Tenacity. Integrity. Compassion.
Laura is an experienced litigator with 30 years of practice. She spent much of her career in public service but now practices privately concentrating in professional/attorney discipline and licensing, criminal defense, and TPR/CHINS cases.
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“There is more than one reason they call you counselor.”
— Ben Rifken
Tenacity. Integrity. Compassion.
Tenacity: In Laura’s service as a public defender, she recognized that despite her heavy caseload, each client deserved her best work, and her best effort. She realized that if she failed to take that time and make that effort, there was a chance that no one would take that time or make that effort. Failing to put forth her best would leave an accused person without an advocate — and that result is simply unacceptable to Laura.
Integrity: Acting with integrity and honesty has always been at the heart of Laura’s practice. As a Staff Attorney at the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission, Laura was charged with upholding ethical standards for attorneys. Laura investigated and litigated countless cases, holding accountable attorneys who took advantage of their clients, or the public. She learned to maintain a balance; recognizing that her position had the potential to greatly impact the lives of real practitioners, and therefore that her role must be exercised with fairness, and respect.
Compassion: During her term at the Office of the Indiana Attorney General, Laura led the teams that investigated and prosecuted the licenses of medical and other professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and more. Laura trained her team in investigations and litigation of drug diversion, pill mills, fraud, and standard of care. Again recognizing the power of her position, Laura’s philosophy was threefold: to protect the public from an unsafe practitioner; to protect practitioners from unfounded grievances; and to just make people feel heard. Laura earned the respect of licensing boards and of opposing counsel alike. Laura demanded that her team treat each responding professional with respect, and remember that the livelihoods of real people were at stake.
Laura knows how to investigate and defend these cases, as she trained many who prosecute them. Laura now brings that same knowledge, and philosophy of compassion, to private practice.
Whether charged with a crime, professional misconduct, or facing other legal issue, Laura will work her hardest to protect your liberty, your license, and your rights — with tenacity, integrity, and compassion. Moreover, Laura will listen to you, and will remember that the case is about you. And through it all, she knows there is more than one reason she is called “counselor”.
And by the way, her last name is pronounced, “YAHZ-way”.
Professional Experience
Office of the Indiana Attorney General (2013-2020):
Trained and supervised 20-25 member team responsible for investigating and prosecuting allegations of misconduct against medical professionals.
Developed and maintained strong relationships with law enforcement agencies, including the DEA, FBI, US Attorney, FDA and local law enforcement, professional recovery monitoring programs such as IPRP/ISNAP, ISMA-PAP, and professional trade organizations.
Litigated high profile cases such as Maintaining own caseload, including high profile and complex matters, including In the Matter of Donald L. Cline, M.D.; In the Matter of Jennifer Perusek Scheller, DVM; and the Summary Suspension of In the Matter of William Downie, DDS.
Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission (2000-2013):
Investigated and prosecuted allegations of misconduct against attorneys in the State of Indiana.
High Profile and Complex cases included In the Matter of the License of Louis W. Denney; In the Matter of the License of Blaine Goode and Cynthia Winkler; In the Matter of the License of Cecelia Hemphill, and In the Matter of the License of Patrick V. Baker.
Marion County Public Defender (1995-2000; 2020-Present):
Represented indigent criminal defendants from first appearance through trial and sentencing, conducting over 30 jury trials and countless court trials ranging from murder and sex crimes to low level felonies such as DUI’s and drug possession, as well as probation violations.
Currently represents indigent parents accused by DCS of failing to provide or care for their children.
Wisconsin State Public Defender (1992-1994):
Represented indigent criminal defendants from first appearance through trial and sentencing, including juvenile delinquency, TPR/CHINS, adult traffic and misdemeanors, child support contempt, probation and parole revocation hearings, and mental health commitments and guardianships.