Leslie C. MacLean
Back to Our Attorneys

Leslie C. MacLean

Partner

Biography

Leslie MacLean is a partner at Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel in the firm’s Dallas office and a leader in the management and strategy of the firm’s complex litigation. She focuses on representing plaintiffs in product liability, mass tort and toxic tort cases, including litigation involving mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos and talc, and injuries associated with defective products and dangerous chemicals. Leslie has played key roles in some of the firm’s most significant litigation, helping develop strategy and guide cases that have resulted in important verdicts, settlements and other consequential outcomes for clients. She also helps coordinate mass tort litigation with other firms, maintaining strong relationships to keep cases moving toward the best possible outcome for clients.

Leslie believes effective leadership begins with listening and trusting the people around you. She takes the time to understand different perspectives and empowers the lawyers and professionals she works with to make sound decisions on behalf of their clients. She has also played leading roles in the firm’s pro bono efforts, using the firm’s experience and resources to help uphold and strengthen individuals and communities through the civil justice system. Before law school, Leslie worked in the Texas Legislature as a legislative assistant and committee clerk, giving her an early understanding of public policy that continues to inform her work. She remains active in civic and pro bono efforts in the Dallas community.

Areas of Practice

  • Asbestos
  • Mass Torts
  • Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices
    • Hernia Mesh
    • IVC Filter
    • Transvaginal Mesh
    • Zostavax
  • Products Liability
  • Roundup
  • Toxic Tort

Bar Admissions

  • Pennsylvania, 2011
  • Texas, 1995
  • U.S. District Courts
    • Eastern District of Texas, 2022
    • Northern District of Texas, 2002
    • Southern District of Texas, 2020

Education

  • University of Houston Law Center, Houston, Texas, J.D., 1995
  • University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, B.A., 1986

Professional Associations & Memberships

  • American Association for Justice
  • Texas Trial Lawyers Association
    • Former Board Member
  • Dallas Trial Lawyers Association
  • Public Justice Foundation
  • Texas State Bar Association
  • Houston Bar Association
    • Associate Editor, Appellate Lawyer, 1996-1997

Honors & Awards

  • Best Lawyers in America©, Best Lawyers©, 2027
  • Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, 2025
  • Top 25 Mass Tort Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, 2024
  • Top 10 Asbestos/Mesothelioma Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, 2024

Highlights

Pro Bono & Community Service

  • Annie’s List
    • Dallas Steering Committee, 2007-2019
    • Board Member, 2014-Present
  • Planned Parenthood of North Texas
    • Board Chair, 2012
    • Board Member, 2006-2012
  • Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas
    • Board Member, 2012-2014
  • Planned Parenthood of North Texas Political Action Committee
    • Chair, 2010-2011
  • Volunteer, North Texas Food Bank Backpack for Kids Program

Other Appointments

  • Committee Clerk, Texas Senate State Affairs Committee, 1991-1992
  • Legislative Assistant, Texas Legislature, 1989-1991

We have real empathy for our clients and the hardships they face. We know that a favorable verdict or settlement won’t bring back a loved one, but it can help the family keep the home they’ve always known and see the kids through college. That’s really what we’re fighting for—we can’t turn back the clock, but we can make it easier to look ahead.”

Leslie MacLean

Our Results

$880 million award

Historic settlement for over 1,300 survivors of clergy and adult abuse within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, marking a pivotal moment for justice.

READ THE DETAILS

$725.5 million award

A Philadelphia jury awarded a record verdict against ExxonMobil for failing to warn about cancer risks due to benzene in its petroleum products.

READ THE DETAILS

$25 million award

Private equity firm and co-defendants agree to pay $25M in Medicaid fraud case alleging mental health services provided by unqualified providers.

READ THE DETAILS