The Workshop Details
What will you learn?
In this session, Leslee Cohen will provide a layperson’s explanation of the laws underlying early-stage fundraising. She will also discuss the differences between convertible notes, SAFEs and straight equity offerings in addition to Series A offerings. The audience should come away with a basic understanding of how to protect themselves in the offering process, whether as startups or investors.
Presenter
Leslee M. Cohen
Principal and Co-Founder, Hershman Cohen
Leslee M. Cohen is a co-founder of the business boutique law firm, Hershman Cohen. The firm prides itself on combining big firm experience and expertise with small firm rates and relationships.
Leslee concentrates her transactional practice in securities law, corporate finance and general corporate law. She counsels a variety of entities, from small entrepreneurs and start-up companies to large established businesses, across many industries from real estate to technology in connection with private placements of both equity and debt securities, including venture capital, private equity and “friends and family” investments. Leslee also structures, negotiates and documents significant business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, tender offers, joint ventures and other business combinations and financial transactions. In addition, she handles general corporate matters including commercial contract drafting and review, stockholder and limited liability company agreements and structuring, business restructurings, employment and consulting agreements, and equity incentive plans and agreements, on behalf of a diverse group of clients.
Leslee is a member of the Board of Directors and Chairperson of the Venture Pitch Committee of the Small Business Advisory Counsel. She is also a founding member and Co-Chair of the Advisory Committee of the Coalition of Women’s Initiatives in Law and a member of the Board of Directors of Demon Angels, an angel investor group formed to invest in women and minority-owned startups. In addition, Leslee regularly mentors and speaks at several incubator and accelerator programs in the Chicagoland area.
Leslee graduated with High Honors from the University of Michigan (GO BLUE) in 1989 and received her J.D. from New York University School of Law in 1992.