About Leslie D. Minier

Leslie Minier, Katten's chief diversity partner, helps clients in a variety of industries with mergers and acquisitions, private equity and general corporate matters. She advises both public and private companies on structuring, negotiating and documenting mergers, acquisitions and dispositions of private and public corporations. She also advises private equity funds investing in, engaging in leveraged buyouts of, and selling portfolio companies.

A nationally recognized leader in law firm diversity and inclusion efforts

As Katten's chief diversity partner and founder of its diversity committee, Leslie has led the firm to wide recognition throughout the legal industry for its diversity and inclusion efforts. At the local, state and national level, Leslie has also been recognized as leader in the legal industry by publications such as Crain's Chicago Business and Savoy Professional. Prior to attending law school, Leslie worked as a manager in the Data Communication/Technical Planning & Development Group for BellSouth Enterprises.

Practice Focus

  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Private equity
  • Public and private company transactions

News

Publications

Presentations and Events

Practices
Industries
Education
  • Northwestern University School of Law, JD
  • Northwestern University, MBA
  • Georgia Institute of Technology, MSEE
  • Tuskegee University, BSEE
Bar Admissions
  • Illinois
Community Involvements
  • American Bar Association, Business Law Section
  • Black Women Lawyers' Association of Greater Chicago, Inc.
  • Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms, Board Member, 2006–2015
  • Chicago United, Leaders Council
  • Economic Club of Chicago, Former Member
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • Joffrey Ballet, Board Member, 2006–2016
  • National Bar Association
  • Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois, Board Member, 2007–2009
  • National Black MBA Association, Inc.
  • The Chicago Bar Association, Alliance for Women, Former Executive Board Member and Co-Chair
  • National Association of Women Lawyers, Board Member
Recognitions
Recognized or listed in the following:
  • Citywealth
    Powerwomen Awards, Champion of the Year (Gold) – USA, 2023
    Top 15 Leadership Dream Team USA, 2022
  • Crain's Chicago Business
    Chicago’s Notable Minority Lawyers, 2018
    Notable Executives in HR and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, 2022
    Notable Minorities in Accounting, Consulting & Law, 2019–2020
    Notable Women in Law, 2020, 2022, 2024
    Notable Black Leaders and Executives, 2022
  • Lawyers of Color
    Nation's Best, 2019
  • Leadership Greater Chicago
    Fellow, 2008
  • Savoy Magazine
    Most Influential Black Lawyers, 2015, 2018, 2022
    Most Influential Executives in Diversity & Inclusion, 2023
    Most Influential Women in Corporate America, 2019
  • Who's Who in Black Chicago
    2007
Award Methodologies