Colorado Attorney Registration # 61806
Professional Employment
· Bushong & Holleman PC (Of Counsel: 2025 – present)
· U.S. Department of Justice, Environment & Natural Resources Division (“ENRD”) (Senior Trial Attorney: 2014-2025)
· Greenberg Traurig LLP (Associate: 2010-2014)
· Howrey LLP (Associate: 2007-2010; Law Clerk: summer 2006)
· Tennessee Supreme Court (Intern: summer 2005)
· Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County Department of Law (Intern: summer 2005)
Lesley’s practice focuses on water rights, transactions, and adjudications, in addition to environmental and land use matters. She has extensive experience litigating claims brought under the Endangered Species Act (“ESA”) and other federal environmental statutes, including in cases challenging the operations of large water systems. She has managed all aspects of complex civil litigation and argued in federal courts across the country. She also has substantial experience advising governmental entities and working with regulatory agencies in environmental reviews required for permitting. Lesley represents a wide range of clients, including municipalities, special districts, property developers, ski resorts, farmers, and ranchers.
Education and Bar Admissions
· Doctor of Jurisprudence, Order of the Coif, Vanderbilt University Law School (2007)
· Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and English, summa cum laude, Texas State University-San Marcos (2004)
· Admitted to practice law in Colorado (2025), D.C. (2008, currently inactive) and Oregon (2007, currently inactive)
Memberships and Honors
· Colorado Bar Association – Water Section & Environmental Law Section
· Boulder County Bar Association
· ENRD, Assistant Attorney General Award – Outstanding Legal Work
· ENRD, Assistant Attorney General Award for Excellence
· ENRD Nominee, Attorney General’s Award for Outstanding Contributions by a New Employee
· Vanderbilt Law Review, Associate Editor
· Vanderbilt Law School Scholastic Excellence Awards in Legal Writing, Land Use Planning, and Law of Work