About Lesley

I help organizations creatively solve their people problems and challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic created many people issues – health and safety, workplace accommodation, and remote/hybrid work, just to name a few. I guided executives and leaders through these issues without receiving any legal claims related to them. Since then, I have provided critical legal counsel and creative solutions to help successfully navigate an unprecedented landscape of organizational transformation, strategic business initiatives, and regulatory change. This has enabled the leaders I have supported to be able to focus on the company’s mission and work without the distraction and worry of legal risk.

I am an experienced, senior in-house attorney with a specialty in labor and employment law. I provide practical and strategic legal advice to synthesize, optimize, and transform. I build and lead teams, including transforming the labor, employment, and benefits law function into a team that acts as strategic business partner within the organization. I train, educate, and develop leaders to maximize compliance and manage risk. Prior to moving in-house, I worked in private practice at Venable LLP where I represented clients of various sizes across different industries in both the public and private sectors. I litigated labor and employment claims in federal and state court (at the trial and appellate court levels), administrative proceedings, and arbitration. I also counseled employers on personnel policies and decisions, labor issues, and employee benefits.

I speak frequently both internally and externally on various workplace issues, including labor and employment law topics, workplace culture, resilience, and career development.

I am a Certified Wayfinder coach and a published author. I know and believe in the power of storytelling.  That’s why I edited an anthology of women’s stories – Own Your Story:  Empower.  Connect.  Create Change.  The book became a bestseller in several categories, and I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing from readers who have shared that the stories are empowering and inspiring. 

Additionally, I am committed to giving back to my community, as reflected through my many years of service on the Board of Directors for the Wendt Center for Loss and Healing, including as its Board President from 2023 to 2025.

On a personal note, I am a wife and the mother of three boys (two of which are twins).