Laura vigorously defends clients facing government investigations, coordinates internal and independent investigations, represents clients in complex litigation, and consults on privacy and data security challenges. Clients trust her trial experience, knowledge of data protection best practices, and her understanding of government agencies to guide them through their legal challenges.
Government and Internal Investigations
Laura helps clients respond to investigations, audits, and examinations by agencies including the U.S. Department of Justice, the Securities & Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the U.S. Department of Education, as well as by various state Attorneys General. Her comprehensive experience includes fact gathering, overseeing, and coordinating responses to government requests, preparing individuals for depositions and testimony, and negotiating with government agencies. She has defended clients through trial and appeal against the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Privacy and Data Security
Laura identifies potential legal issues relating to privacy and data security and works closely with clients to ensure compliance. She helps clients take proactive steps to comply with the ever-shifting privacy landscape and regularly consults on topics related to state, federal, and international privacy regimes. On the security side, Laura counsels clients concerning all aspects of pre-breach preparation and risk management and, in the event of a cyber incident, provides breach coach and response services, including breach response and remediation, crisis management and communication, internal and governmental investigations, breach notification, and potential litigation or regulatory action.
Before joining Harter Secrest & Emery, Laura worked in the securities litigation and enforcement group in the Washington, D.C. office of Wilmer, Cutler, Pickering, Hale & Dorr LLP and in the litigation group in the New York City office of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP.
Representative Experience
- Obtained declinations in fraud investigations, for both for-profit and not-for-profit clients, from the U.S. Department of Justice and the New York Attorney General.
- Defended individual and corporate defendants at trial and on appeal against the Securities and Exchange Commission.
- Represented educational organizations, including colleges and universities, in investigations and self-disclosures with various state Attorneys General, the U.S. Department of Education, and the New York State Education Department.
- Represented health care organizations in investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General.
- Advised and represented organizational client in federal tax fraud investigation and grand jury proceedings.
Professional & Civic Affiliations
- Member, Board of Directors, WNY Heroes, Inc.
Honors & Awards
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Selected by peers for inclusion in 2022 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for Commercial Litigation; Corporate Governance and Compliance Law
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Recipient, “Up and Coming Attorneys” Award, The Daily Record and Rochester Business Journal’s Legal Excellence Program, 2021
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Selected by peers for inclusion in 2021 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for Commercial Litigation
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Selected as a 40 Under 40 Honoree, Buffalo Business First, 2021
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Selected to the Upstate New York Super Lawyers Rising Stars list, 2019-2020
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New York Empire State Counsel®, 2010 and 2015
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Note and Comment Editor, Catholic University Law Review, The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law
Admissions
- District of Columbia
- New York
Education
- The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, J.D. magna cum laude
- Boston University, B.A.