Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Leo Terrell

How Leo Terrell built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Leo Terrell is an American civil rights attorney, talk radio host, and political commentator. Formerly a Democrat, he publicly announced his support for Donald Trump in 2020, marking his first endorsement of a Republican presidential candidate. He is a frequent guest on Fox News. In January 2025, Donald Trump announced plans to appoint Terrell as Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division within the Department of Justice.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

December 4, 1990: Terrell Becomes Member of the State Bar of California

On December 4, 1990, Leo Terrell became a member of the State Bar of California.

1990: Terrell Joins NAACP

In 1990, Leo Terrell became a member of the NAACP and provided pro bono legal work for the organization.

1995: Representation of Kumasi Simmons

In 1995, Leo Terrell represented Kumasi Simmons, a former football player from Centennial High School in Compton who was expelled for hitting a referee. Simmons alleged the referee used racial epithets, and Terrell accused the Beverly Hills Police Department of intimidating witnesses.

June 3, 1996: Terrell & Katz Debut on KMPC Radio

On June 3, 1996, Leo Terrell co-hosted the weekday talk show "Terrell & Katz" with Burton Katz, debuting on KMPC radio in Los Angeles. The program featured Terrell as the liberal voice and Katz as the conservative.

October 5, 1996: Terrell & Katz Move to Weekends on KABC

Starting October 5, 1996, "Terrell & Katz" moved to weekends on KABC.

1998: Publication of "Your Rights at the Workplace"

In 1998, Leo Terrell wrote the book "Your Rights at the Workplace--The Things Your Boss Won't Tell You".

1999: Call for Witnesses in Police Shooting Case

In 1999, Leo Terrell called on the Los Angeles police commission to hear witnesses claiming that Margaret Laverne Mitchell, a homeless woman, was running when police officers shot her.

2003: Terrell Runs for Los Angeles City Council

In 2003, Leo Terrell ran for the seat of District 10 on the Los Angeles City Council and came in fifth place among seven candidates.

August 15, 2010: Terrell Ends Weekend Legal Show on KABC

Until August 15, 2010, Terrell hosted a weekend legal show on KABC, and continues to be a guest host for The Peter Tilden Show.

2012: Call for Investigation of Misconduct

In 2012, Leo Terrell called for an investigation of misconduct by trainees of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

July 2020: Terrell Declares Support for Donald Trump

In July 2020, Leo Terrell, previously a Democrat, publicly declared his support for President Donald Trump in an interview, marking the first time he supported a Republican presidential candidate.

July 2021: Terrell Returns to KABC with New Show

In July 2021, Leo Terrell returned to KABC with a new daily afternoon drive show called "Leo 2.0 Live @ 5".

June 3, 2023: Terrell Leaves KABC

As of June 3, 2023, Leo Terrell is no longer employed at KABC AM 790 talk radio station.

January 2025: Terrell to be Appointed Senior Counsel

In January 2025, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to appoint Leo Terrell as Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division in the United States Department of Justice.

January 21, 2025: Terrell Nominated as Senior Counsel

On January 21, 2025, Leo Terrell was nominated as Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division and has stated his intention to pursue legal action against antisemitism in universities.

2025: DOJ Investigation of Antisemitism on College Campuses

In 2025, Leo Terrell announced he would be investigating Columbia University as part of a broader DOJ investigation against antisemitism on college campuses.