Lesli Harris is a special counsel in Baker Donelson's New Orleans office, where she focuses her practice on intellectual property, entertainment law, and complex commercial litigation. Ms. Harris brings more than two decades of experience representing national and global brands in intellectual property, branding, and trademark enforcement matters.
Ms. Harris also has experience handling class action defense, civil rights litigation, including marriage-equality advocacy in federal courts, and general business disputes. 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 at Loyola University.
In addition to her legal practice, Ms. Harris is an active civic leader in New Orleans, serving on boards dedicated to housing, youth services, criminal justice, and cultural development, such as the New Orleans Children & Youth Planning Board, the New Orleans Tourism & Cultural Fund, the Louisiana Museum Foundation, and the Sanford Krasnoff Criminal Justice Council. Ms. Harris currently serves on the New Orleans City Council.
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.