Leslie Coyne brings a wealth of practice experience to Cumberland School of Law having served as an equity partner and of counsel for over 20 years at one of Alabama’s largest and most prestigious law firms before launching her own firm, Coyne Counsel & Consulting. She is the founder of two successful small businesses, an alumna of Cumberland School of Law, and a passionate advocate for the Innocence Clinic’s clients and students.
For more than 30 years Coyne has litigated civil rights cases in the labor & employment arena representing public and private employers in all aspects of the employment relationship. Her practice includes the regular representation of employers in preventative advice and counseling, administrative proceedings and employment litigation. Coyne represented the court-appointed receiver of the Personnel Board of Jefferson County in his efforts to reform the civil service system governing Jefferson County, Alabama. This representation included day-to-day advice regarding the legal ramifications of the various reform efforts, as well as representation of the receiver in administrative matters and general litigation. This work resulted in the successful termination of civil rights litigation that spanned more than 30 years.
Coyne, also a certified mediator, frequently provides training to employers, their managers and employees regarding compliance with the various laws governing employment practices and presents continuing education programs for clients, human resource professionals, attorneys and industry groups. Coyne and her husband, Colin, live in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. They have three adult children, two of whom are graduates of Samford University.
Degrees and Certifications
- Auburn University, B.S., 1988, summa cum laude
- Samford University Cumberland School of Law, JD (1999), magna cum laude
- LEED 2.2 Accredited Professional
- Certified Mediator
Bar Admission
- Alabama, 1991
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association, Labor & Employment Section, Litigation Section
- Federal Bar Association, Past President
- Alabama State Bar, Labor and Employment Section
- Alabama State Bar, Criminal Defense Section
- Birmingham Bar Association
- Defense Research Institute (DRI)
- Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution
Awards and Accolades
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating
- YWCA Momentum - Women’s Leadership Initiative – 2006
- Phi Kappa Phi; Curia Honoris
- Associate Editor, Cumberland Law Review, 1990-1991