HELL'S KITCHEN, NEW YORK, NY, January 07, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Leatha J. Sturges, Esq., has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

A highly accomplished attorney, actress and producer, Ms. Sturges has served as the senior attorney at the Law Offices of Leatha J. Sturges, Esq. since 1996. Over the last three decades, she has built a glowing reputation for her expertise as general counsel in civil law with specialties in entertainment law, intellectual property, real property and contractual issues. Her dedication to providing legal assistance to those who cannot afford representation is among her most fulfilling services. Additionally, she was honored with a position on the ethics committee at the New York State Bar Association for 10 years, reflecting her commitment to upholding high ethical standards in the legal profession.

Long before starting on her legal path, Ms. Sturges discovered her early love for the stage at the age of nine and won an award at just 14 years old for her outstanding portrayal of a Catholic nun dealing with the effects of pneumonia. This passion for performance has continued throughout her adult life, leading to a successful acting career spanning films, theater and television since 1962. Her talent was recognized with an Emmy Award in the 1970s for costume design on NBC's "Unicorn Tales," where she was also nominated for best supporting actress.

In 1979 Ms. Sturges moved into a New York City apartment building on 10th Avenue in the area known as Hell's Kitchen. Abandoned by owner-landlords in the mid to late 1970's, these buildings were no longer on the tax roles. During the years 1980 and 1981 many grass-roots NFP associations were formed in the various neighborhoods to assist NYC's Housing Preservation and Development office deal with the tremendous problem of maintaining and managing these abandoned buildings that had many families living in them. Ms. Sturges was drafted by the local NFP, called Housing Conservation Coordinators, to be the president of a new tenant organization called the Clinton Housing Association. Tenants were educated regarding building management and maintenance so that, at the conclusion of such education, the tenants would be able to form a corporation and purchase their buildings – which were their homes -- from the City of New York. The end result for New York City and New York State was that the properties would then be back on the city and state tax rolls. Thus began Ms. Sturges' political involvement in housing issues affecting Hell's Kitchen and all New York City boroughs.

Ms. Sturges' academic journey laid a strong foundation for her multifaceted career. Her decision to become an attorney stems from an acting experience that occurred in 1988 when she landed a coveted film role. A studio reorganization resulted in cancellation of the film, however union contracts had already been signed. She stepped up and showcased a natural talent for handling deals and contract negotiations. Ms. Sturges continues to be a member of the NY City-wide HDFC Coalition. She went on to earn a Juris Doctor from New York Law School in 1992, which enabled her to pass bar exams in New York, California and New Jersey within a single year. Before that, she obtained a Master of Arts in theatre and dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and speech arts and therapy from Montclair State University.

In addition to her legal and acting careers, Ms. John P. McAleese is passionate about helping others through civic organizations including St. Jude's and Boys Town, which provide medical care, community programs and crisis services for children and families in need. Furthermore, she supports the Arbor Day Foundation, Defenders of Wildlife, The Sierra Club and Paws of Honor, which raises funds to provide sanctuary homes for retired service animals and endangered animal species around the world.

Ms. Sturges attributes her success across multiple industries to perseverance and timing, coupled with the understanding that patience and intuition are crucial in both her legal practice and creative pursuits. Her ability to navigate various challenges with resilience has been vital in achieving her goals.

Happily married to John P. McAleese and a proud mother of one daughter, Ms. Sturges is a dedicated family woman who cherishes spending quality time with her loved ones. Looking to the future with optimism, she plans to continue representing clients and engaging in pro bono work while maintaining her career as an actress. With a journey marked by diverse accomplishments and an unwavering commitment to helping others, she continues to build her legacy as a widely respected figure in both the legal and entertainment industries.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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