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Member Spotlight: Leah Duncan, Shackelford Law

Mar 20, 2026

Leah Duncan

Leah N. Duncan brings a practical, solutions-oriented approach to real estate law that reflects both her legal training and more than a decade of hands-on experience in the housing industry. Licensed to practice law in Texas since 2021, Ms. Duncan developed a strong professional foundation prior to entering the legal field—experience that continues to influence her approach to advising clients involved in housing and real estate matters across the state.

Before becoming an attorney, Ms. Duncan spent more than seven years working in multifamily property management in North Texas, serving as a leasing manager. In that role, she worked directly with residents, administered and enforced lease agreements, and collaborated with ownership and management teams to meet operational and compliance objectives. This hands-on experience provided her with firsthand insight into the day-to-day realities of housing operations, as well as the ways in which regulatory requirements, lease structures, and policy decisions affect both residents and property stakeholders.

After earning her Juris Doctor from UNT Dallas College of Law, Ms. Duncan began her legal career in bankruptcy law. She represented Chapter 7 trustees and creditors, assisting with the administration and liquidation of bankruptcy estates, including matters involving real property assets. Her work addressed title issues, lien priorities, and property dispositions—legal matters that commonly arise in distressed properties and housing redevelopment efforts.

Ms. Duncan later expanded her practice to include real estate and business matters closely connected to housing stability, preservation, and the development of affordable housing. She joined Shackelford, McKinley & Norton, LLP in 2024 and currently practices as an associate attorney, advising clients on real estate transactions with a particular focus on affordable and workforce housing initiatives. Her work includes negotiating and closing real estate transactions, addressing title and ownership issues, and assisting clients in evaluating risk and structuring transactions in a manner that supports long-term affordability, regulatory compliance, and property viability.

With a background that bridges housing operations and legal practice, Ms. Duncan offers a perspective grounded in both operational realities and legal analysis. Her work reflects an ongoing commitment to supporting housing transactions that are sustainable, compliant, and responsive to the needs of Texas communities navigating an evolving affordable housing landscape.

Contact Information:

9201 N. Central Expressway, Fourth Floor,
Dallas, Texas 75231

214-780-1400[email protected]

 

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