Leslie C. Overton
Partner and Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer —
Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP
Description of field of expertise
Having previously served in senior positions at the US Department of Justice Antitrust Division, Leslie Overton offers her clients a valuable combination of experience and insight. Leslie guides companies through merger reviews, civil non-merger investigations, and criminal investigations involving federal, state, and/or foreign antitrust authorities. Additionally, Leslie has experience with antitrust litigation from both her government service and time in private practice. She also represents clients in matters concerning anticompetitive conduct and consolidation by competitors, suppliers, or customers. In her counseling practice, Leslie uses her skill and judgment to provide strategic advice and practical solutions on activities such as pricing and distribution. She also customizes antitrust compliance programs to match her clients’ exposure and business realities.
While serving as deputy assistant attorney general for civil enforcement during the Obama Administration, Leslie managed over half of the DOJ’s merger challenges in fiscal years 2012–2014, including litigation complaints, settlements, and transactions restructured or abandoned. Leslie also supervised litigation and civil non-merger investigations, as well as several criminal antitrust matters. Additionally, Leslie oversaw the Antitrust Division’s international engagement and health care policy work. During the Bush Administration, she served as counsel to the assistant attorney general, where she contributed to investigations, litigation, and the seminal health care hearings and report with the FTC.
Leslie also serves as Axinn’s Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. She earned an Executive Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Georgetown University.
What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?
- Connect with lawyers already specializing in antitrust, whether in law firms, federal government, state government, or non-profit organizations. Within the American Bar Association Antitrust Section, there is an affinity group called the Black Squad that is very supportive of Black antitrust lawyers, especially those who are newer to the field.
- Attend the NBA CLS Conference at your earliest convenience, and go every year. It is an incredibly affirming event, has high-quality CLE content, and provides great networking opportunities.
- Develop and protect your personal brand for excellence, strong communication, proactiveness, creativity, integrity, and other traits that will deliver value to your internal and external clients.
Final thoughts…
While many underrepresented lawyers face numerous biases, know that there are people in law firms, companies, and government agencies working daily to break down discriminatory barriers. Additionally, there are numerous Black and other underrepresented lawyers who have navigated a path to success in spite of these barriers. Learn from them.
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