Overview
Leslie practices all aspects of construction law. Her clients include residential and commercial owners, contractors, and she has extensive experience representing design professionals, including architects, engineers, landscape architects, and interior designers. She has handled numerous mediations, arbitrations, and litigation matters in state, federal, and tribal court, as well as many significant appeals.
Notably, Leslie was named the 2020 Connecticut Law Tribune “Attorney of the Year” for her victory on behalf of the city of Hartford in a significant, contentious, and complex jury trial that lasted more than four weeks. She served as lead attorney for Hartford for all disputes arising out of the construction of a minor league baseball stadium, including the termination of the developer and contractor. She also negotiated a takeover agreement with the surety, requiring completion of the stadium with a new contractor. In July 2019, Leslie won the high-profile jury verdict in which the fired developer and contractor sought $90 million in damages for an alleged wrongful termination. Not only did the jury find no wrongful termination, but it also awarded damages to Hartford. Leslie also was successful in post-verdict motions concerning the development of parcels surrounding the ballpark, enabling Hartford to move forward with a new developer. Leslie continues to represent the city of Hartford in the appeal arising out of the baseball park litigation.
Leslie regularly presents at the American Institute of Architects Connecticut chapter on legal issues affecting design professionals, and she has lectured at the Yale School of Architecture’s professional practices seminar. She previously served as a member of the board of trustees of Preservation Connecticut, which is dedicated to preserving the state’s historic architecture and neighborhoods. Leslie also is a member of the Grace Farms Foundation Architecture and Construction Working Group, which is working to raise awareness of forced labor in construction supply chains around the world.
Leslie is fluent in French and speaks conversational Spanish.