PRACTICE AREAS
AT WORK
Leslee M. Cohen advises clients in a broad range of federal and state securities law matters. She counsels a variety of entities, from entrepreneurs to established businesses, across many industries in connection with private placements of both equity and debt securities, as well as general corporate matters with securities law implications, such as restructurings, employment and consulting agreements, and stockholder and limited liability company agreements. Leslee also structures, negotiates and documents tender offers, mergers and acquisitions, and equity incentive plans and agreements on behalf of both privately and publicly held issuers of all capitalization levels.
Leslee's practice encompasses Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) compliance for microcap public companies and committees of their boards of directors, providing counseling regarding disclosure and regulatory obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, including corporate governance, ethics and executive compensation issues. In addition, Leslee represents broker-dealers and investment advisors in connection with securities law issues.
Leslee serves as Chair of the Much Shelist Women's Initiative.
IN THE PROFESSION
Leslee is a member of the board of directors of the Coalition of Women's Initiatives in Law Firms, an organization dedicated to 1) enhancing the recruitment, retention and promotion of women lawyers and 2) supporting the building, implementation and continued relevancy of women's initiatives in law firms. She also serves on the Coalition's Community Outreach Committee.
Leslee is a member of the Chicago Bar Association and the American Bar Association. She recently co-authored an article for The Business & Legal Quarterly titled "The Case for Gender Diversity: Why Your Business Should Hire and Promote Women." In 2006, Leslee was selected by the Law Bulletin Publishing Company as one of the "40 Illinois Attorneys Under Forty to Watch." She has also been recognized by the Leading Lawyers Network as a top Illinois lawyer in the areas of corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and securities and venture finance (2007-2010). In 2010, Leslee was designated an Illinois Super Lawyer, an honor given to the top 5% of attorneys in the state.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Leslee is a member of the Young Women's Committee of the Jewish United Fund and is active at Kipling Elementary School in Deerfield, Illinois.
BACKGROUND
New York University School of Law
J.D., 1992
University of Michigan
B.A., with high distinction, 1989
Leslee is admitted to practice in Illinois and New York.
RELATED ARTICLES & PUBLICATIONS
Preparing for Year-End: Securities—Publicly Traded and Privately Held Companies
The MBE and WBE Certification Process: Why and How, MWIB Magazine (pdf)
Is Electing an Independent Board Member Right for Your Business?
Exploring the Pros and Cons
The Case for Gender Diversity: Why Your Business Should Hire and Promote Women
RELATED NEWS & PRESS RELEASES
Leslee M. Cohen Elected to Executive Committee of Coalition of Women's Initiatives in Law Firms