Leighton Fernando G.
Cook
Associate
Leighton's
Practice Areas
Education
- Yale Law School, J.D.
- Cornell University, B.A., summa cum laude
Admissions
- California
Clerkships
- Hon. Jesus G. Bernal
U.S. District Court, Central District of California
Leighton Cook has experience with complex federal litigation, constitutional issues, and immigration law.
His background spans both litigation and policy-focused matters, providing insight into the legal and practical considerations that shape complex disputes.
Leighton served as a law clerk to the Hon. Jesus G. Bernal of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, where he worked on a broad range of federal civil and criminal matters, developing a practical understanding of federal court procedure and the issues that arise at every stage of litigation.
Before joining Larson LLP, Leighton worked on constitutional, civil rights, labor, and immigration matters through public interest organizations and legal clinics, including the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the American Civil Liberties Union. He drafted complaints and appellate briefs, coordinated with congressional staff, and researched and drafted policy documents.
Higher Education Honors and Achievements
- Yale Journal of International Law, Managing Editor of Submissions
Education
- Yale Law School, J.D.
- Cornell University, B.A., summa cum laude
Admissions
- California
Clerkships
- Hon. Jesus G. Bernal
U.S. District Court, Central District of California
- Reconstruction’s Immigrant Protections: Federal Preemption of Disparate Punishments Against Immigrants,” Yale Law Journal (March, 9, 2026)
Leighton's
Awards
Justine Wise Polier Fellowship
