Page 26 - San Diego Woman Magazine Digital Version

Women of Distinction

Leslie A. Braun added perspective to resolve these cases
in addition to the knowledge that I
obtained while practicing law. I know
that I could help make things right for
Making a Difference children that were often torn apart in
the wake of difficult dissolution cases.”
By Judith A. Habert Leslie went to law school because
Photos by Dawn Nicoli / Nicoli Productions of a need to help people and that
makes her the happiest, knowing that a
After passing the bar in June 1996, decision that she made while serving as
Leslie worked with a few solo prac- a Judge Pro Tem/Settlement Attorney
titioner attorneys practicing law in made a child’s life better because she
various areas including employment settled his/her parent’s dissolution case.
law, civil litigation, family law and ju- “I remember being in the same situ-
venile delinquency law which gave her ation when I was going through my dis-
experience in a wide range of practice solution and what a great feeling it was
areas. In 1998, Leslie went to work at a to have it behind me so I could carry
statewide employment law firm head- on with my life with my children. You
quartered in San Diego. As plaintiff’s have to pick up the pieces and move on
counsel, she represented employees with life, especially if you have children.
against employers throughout the State At the time, I told my children that it
of California in employment law cases was better to have two happy homes
including racial, national origin, gen- than one angry home. I always express
der, pregnancy, age and religious belief this sentiment to parents that are going
discrimination, sexual harassment, def- through a dissolution.”
amation, interference with contractual Leslie finds the perception that
relations, breach of contract, intentional people have about attorneys and the
infliction of emotional distress, con- law interesting. For the most part,
structive discharge and wrongful ter- people believe that being an attorney
mination. In 2001, she left the employ- and practicing law is similar to how
ment firm to go practice law at a civil television and the movies portray it –
litigation defense firm in San Diego to fast-paced, exciting and justice always
gain experience as defense counsel. She prevails. “When I talk to people about
became a partner there and practiced their perceptions of what it is like being
eslie A. Braun was born and raised law at the firm until March 2020. Leslie an attorney and practicing law, they
Lin Southern California. She knew is now practicing civil litigation rep- are always surprised that it often takes
that she wanted to be an attorney since resenting plaintiffs and defendants at years for a case to get to a trial. I also
she was in high school. Her plans THE ORACLE LAWYERS. tell them that trial should not always be
changed when she married young During her lengthy law career, she the ultimate goal, as it is usually better
and had a family. Years later, after her has had varied experiences, so I asked to have some input in the outcome of
dissolution of marriage, she decided to Leslie if she had a favorite experience your case by resolving it prior to trial.”
pursue her goal by going to law school. that she enjoyed the most. “I find my Aside from being an amazing
“I was determined not to give up on experience serving as a Judge Pro Tem/ lawyer, I asked Leslie what she enjoys
my dream. I was a single mom with Settlement Attorney in civil litigation doing with whatever spare time she
three children ages two, eight and ten. and family law cases to be very reward- has, as I know that spare time is a rare
I was determined to go to law school to ing. Most of my experience comprises commodity for attorneys. “I love inte-
fulfil my dream, and at the same time, resolving family law cases prior to trial, rior and landscape design. We bought
enter a profession that would allow me which is very fulfilling and gratifying. It a new construction home in Carlsbad
to support my children.” In December allows me to make tough decisions that last year, and I have really enjoyed
1995, Leslie graduated with her Juris can make a huge difference for families. designing the interior space and the
Doctor from Thomas Jefferson School Going through my own dissolution landscape.” Leslie admitted that if she
of Law. and custody issues provides me some was not happy with her LSAT score,

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