Leslie Barnes Email and Phone Number

Senior legal & business advisor with respect to: government affairs activities; policy-related communications; and advocacy-related grantmaking.

Providing strategic legal guidance to nonprofit leaders building political power within their communities to create a more just and responsive democracy. Supporting grants management & campaign finance compliance for $100+ million for 501(c)(3)s, 501(c)(4)/(c)(5)/(c)(6), and PACs. Manage 15 outside attorneys for our state law resource library. Co-founder and Co-host of Rules of the Game podcast.

Provided guidance and training to tax-exempt organizations and those seeking foundation funding on lobbying and election related activities. Routinely worked with affiliated organizations, associations, unions and foundations on grant-making and reporting that supported advocacy campaigns. Collaborated internally and with external partners to create new content and presented at conferences to assist nonprofits in successful advocacy campaigns.

Indy Allies provided online, fixed-fee solutions to client's legal and government issues. Changing the way Hoosiers interacted with government by providing low-cost legal DIY resources to serve the 85% of Hoosiers unable to afford legal counsel on the private market. Provided government contract assistance through a secure client portal, web-chat, and digital collaboration.Whether clients want to bid on a government contract, ensure that their family and business assets are secure, track and influence legislation, or just ask a question, Indy Allies could help.

Provided fixed-fee legal services for name and gender marker cases, securing the sealing of court records for dozens of clients at risk of violence. Litigated and negotiated civil rights cases. Mediated 500+ foreclosure prevention matters on behalf of Indiana's busiest superior courts. Issued rulings and fact finding orders as judge pro tempore for Marion County, Indiana.

Advised election officials; federal, statewide, judicial, and legislative candidates; and the Indiana Election and Recount Commissions in 30+ election cycles.Leveraged a decade worth of legislative relationships to advocate and testify on behalf of client during legislative session. Monitored legislation and drafted amendments at requests of client and legislators.Provided lead counsel on the procurement; project management; contract development, drafting, administration and oversight of government IT and professional services contracts. Negotiated breach of contract settlements and developed scope of project solutions and change orders for project enhancement.Advised on compliance issues, legislative initiatives, and risk assessment and mitigation.Collaborated on development and implementation of a $30 million voter registration database serving 4.5 million voters. Served as litigation consultant to Indiana Attorney General. Advised election administrators, candidates, and nonprofit organizations on compliance with federal and state election laws. Developed and provided instructional presentations to a diverse audience.

Created legal curricula and provided adult instruction for a diverse student population. Served as faculty advisor for the student association and coordinated student internship and career development initiatives. Passionate about providing the highest level of instruction and engaging student participation.

Provided legal counsel to the Indiana General Assembly and legislative committees. Analyzed, tracked and drafted legislative initiatives, including implementation of federal law (ie National Voter Registration Act) and judicial opinions.