Partners | Attorneys

Areas of Practice: Business and Commercial Litigation - Advertising, Antitrust

Law School: George Washington University National Law Center, J.D., 1987

Undergraduate: Kalamazoo College, B.A., with honors, 1984

Laura has represented the firm's clients in a variety of areas, including antitrust, advertising, environmental, employment, distribution, bankruptcy and breach of contract and warranty matters. With trial experience in both federal and state courts, Laura works closely with clients to create and pursue opportunities for alternative dispute resolution and advantageous settlements while aggressively preparing the case for trial, should it be necessary.

Laura has extensive experience working with (and against) experts, especially scientific experts, on behalf of the firm's clients. By way of example, Laura has worked with statisticians, biologists, epidemiologists, engineers and economists to advance the interests of FI&C clients in both active litigation and internal activities. In 2005, she and Jeff Ireland launched a successful Daubert challenge to a nationally renowned economist, effectively eliminating a $50 million, or more, damages claim against one of the firm's clients.

Laura received her B.A. from Kalamazoo College, with honors, in 1984. She received her J.D. from the George Washington University National Law Center in Washington D.C. in 1987, and was recruited to join Charlie Faruki's litigation team at Smith & Schnacke in Dayton, Ohio. In 1989, she joined Charlie and Jeff Ireland as one of the original attorneys in their 9-lawyer firm. A resident of Dayton from 1987 to 1992, Laura was an adjunct professor at the University of Dayton School of Law in Negotiations and Complex Litigation. She also coached the undergraduate University of Dayton mock trial team. She has served on the Boards of Directors of the Dayton YWCA, and the National Federal Bar Association Young Lawyer's Division.

Laura now resides in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, with husband Bill, a Special Agent with the FBI, and their three children, Megan (12), Emily (10) and Andrew (6). Always seeking creative solutions to challenges facing clients and herself, Laura telepractices with the firm from her Michigan office. She handles the firm's client matters in Michigan, as well as Ohio and across the country. She is an active member of Christ Church Detroit, having served on the Vestry, as interim Christian Education Director, and now as a Sunday School Teacher. Laura is a Girl Scout Leader and Vice President of the Maire Elementary School PTO. She was recently recognized as Volunteer of the Year at her children's school.

Email: Laura Sanom