Dr. Jeff Leslie

Professor

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Biography

Jeff Leslie is a Clinical Professor of Law at the University of Chicago Law School and the Paul J. Tierney Director of the Housing Initiative. He graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, magna cum laude, and went on to earn his Juris Doctor from Yale Law School. Leslie's professional background includes clerking for Judge Joel M. Flaum of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and working as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago's Department of Law, focusing on affordable housing and economic development transactions. His expertise includes commercial real estate, affordable housing law and policy, negotiations, and transactional lawyering skills. As a faculty member, he also serves as the Faculty Director for Curriculum and Director of Clinical and Experiential Learning, where he aims to prepare students for real-world legal practice through experiential learning opportunities. He has been actively involved in various initiatives, including the Kreisman Initiative for Housing Law and Policy, and has presented on numerous topics related to affordable housing and community development at conferences and workshops. In addition to his teaching and administrative roles, Leslie contributes to the legal community through his research and by mentoring students in public service and housing initiatives.

Research Interests

Experience

Clinical Professor of Law

2008-01-01 — Present

University of Chicago Law School • Chicago, IL

Teaching courses in law and serving as Faculty Director for Curriculum.

Director of Clinical and Experiential Learning

2013-01-01 — Present

University of Chicago Law School • Chicago, IL

Leading the clinical education program and experiential learning initiatives.

Paul J. Tierney Director, Housing Initiative

2008-01-01 — Present

University of Chicago Law School • Chicago, IL

Oversaw the Housing Initiative Clinic, focusing on community-based affordable housing.

Acting Associate Dean, Clinical Experiential Learning

2011-01-01 — 2013-01-01

University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

Oversaw clinical and experiential learning programs.

Assistant Corporation Counsel

1998-01-01 — 2002-01-01

City of Chicago Department of Law • Chicago, IL

Handled finance and economic development legal matters.

Judicial Clerk

1997-01-01 — 1998-01-01

Judge Joel M. Flaum, U.S. Court of Appeals Seventh Circuit • Chicago, IL

Assisted with legal research and drafting opinions.

Requirements for University of Chicago Law School

Master Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Total
Required:104
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
A first degree in law (JD, LLB, or equivalent) from a law school outside the United States
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Two to four letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Resume/CV
  • LSAC LLM Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report
Specialization Notes

The LLM program is designed for lawyers trained outside the United States to gain an understanding of the American legal system.