Leanna encountered family court for the first time when she was only six weeks old and sat on the judge’s bench at her own adoption hearing. Over the next few decades, her passion for family law began to grow. Growing up, Leanna’s mother worked in the public school system which exposed her to the many injustices of child welfare law and the dangers of inadequate legal representation for children and families. Leanna developed an interest in advocating for underprivileged communities, especially children afflicted by poverty, abuse and neglect. In college, Leanna interned for a rape crisis center as victim’s advocate. In graduate school she volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children (CASA) offering support to children in foster care, and helped coordinate the Northwest Arkansas Homeless Census.
Leanna’s dedication to helping people in crisis ultimately led her to a career in family law. In addition to being an attorney, Leanna is a certified trauma-informed yoga teacher, and volunteers with Phoenix Multisport teaching yoga to people in recovery from addiction. Leanna’s experience working with people suffering from trauma is part of what makes her a great advocate for clients going through divorce – one of the most emotionally challenging life events a person can face. Leanna treats each of her clients with utmost compassion and is a fierce advocate in and out of the courtroom.
Background
Prior to joining Kalamaya | Goscha, Leanna was an Associate for Aldrich Law Offices, representing parents in dependency and neglect cases and child custody disputes. Leanna fought for parents’ rights in Denver, Arapahoe and Douglas counties. As a contractor for the Office of Respondent Parent Counsel, Leanna attended trainings on juvenile justice, parental rights, substance abuse, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, disability rights, trial practice skills, motions advocacy and the trauma of family separation. Leanna’s background in dependency and neglect law has prepared her to advocate for parents fighting the most contentious child custody battles.
Education
Leanna received her Juris Doctor and Certificate in Juvenile and Family Law from the University of Colorado, where she was one of the first students to receive the Leaders in Law and Community Fellowship. At CU, Leanna served as Vice Chair of the Honor Council, president of the Juvenile and Family Law Club and treasurer of the Public Interest Student Association. She also served as a member of the Colorado Supreme Court Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being and continues to advocate for wellness in the legal profession. Prior to law school, Leanna earned a Master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Arkansas while working as a research assistant at the Community and Family Institute. Leanna’s research focused on homelessness and health disparities afflicting underprivileged youth.
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