Personal Information
Leslie Abrams Gardner was born into a family deeply rooted in public service and activism. She is the daughter of Reverend Carolyn and Reverend Robert Abrams, originally hailing from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Leslie grew up in a household of six siblings, where community engagement and leadership values were instilled from an early age.
Among her siblings, Leslie shares a special bond with her sister, Stacey Abrams. Stacey is a prominent figure in American politics, serving as the former House Minority Leader in the Georgia General Assembly. She garnered national attention as the Democratic nominee for governor in the 2018 and 2022 Georgia gubernatorial elections.
Relationship
Leslie Abrams Gardner’s connection to her sister, Stacey Abrams, is notable not only for the familial ties but also for their shared commitment to public service and their impact on Georgia’s political landscape. Stacey’s groundbreaking campaigns for governor of Georgia made history and brought important issues to the forefront of national discourse.
Career
Leslie Abrams Gardner’s educational journey laid the foundation for her distinguished legal career. In 1997, she graduated from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, marking the beginning of her academic achievements.
She continued her pursuit of knowledge by earning a Juris Doctor degree in 2002 from the prestigious Yale Law School. Armed with her legal expertise, Leslie embarked on a career that would see her excel in various legal roles.
She commenced her professional journey as a law clerk for Judge Marvin J. Garbis of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, where she gained invaluable experience in the federal judiciary.
Leslie Abrams Gardner’s career also included roles as an associate at prominent law firms. She served at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in two separate periods, from 2003 to 2006 and 2007 to 2010. Additionally, she held an associate position at Kilpatrick Stockton LLP from 2006 to 2007.
However, Leslie’s commitment to public service truly shone during her tenure as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Northern District of Georgia from 2010 to 2014. In this role, she actively contributed to upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law.
Federal Judicial Service
Leslie Abrams Gardner’s most significant legal career milestone came with President Barack Obama’s nomination to serve as a United States district judge for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia. This nomination occurred on March 11, 2014, and was a historic moment as Leslie became the first female black federal judge in Georgia.
Her nomination process involved a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on May 13, 2014. The committee reported her nomination favorably on June 19, 2014, leading to a series of Senate proceedings that culminated in her confirmation.
On November 18, 2014, Leslie Abrams Gardner’s nomination was confirmed by the United States Senate with unanimous support, receiving a 100-0 vote. She received her judicial commission on November 20, 2014.
In her role as a federal judge for the Middle District of Georgia, Leslie Abrams Gardner continues to significantly impact the legal system, upholding the principles of justice and equality that have defined her career.
Net Worth
Specific financial details regarding Leslie Abrams Gardner’s net worth is $5.6 million. Her legacy is far more than monetary; it is one of breaking barriers, serving the public, and contributing to the legal system as a dedicated and accomplished federal judge.
