Biography
Leslie advises and represents clients in many facets of real estate with an emphasis in real estate tax appeals and zoning and land use issues in Philadelphia. These areas include:
- drafting of leases and easements
- bringing real estate tax appeals
- defending property owners in School District of Philadelphia tax appeals
- preparing and filing applications for zoning and building permits
- performing appellate work related to zoning and building applications
- bringing and defending equity actions related to zoning and land use
- appearing before state and local administrative agencies
She has tried cases, both jury and non-jury in state and federal courts, and has argued appeals in the Commonwealth and Superior Courts of Pennsylvania. She served as General Counsel for Steen Outdoor Advertising from 2005 until joining Klehr Harrison in 2017.
Some of her significant recent matters include:
- In Re: Consolidated Appeals of Chester–Upland School District et al from the Board of Assessment Appeals of Delaware County, Nos. 55, 56, & 57 Map 2019 – Petition for Allowance of Appeal granted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Argument pending.
- Legacy Treatment Services v. City of Philadelphia, Administrative Appeal of City’s refusal to grant reasonable accommodations under the Fair Housing Act. City agreed to grant accommodations
- Eisner v. City of Philadelphia, CCP Philadelphia County, May Term, 2018, No. 3151; Representative plaintiff in case seeking to have School District tax appeals declared invalid under the uniformity provisions of the Constitution of Pennsylvania. Summary Judgment pending.
- Appeal of John Connors, CCP Philadelphia County, October Term, 2018; represented purchaser of historically certified church circa 1854 in appeal by neighbor of the variance granted by the Zoning Board of Adjustment permitting it maintain the historic exterior of the property by engaging in adaptive reuse of the structure and while at the same time allowing the continued use of the property by the diminished and aging congregation. Motion to Quash Appeal granted by the Honorable Paula A. Patrick.
Leslie began her legal career in the public sector at Community Legal Services and then, after 2 years, served as Chief Assistant City Solicitor in the Code Enforcement Unit of the Philadelphia City Solicitor’s Office. She set up her own practice in 1994, where she continued to represent commercial enterprises while, at the same time, serving as a law clerk for the Honorable Flora Barth Wolf who served in the Statutory Appeals Program and later was assigned to the Dependency Program of Family Court.
Throughout her career, Leslie has continued to be engaged in the non-profit sector, representing such clients as Women Organized Against Rape, and neglected and abused children through the Support Center for Child Advocates.
Education
Temple University School of Law, J.D.
Sarah Lawrence College, B.A.
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