MLA Places Lesley Benn as General Counsel at The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

Hanover, MD (April 22, 2024) — Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA), the world's leading legal search firm, has announced the placement of Lesley Benn as general counsel at The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization. The search was conducted by Riley Catone and Amy Vanderhoof, both managing directors with MLA’s Interim Legal Talent team in Washington, D.C.

As the organization’s first in-house general counsel, Lesley will manage all aspects of contracts and legal agreements, litigation, regulatory proceedings and conflict resolution. She will work with the executive officers and DAR leadership team on strategic decision-making and manage strong relationships with outside counsel.

Commenting on the appointment, Riley Catone said, “A first-time general counsel hire can be daunting. In this instance, utilizing a consultant to examine the need and allowing internal and external stakeholders to have an adjustment period created an opportunity for a seamless transition. Lesley’s professional and positive demeanor and deep knowledge of the non-profit sector will allow her to make a strong impact within the organization in no time.”

Most recently, Lesley served as executive director of the International Law Students Association in Washington, D.C. There, she directed and managed operations for the non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of international law through educational programs for students around the world. Before embarking on her in-house career, Lesley was of counsel with Shulman Rogers, an international arbitration and litigation associate with Milbank LLP and a litigation associate with Wiley Rein LLP. She began her legal career at Winston & Strawn LLP.

Lesley earned her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and her B.A. in history and political science from McGill University.