Feb 14, 2022
Leslee
Cohen
This
week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest,
Leslee Cohen. The two talk
about the journey of
building AllRise Legal Counsel, a sophisticated, small firm meeting
the workforce where they are today and building a company
accordingly.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How Leslee’s career was shaped and nurtured by her family starting at an early age
- The journey of building AllRise Legal Counsel, and the challenges and risks along the way
- Networking in the business’ shift of brand and ownership
- Understanding how to market your niche and make yourself a sought out resource
- Leslee’s vision to give women who need flexible work arrangements the ability to do very high level work, and continue to be challenged and relevant in the field within their time constraints
- Why ‘The Mom Project’ has been a helpful resource
- How AllRise builds camaraderie in her team of mostly remote women
- The obstacles and development in building the skill sets of a business owner
- How Leslee balances herself, while being a mother, wife, business leader, and owner
- What boundaries help her to be present where she is
- Why and how Leslee is a great asset to her clients
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.
She also 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. 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 THE PROFESSION
- Co-Chair, Advisory Board, Coalition of Women’s
Initiatives in Law Firms
The Coalition is dedicated to enhancing the recruitment, retention and promotion of women lawyers. - Member, Board of Directors, and Chair, Venture
Pitch Committee, Small Business Advocacy Council
The SBAC is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization formed to advocate on behalf of small businesses on a federal, state and local government level. The Venture Pitch Committee is a program through the SBAC that provides members with both access to capital and valuable business educational programs. - 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, Workbox
Workbox is a coworking accelerator providing resources to startups and growth stage businesses. - Mentor, The Hatchery
The Hatchery is a non-profit food and beverage incubator. - Mentor, REACH Commercial
Accelerator
REACH is a venture accelerator program for real estate technology companies.
HONORS AND AWARDS
- Advocate of the Year, 2019, Small Business Advocacy Council
- Best Chicago Lawyers for Start-Ups, 2015-2022, Red Rocket blog
- Illinois Super Lawyers, 2010-2022, 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, 2013-2022, corporate law
- Leading Lawyers, 2007-2022, corporation finance, mergers & acquisitions, securities, 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
EDUCATION
- New York University School of Law J.D.
- University of Michigan B.A., with highest distinction
Website: https://www.allriselawyers.com/