Robert E. Lesser practices in the area of corporate law with a focus on the design and implementation of employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) for clients that include ESOP sponsors and institutional trustees. Mr. Lesser has advised owners of middle-market companies on the use of ESOPs for corporate finance, succession planning purposes and achieving liquidity and diversification of their portfolios. He handles all phases of the ESOP implementation process, including feasibility analysis, plan design and financing. Mr. Lesser also serves as outside general counsel for various companies and advises clients on general corporate matters.

Mr. Lesser is a 1985 graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, and a graduate, with honors, of Johns Hopkins University.

Areas Of Practice

Corporate Law
Securities Law
Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)

Professional Activities

State Bar of Georgia
ESOP Association

Admissions

Georgia
New York
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York

Education

University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, J.D., 1985
The Johns Hopkins University, B.A., with honors, 1982

Experience

Duane Morris LLP
- Partner, 2008-present
Schiff Hardin LLP
- Partner, 2007-2008
Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.
- Partner, 2005-present
Holland & Knight LLP
- Senior Counsel, 2003-2005
Corporate Solutions Group
- Founder and Executive Officer, 2000-2003
Winston & Strawn
- Of Counsel, 1998-2000
Law Offices of Robert E. Lesser (Private Practice, merged into Winston & Strawn)
- 1987-1998
Office of the Kings County District Attorney
- Assistant District Attorney, 1985-1987

Selected Speaking Engagements

Featured speaker regarding the importance of outside directors in ESOP-owned companies, ESOP Association, New South Chapter, March 2006
Featured speaker regarding recent U.S. court decisions relating to Employee Stock Ownership Plans, ESOP Association, New South Chapter, March 2005
Speaker, "Leveraged-ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) Transactions: Are They Too Good to Be True?" Spring Venture Conference Program, May 2004