NCBF Excellence Award
EXTRAORDINARY LEADER OF THE PACK
Leslie R. Barineau, 2026 Awardee
Leslie R. Barineau, Attorney
Past President (2017–2018), National Conference of Bar Foundations
Past President, Birmingham Bar Foundation
Longtime volunteer leader and advocate for bar foundations
The National Conference of Bar Foundations (NCBF) is honored to present the 2026 NCBF Excellence Award to Leslie R. Barineau for her extraordinary leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to advancing justice and strengthening communities through law-related philanthropy.
Leslie has practiced law with distinction in Birmingham, Alabama, at the firm of Barineau & Barineau since her admission to the Alabama State Bar in 1985. A graduate of Cumberland School of Law, she has devoted her career to both client service and extensive volunteer leadership within the legal profession. Her service includes terms as President of the Birmingham Bar Foundation, service on the Alabama State Bar Commission, leadership roles in the Alabama State Bar Family Law Section, and multiple terms on the NCBF Board of Trustees, culminating in her presidency of the National Conference of Bar Foundations in 2017–2018.
Leslie has practiced law with distinction in Birmingham, Alabama, at the firm of Barineau & Barineau since her admission to the Alabama State Bar in 1985. A graduate of Cumberland School of Law, she has devoted her career to both client service and extensive volunteer leadership within the legal profession. Her service includes terms as President of the Birmingham Bar Foundation, service on the Alabama State Bar Commission, leadership roles in the Alabama State Bar Family Law Section, and multiple terms on the NCBF Board of Trustees, culminating in her presidency of the National Conference of Bar Foundations in 2017–2018.
A CHAMPION FOR ALABAMA AND FOR NCBF
Leslie’s impact extends deeply into her home state. She has helped engage the Alabama bar foundation community at every level with the NCBF, encouraging participation and building lasting connections. Her outgoing personality and genuine interest in finding shared connections—whether to Alabama or to the broader mission of access to justice—have welcomed countless colleagues into the NCBF family. As one longtime colleague noted in her nomination, Leslie stands out for going above and beyond in her commitment to the missions of bar foundations, offering valuable insight that enhances the understanding of every bar foundation professional.
In a year when the NCBF Annual Meeting is being hosted in Montgomery by the Alabama Law Foundation, Leslie’s leadership and example are especially fitting. She embodies the power of NCBF membership: the opportunity to meet, work with, and form lasting friendships with people who share a passion for bar foundations and increasing access to justice.
Barineau’s Tireless Efforts
Throughout her career, Leslie has given generously of her time, talent, and treasure. In addition to her NCBF and Birmingham Bar Foundation leadership, her service has included roles on the Birmingham Bar Association Executive Committee, as Chairman of the Alabama State Bar Family Law Section, and as an adjunct professor at Cumberland School of Law. She has been recognized with a Profile of Service Honor from Cumberland School of Law and has served on community boards, including the United Methodist Children’s Home.
Her biography and professional record reflect a consistent pattern of excellence and service. As the nomination letter observes, Leslie is the best possible role model of NCBF leadership and engagement as a volunteer lawyer with a passion for the work and achievements of bar foundations. She has made—and continues to make—a significant difference to the legal profession and community of Birmingham, to the Birmingham and Alabama bar foundations, to the NCBF, and to the lives of her many colleagues.
It is with a deep sense of pride that the National Conference of Bar Foundations awards Leslie R. Barineau with the 2026 NCBF Excellence Award. Her example of sustained, collaborative, and inspiring leadership sets a standard for volunteer lawyer leaders across the country.
Congratulations, Leslie!
For more about Leslie’s background, visit www.lesliebarineau.com/about.html.