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 served as lead attorney for the city of Hartford for all disputes arising out of the construction of a minor league baseball stadium, including the termination of the contractor and negotiation of a takeover agreement with the surety. The surety completed the project at no additional cost to taxpayers. Leslie also won a high-profile jury verdict on behalf of the city after a contentious five-week trial in 2019 in which the fired developer was seeking $90 million for an alleged wrongful termination. Not only did the jury find no wrongful termination, but it also awarded liquidated damages to the city. Leslie also was successful in post-verdict motions concerning the development of parcels surrounding the ballpark, enabling the city to move forward with a new developer. Leslie continues to represent 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 is 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.