New Orleans City Councilmember Lesli D. Harris has joined the national law firm Baker Donelson as special counsel in the Firm's New Orleans office. A prominent intellectual property and entertainment attorney, Ms. Harris's clients have included the National Football League, NBC Universal, the New Orleans Saints, and the New Orleans Pelicans.
Ms. Harris, who joins the Firm as a member of the Commercial Litigation Group, brings significant experience in complex commercial litigation and branding and trademark enforcement. In her two decades of practice, she has represented leading national and global brands in matters involving trademark protection, copyright disputes, licensing, antipiracy enforcement, and brand policing.
"Lesli brings a rare blend of intellectual property depth and practical litigation experience," said Marcus M. Maples, chair of Baker Donelson's Commercial Litigation Group. "Her extensive background representing major national brands in high-visibility disputes and brand-protection work will be a tremendous asset to our clients."
In addition to her legal practice, Ms. Harris is a well-known civic leader in New Orleans, serving on multiple local boards dedicated to housing, youth services, criminal justice, and cultural development, including the New Orleans Children & Youth Planning Board, the New Orleans Tourism & Cultural Fund, the Louisiana Museum Foundation, and the Sanford Krasnoff Criminal Justice Council. She was recently elected, unopposed, to serve a second term as the District B representative for the New Orleans City Council.
"Lesli has a deep understanding of the issues shaping New Orleans and our region, further strengthening our practices and the support we provide to our clients and our community," said Noah Kressler, managing shareholder of Baker Donelson's New Orleans office. "Lesli is a brilliant attorney, a dedicated civic leader, and a trusted voice in our community. She aligns perfectly with Baker Donelson's values, and we couldn't be more excited to have her on board."
Prior to joining Baker Donelson, Ms. Harris practiced at two prominent New Orleans law firms and served as chief of staff and executive counsel to the President of Loyola University. Along with her work in intellectual property, copyright, and trademark matters, she has represented clients in civil rights litigation, including marriage-equality advocacy in federal court, and she serves as co-chair of the Housing and Homelessness Committee, advocating for affordable housing and securing stable housing for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Ms. Harris earned her B.A. from the University of Virginia and graduated from Tulane University School of Law with honors. She received her LL.M. in Trade Regulation with a concentration in Intellectual Property from New York University School of Law. Ms. Harris is AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has been recognized by Chambers USA, Louisiana Super Lawyers, and The Best Lawyers in America® for her work in intellectual property, trademark, trade secrets, and advertising law.