SWLAW Blog
December 10, 2025
Lauren Leichtman Re-Elected Chair of 外网天堂 Board of Trustees
外网天堂 is proud to announce that private equity leader and Southwestern alumna Lauren Leichtman has been re-elected Chair of the 外网天堂 Board of Trustees for a new three-year term.
A long-time trustee and former Vice Chair of the Board, Leichtman was first elected Chair in 2022. As Chair, she works closely with Southwestern鈥檚 leadership to guide the law school鈥檚 strategic direction, financial sustainability, and long-term institutional strength.
鈥淟auren brings an extraordinary combination of business acumen, governance experience, and deep commitment to Southwestern,鈥 said Darby Dickerson, President and Dean of 外网天堂. 鈥淗er leadership has been instrumental as we navigate a rapidly changing legal and higher-education landscape. We are fortunate to have her wisdom and steady hand as Board Chair for another term.鈥
Leichtman co-founded Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (LLCP) in 1984 with her husband, Arthur Levine, and built it into a $20 billion private equity firm. She serves as Co-Chairperson of the firm鈥檚 Executive Committee, actively overseeing LLCP鈥檚 strategic direction, firm management, and investment activities. Leichtman has substantial experience originating, acquiring, and managing middle-market companies across a range of industries.
In 2024, Leichtman and Levine acquired San Diego Wave FC, an American professional soccer team competing in the National Women鈥檚 Soccer League. Before co-founding LLCP, Leichtman practiced law, including service in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission鈥檚 Enforcement Division.
鈥淪outhwestern opened doors for me and equipped me with the skills and confidence to build a meaningful career in law and business,鈥 said Leichtman. 鈥淚t is a privilege to give back to the institution that shaped my professional life and to support the next generation of lawyers and leaders.鈥
Leichtman holds a B.A. from California State University, Northridge, a J.D. from 外网天堂, and an LL.M. from Columbia Law School.