Spotlight: Leslie Simpson

SCAC is pleased to spotlight Leslie Simpson. Leslie serves as staff attorney and governmental liaison working with county officials, members of the SC General Assembly, stakeholders, and other official bodies for the passage of legislation that promotes the interests of all 46 counties.

She is a member of the South Carolina Black Lawyers Association; the Richland County Bar Association; and the South Carolina Bar where she serves on the Diversity and Professional Responsibility committees. She mentors law and pre-law students. Leslie is a board member of The BamStrong Project as well as a member of the Richland County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

She has been recognized as a “Phenom” by the Columbia Regional Business Report at the inaugural “Icons & Phenoms” event for her influence on the community and changing the landscape of the Midlands. She has a passion for creating change as demonstrated when she and four other female lawyers organized a protest for South Carolina lawyers and a call to action. Leslie believes lawyers must work to fix their own backyards before they can be effective in their communities.

Prior to joining SCAC in 2019, Leslie worked in private practice and served as a staff attorney for the SC Senate Judiciary Committee and the Office of Senate Research. She also served as the head cheerleading coach for her alma mater, Claflin University, for 18 years.

When asked what she enjoys most about her work, Leslie says, “I enjoy serving our members by being proactive and strategic in addressing their interests.” Leslie’s colleagues describe her as honest, selfless, determined, fun, fierce, accomplished, and a great team member. When she is not drafting legislation or volunteering, you can find her listening to true crime podcasts, rooting for the Claflin University Panthers and the Dallas Cowboys, or playing with her PuppySon, Esquire, and her KittySon, Ginsburg. Her favorite quote is:

“I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.”