Joseph Michael Leary (1831–20 October 1881), was an Australian politician and solicitor, serving as a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly.
One brother, George, was secretary to Henry Parkes and William Dalley during their emigration lectures in England and was subsequently clerk of petty sessions in Mudgee.
[10] Leary served his articles under the supervision of Richard Driver and in December 1866 he was admitted an attorney and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, with his admission being moved by William Dalley.
[11][12] The following month he was appointed one of five commissioners to conduct a Royal Commission to inquire into and report upon the state of lawlessness and crime prevailing in the district of Braidwood.
The commissioners reported that Rowland Hassall, one of the magistrates "has refrained from taking any open or active part against the bushrangers or their associates, to preserve himself and his property from outrage and depredation.