Leslie is a partner in the family law team.

She represents clients in sophisticated and high-stakes family law matters throughout California, often involving significant international and cross-border dimensions.

Her practice encompasses all aspects of family law, with particular experience in complex financial matters, high-value asset division, business and investment interests, trusts and real estate, executive compensation, spousal and child support, and complex and high-conflict child custody matters. Her custody practice includes disputes involving domestic violence and restraining orders, interstate and international move-aways and relocation, jurisdictional issues, and other parenting and child-related concerns. Leslie regularly works with forensic accountants, valuation professionals, financial advisors, and other experts to navigate the financial and practical issues that arise when matters involve significant assets, privately held businesses, complex compensation structures, or assets located across multiple jurisdictions.

Although Leslie is an experienced litigator, her approach is pragmatic and resolution-focused. She believes clients are often better served by thoughtful and creative settlements that give them greater control over the outcome, particularly when children and sensitive family relationships, significant assets, businesses, privacy, or reputations are at stake. When settlement is not possible, she draws on her litigation experience to advocate strategically and effectively for her clients.

Leslie also advises clients on and has significant experience negotiating and drafting premarital, postmarital, and cohabitation agreements for high-net-worth individuals, business owners, executives, and families seeking to protect separate property, business interests, investments, inheritances, and other assets. Her work frequently involves clients with international connections, assets, or interests requiring careful consideration of how family law, wealth-planning and asset protection may intersect across jurisdictions. She approaches these agreements with an eye toward anticipating future issues and developing practical solutions tailored to each client’s circumstances and long-term objectives.

Leslie works closely with clients and their trusted advisors to understand the broader picture, including their children, businesses, financial security, privacy, and long-term goals. Drawing on Withers’ international platform, she also collaborates with colleagues across jurisdictions to provide coordinated advice when a client’s family, assets, business interests, or future plans extend beyond California.

Achievements

Leslie has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Family Law in the 2021-2027 editions and has been recognized as a Best Lawyer by U.S. News & World Report since 2021. She was also named Key Lawyer in the 2026 Legal 500 US Private Client guide for the California: Family Law practice area.

Prior to joining Withers, Leslie practiced at a prominent Southern California family law firm in Newport Beach, where she represented clients in complex family law matters.