Leena brings significant experience in labor and employment law, delivering tactical, results-driven solutions to her clients.
Overview
With a demonstrated history of providing strategic guidance to government agencies and both private and public sector clients, Leena’s clients value her thoughtful approach to crafting effective litigation plans.
She previously served as a supervisory attorney in the Office of the General Counsel at the Social Security Administration where she managed all aspects of the litigation process, including witness interviews, discovery, motion practice, and resolution of matters in the best interests of the agency. Her experience advising a large organization as in-house counsel has sharpened her ability to navigate complex employment issues with clarity and precision.
Leena has extensive experience defending employers in litigation involving a range of employment issues, including civil rights, retaliation and discrimination claims. She aims to deliver clear, practical solutions and achieve optimal outcomes for clients across industries.
Experience
Advised the Commissioner of Social Security and senior executives on sensitive employment discrimination and retaliation cases involving high-level agency officials and supervised the successful resolution of such matters while minimizing legal and reputational risk.
Investigated and litigated cases regarding Social Security disability benefits, labor and employment and civil rights on behalf of the government in the federal district and appellate courts and before administrative tribunals, including the EEOC and MSPB.
Supervised the prosecution of fraud-related adversary cases and defense of alleged stay and discharge violations on behalf of the government in the federal bankruptcy courts.
News & Insights
News
Professional & Civic Activities
Professional & Civic Activities
HALO Foundation
- Board Secretary, 2011-2016
- Volunteer, 2011 - present
Practices & Industries
Admissions
- Missouri
- U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri
- Kansas (inactive)
Education
University of Kansas School of Law, J.D., 2007
- Order of the Coif
- Raymond Rice Foundation Scholar
- University of Kansas Law Review, Articles Editor
Truman State University, M.A., summa cum laude, 2004
Truman State University, B.A., summa cum laude, 2002
- Phi Beta Kappa
