Michelle Leonard is an associate in the Los Angeles office of Latham & Watkins.

Michelle represents clients on matters including complex commercial, securities, and class action litigation.

She advises clients within a variety of sectors, including financial institutions and public and private companies.

Michelle maintains an active pro bono practice, representing minors seeking asylum.

Michelle previously worked at a hedge fund in regulatory compliance. She served as a judicial extern for Judge André Birotte, Jr. in the Central District of California.

Michelle’s experience includes:

  • Represented a foreign state-owned entity in commercial contract action, resulting in a summary judgment award in favor of our client*
  • Managed a case strategy for a multinational technology company in actions against unauthorized sellers of its products, from preparing complaint through discovery*
  • Represented a global healthcare technology provider in contract dispute*
  • Conducted international investigations on behalf of corporations in the supply chains of a luxury goods company and for a drilling and exploration company*
  • Advised a large rental car company on a comprehensive 50-state survey regarding contract enforceability*

Securities

  • Defended a foreign foundation in a dispute brought by an investor in the foundation’s blockchain project*
  • Represented plaintiff-shareholders in bringing shareholder demand and derivative complaint*
  • Defended a company that had undergone a SPAC merger against shareholder derivative claims*

Class Action

  • Defended a multinational food company in class action against claims of false advertising on product labels*

*Matter handled prior to joining Latham

Bar Qualification

  • California

Education

  • JD, UCLA School of Law, 2023
  • BA in Political Science, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2018
    magna cum laude