Leslie Valerie Matlaw

      I have investigated fair housing cases for HUD’s Midwest Region for a total of three years, beginning in late-1991.  Ever since, the majority of my work has been focused on civil rights enforcement, compliance, and training.  My law practice provides comprehensive legal services to Housing Providers, Homeseekers, and Housing-Related Services Providers through litigation and other activities designed to maintain the integrity of the processes attendant to fair housing enforcement and ensure compliance with all relevant laws.   

      If you are a Housing (or Housing-Related Services) Provider named in a fair housing Investigation or Lawsuit, please seek counsel immediately, as an early assessment of your case can significantly minimize or even eliminate your exposure. 

     Homeseekers who are unsure of their rights or whose claims have proceeded to Agency Investigation can also meaningfully benefit from expert legal counsel.  Each case is unique, and the laws protecting equal housing opportunity are subject to a wide variety of procedural issues, but throughout my work investigating cases, providing Fair Housing Trainings, and Client Representation at trial and on appeal, I have found that any case's outcome is often strongly affected by whether the Client adheres to a strategic plan based upon the case's strengths and weaknesses. Certainly, the facts are critical, but case-processing minefields frequently arise; these complexities affect unrepresented Parties far more adversely than those who have sought expert legal advice. 

     If you haven't sought advice early, you can still prevent outcome-determinative errors.  Whether you are a Housing Provider or Homeseeker, success depends upon your full understanding of the applicable laws.  And going forward, a simple half-day training tailored to your needs can help you to avoid future housing discrimination claims.