Leslie Pollner is a managing director in Manatt’s Government Advocacy & Contracting practice in Washington. D.C., leveraging her federal, state and local government experience to help public and private-sector clients develop innovative solutions and advocacy strategies to reach their goals. Her practice spans transportation and infrastructure, water, energy and environment, housing, community and economic development, public safety and homeland security, technology and innovation, workforce development, public health and human services, education, and tax and local finance.

Previously, Leslie served as senior policy advisor and co-leader of the Local Government Advocacy team at a global law firm. She was also deputy mayor for federal affairs in Los Angeles under Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, where she led the city’s Washington, D.C. office, directed federal advocacy initiatives and oversaw lobbying efforts for the Los Angeles port, airport and public utilities commissions. During Mayor Villaraigosa’s presidency of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Leslie acted as the city’s principal liaison, collaborating with mayors nationwide on priority issues. 

Earlier in her career, Leslie was chief of staff to U.S. Representatives Suzanne Kosmas and Tim Mahoney. In addition, she has held senior roles in public affairs consulting and crisis communications, advising Fortune 500 companies and shaping communications strategies for national organizations.