Leslie R. Lacher

With years of experience in several areas of education law, Leslie Lacher co-leads the firm’s charter schools practice group and guides California school districts, county offices of education and charter schools on an array of issues. These include charter petition review and authorization, oversight and compliance, renewal, and revocation. Leslie also assists clients on all aspects of the Proposition 39 facilities request process, and she prepares and negotiates memoranda of understanding and other agreements on fiscal, operational, accountability, governance, and special education topics.

Leslie’s rich legal background also includes real estate, title, and construction work; facilities use; and bidding and procurement. Leslie draws on her significant experience in preparing requests for qualifications, requests for proposals, comprehensive bid packages, architectural services agreements, title reviews, easement agreements, leases, and facilities use agreements for her clients. She also advises senior administration on construction and procurement-related matters, including stop payment notices and enforcement actions, bid protests, construction defect disputes, change orders, and bonding issues, among others.

Always thoroughly prepared to step in to prevent or minimize problems, Leslie approaches matters with a great deal of integrity, as well as an openness to finding non-traditional solutions. After carefully gathering relevant information and scrutinizing it closely, she applies the facts and law in practical yet innovative ways and works as efficiently as possible. Leslie helps the entities she represents take a multi-faceted approach in weighing not only the legal considerations of potential strategies, but also the budgetary, political, public relations, and practical components as well.

Placing an emphasis on keeping charter schools compliant, transparent and accountable, Leslie ensures clients are routinely updated on California’s ever-changing education laws. Whether through written communications or virtual, telephonic, or in-person conversation, Leslie stays in close contact with her clients and uses her excellent communication skills to build rapport and trust. In addition, she frequently delivers presentations and board workshops on subjects such as the charter petition review and approval process, charter oversight and compliance, Proposition 39 facilities requests, and legal updates on charter reform.

Leslie’s personable, relatable style and adroit counsel inspire the respect and confidence of her clients. As someone who considers the practice of education law as much more than a profession, Leslie is honored to work side by side with education leaders in a shared commitment to improving educational opportunities and outcomes for all students.