Leighton Roper

With over 25 years of providing strategic counsel to complex healthcare institutions and deep engagement in public policy and regulatory advocacy, Leighton has been steadfastly committed to advancing practical legal solutions across all sectors of the healthcare and government affairs landscapes.

Before joining Maynard Nexsen, Leighton served for nearly two decades in the Office of Counsel for Duke University and its affiliated Health System. In this role, he advised board members and senior leaders across academic, clinical, facility, service line, technology, regulatory affairs, compliance, and risk management functions on strategic transactions, regulatory challenges and opportunities, and general legal risk mitigation. Leighton also provided legal support to Duke’s government relations teams, drawing on his knowledge of federal and state lobbying, ethics, and election requirements as well as his 30 years of political involvement, including early-career work as a consultant to federal, state, and local political campaigns across the United States and as an aide and government affairs professional in North Carolina and Virginia.

Prior to his University role, Leighton spent six years at a large transnational law firm, where he worked with health systems, financial institutions, trade associations, and state agencies on corporate transactions, regulatory matters, and specialized litigation. He played a key role in launching the firm’s Data Privacy and Security practice group. Leighton began his legal career as a law clerk to The Honorable Sid Eagles, the Chief Judge of the NC Court of Appeals.

Leighton holds a J.D. from Duke Law School and a B.A. in English from the University of Virginia. He is also a proud graduate of Episcopal High School in Virginia.

Community & Professional

• North Carolina Bar Association (2000-present)
  • Health Law Council, President (2009-2010)
  • Distinguished Service Award (2008)
• American Health Lawyers Association (2000-present)
• Urban Ministries Durham, Board Member, Finance Committee (2018-2024)
• Duke Faculty Club, Board Member, President (2015-2018)
• Frances Lacy Foundation, Board Member, Fundraising Chair (2012-2014)

Outside Maynard Nexsen

Books and music were my first love, and I’ve found inspiration in a wide range of literary and musical genres. I also exercise hard to eat well, whether through cooking or discovering local favorites.  And last (but not least), I am an ACC sports fanatic.