the South Carolina General Assembly congratulate Mark Leiendecker upon the occasion of his retirement effective March 1, 2024, after a long career as both a solo practitioner and as a public defender; and

Whereas, in preparation for his career, Mr. Leiendecker earned a bachelor's degree from Muskingum College in 1979, double majoring in history and political science. While at Muskingum, he participated in the forensic society debate team, the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity, various intramural sports, and other activities. After undergrad, he went to the University of Toledo College of Law to earn his Juris Doctor degree. He spent his last two years of law school as the legal liaison for the clerk of Toledo Municipal Court. Additionally, he earned a book award at the school's Moot Court competition in 1980; and

Whereas, Mr. Leiendecker's extensive legal career has ranged from private practice to work as a public defender. He worked as a judicial law clerk for the Supreme Court of Ohio from 1983 to 1985, was an attorney for the firm Teaford, Rich, Coffman & Wheeler from 1985 to 1992, was a partner in Mortimer, Leiendecker, & Rose from 1993 to 1997, and worked as a public defender for the Dorchester Defender Corporation beginning in 1993; and

Whereas, Mr. Leiendecker begin his solo practice in Summerville in 1997 with concentrations in criminal, domestic, and juvenile law. He served as magistrate from 2005 to 2008 when he became the first public defender for the First Circuit, serving Calhoun, Dorchester, and Orangeburg counties. The South Carolina General Assembly is greatly appreciative of the work he has done in the private sector, as a public defender, and while serving on the Commission for Indigent Defense; and

Whereas, after a fruitful career, Mr. Leiendecker is more than deserving of a retirement full of rest and relaxation. The members of the South Carolina General Assembly trust he will find much enjoyment in the more leisurely pace of the days ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, congratulate Mark Leiendecker for his successful legal career and to wish him a happy and restful retirement.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mark Leiendecker.

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