James Leightner is partner and co-founder of the Law Offices of Diekman & Leightner.  James received his Bachelors of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1983 and graduated from St. Louis University School of Law in 1986.  As a graduate of Chaminade High School, James is a lifelong member of the St. Louis Community and has resided in St. Louis for his entire life.

James passionately represents his clients in the areas of family law, which includes divorces, legal separations, domestic partnerships, partition suits, child custody, child support, and paternity.  In addition to family law, James is skilled in the areas of business/corporation, tax matters, and estate planning.  He has practiced in St. Louis and the surrounding counties for more than 30 years, and he is devoted to aggressively protecting the interests of his clients and helping them navigate through often difficult and complex legal situations to achieve optimal resolutions.  James believes that by taking an assertive approach, he can attain the best possible results, whether through settlement or trial.

James Leightner is licensed to practice law in all the State Courts of Missouri, as well as the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, and the United States Tax Court.  Through his education, his many years in practice, and his various areas of expertise, James is committed to ensuring that his clients receive complete and total analysis and representation in all aspects of the matters which they present for legal assistance