Partner
San Francisco, CA
Leslie R. Katz is an attorney, former elected official, and former technology company executive. Leslie brings extensive legal experience coupled with political and community relations acumen. She is a seasoned attorney practicing in the areas of regulatory and corporate law, with an emphasis on emerging technologies, blockchain, FinTech, cybersecurity, energy and the newly developing areas of AI and Metaverse law. Her commitment to staying ahead of the curve with the latest legal and regulatory developments, as well as her passion for innovation and technology, make her a leader in the field.
Leslie’s unique combination of legal and political acumen allows her to provide clients with practical and strategic counsel, helping them to navigate complex business and policy issues, minimize legal risk and maximize opportunities in the modern physical and digital worlds. Her background as an attorney and executive with a Fortune 250 energy company, as well as her experience with an environmental commodities startup and other emerging technology companies, gives her invaluable corporate and legal skills. Leslie is well-versed in advising clients on growth, compliance, funding, and external relations, and community affairs, making her a valuable resource for clients looking to address a multitude of challenges. She has represented Fortune 100 companies, startups, investment funds and regulated entities.
As a former elected official, Leslie also brings a wealth of political and community relations experience to her practice. Her ability to navigate complex political landscapes and build strong relationships with key stakeholders makes her a valuable asset for clients looking for expert legal counsel in the public arena. Leslie’s commitment to providing high-quality legal services make her a trusted advisor to clients looking to succeed in the ever-changing legal, political, and technological landscapes.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
To Kill a Mockingbird
You Gotta Be by Des’ree
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Anything French
“If I weren’t a lawyer I’d be a photographer.”
Leslie R. Katz is an attorney, former elected official, and former technology company executive. Leslie brings extensive legal experience coupled with political and community relations acumen. She is a seasoned attorney practicing in the areas of regulatory and corporate law, with an emphasis on emerging technologies, blockchain, FinTech, cybersecurity, energy and the newly developing areas of AI and Metaverse law. Her commitment to staying ahead of the curve with the latest legal and regulatory developments, as well as her passion for innovation and technology, make her a leader in the field.
Leslie’s unique combination of legal and political acumen allows her to provide clients with practical and strategic counsel, helping them to navigate complex business and policy issues, minimize legal risk and maximize opportunities in the modern physical and digital worlds. Her background as an attorney and executive with a Fortune 250 energy company, as well as her experience with an environmental commodities startup and other emerging technology companies, gives her invaluable corporate and legal skills. Leslie is well-versed in advising clients on growth, compliance, funding, and external relations, and community affairs, making her a valuable resource for clients looking to address a multitude of challenges. She has represented Fortune 100 companies, startups, investment funds and regulated entities.
As a former elected official, Leslie also brings a wealth of political and community relations experience to her practice. Her ability to navigate complex political landscapes and build strong relationships with key stakeholders makes her a valuable asset for clients looking for expert legal counsel in the public arena. Leslie’s commitment to providing high-quality legal services make her a trusted advisor to clients looking to succeed in the ever-changing legal, political, and technological landscapes.
Leslie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her practice, both from the public and private sectors. As an energy company executive, she handled the regulatory issues of a Fortune 200 energy company, initiating a corporate venture fund focused on grid connectivity and renewable energy. She later served as Vice President of Public Policy for an environmental commodities exchange focused on cap and trade. She has represented a renewable energy finance company as well as has been the U.S. smart grid head of the Joint U.S. China Clean Energy NGO.
Additionally, she has served as a public official in both an elected and appointed capacity, including two terms on the San Francisco Port Commission, and serving as Commission President. She was a citywide elected member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, serving on and chairing various committees. As a Board Member, Leslie drafted and helped pass significant legislation related to technology, the environment, economic development, labor and human rights, including the landmark Equal Benefits Ordinance.
Her public service has enabled her to develop a keen understanding of the relationships between the public and private sectors, the ability to create and build strategic alliances across a range of groups and the capacity to navigate the complexities inherent in the relationships between communities and the corporate and political arenas. She has successfully served as a bridge in building relationships amongst varied stakeholders. Leslie leverages her relationships and understanding of the regulatory, legal and political landscapes to maximize successful outcomes for all stakeholders.
Prior to joining Practus, Leslie was a Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, a global law firm, and thereafter a member of Clark Hill focusing on legislative and regulatory advocacy and government and regulatory affairs. She was founder and chair of the firm’s Blockchain and Digital Currency Task Force. She continues to be a frequent speaker on various topics related to leadership, emerging technology, and the law.
Leslie regularly speaks on blockchain, regulatory matters, public policy topics, and on infrastructure, economic development, community relations, leadership development, and technology-related issues.
At Practus, we handle complex and challenging legal matters. I look forward to talking to you about how we can best meet your goals.
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