LESLEE M. COHEN | Principal
Phone: 312.445.9628
Fax: 312.445.9656
Email: [email protected]
AT WORK
Leslee concentrates her transactional practice in securities law, corporate finance and general corporate law. She counsels a variety of entities, from small entrepreneurs and start-up companies to large established businesses, across many industries from real estate to technology in connection with private placements of both equity and debt securities, including venture capital, private equity and “friends and family” investments. Leslee also structures, negotiates and documents significant business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, tender offers, joint ventures and other business combinations and financial transactions. In addition, she handles general corporate matters including commercial contract drafting and review, stockholder and limited liability company agreements and structuring, business restructurings, employment and consulting agreements, and equity incentive plans and agreements, on behalf of a diverse group of clients.
IN THE PROFESSION
- Member, Board of Directors of the Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC). The SBAC advocates for small businesses in Illinois on both the state and federal level.
- Chair, SBAC Venture Pitch Committee. The Venture Pitch Committee is a program through the SBAC that provides members with both access to capital through bank, debt, and equity financing and valuable business educational programs under the auspices of its knowledge exchange.
- Co-Chair, Advisory Board, Coalition of Women’s Initiatives in Law Firms. The Coalition is 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.
- Member, Board of Directors, Demon Angels. The Demon Angels is an angel investment fund formed to raise capital and offer support primarily to women and minority entrepreneurs.
- Mentor, Elmspring Accelerator. Elmspring is a venture accelerator that invests in technology start-ups who aim to disrupt the real estate industry.
- Mentor, WiSTEM Accelerator. WiSTEM is a venture accelerator focused on women entrepreneurs in technology businesses.
HONORS AND AWARDS
- Advocate of the Year, 2019, Small Business Advocacy Council.
- Best Chicago Lawyers for Start-Ups, 2015-2019, Red Rocket blog
- Illinois Super Lawyers, 2010-2019, Top 100 Lawyers in the State of Illinois and Top 50 Women Lawyers in the State of Illinois, securities and corporate finance
- Best Lawyers in America, 2013-2019, corporate law
- Leading Lawyers, 2007-2019, corporation finance, mergers & acquisitions, securities and venture finance
- Women of Influence Award, 2017, Best Lawyers’, Business Edition
- Outstanding Service to Entrepreneurs Award, 2016, Daily Herald Business Ledger
- Women Making an Impact Award, 2013, Chicago Law Bulletin Publishing Company
- 40 Illinois Lawyers Under 40 to Watch, 2006, Chicago Law Bulletin Publishing Company
BACKGROUND
- New York University School of Law J.D.
- University of Michigan B.A., with highest distinction
- Leslee is admitted to practice in Illinois and New York
Visit Leslee’s LinkedIn page