Laura L. Norris is a partner in the Litigation Department. Laura focuses on complex commercial litigation and has assisted clients in a wide array of high-stakes matters. She has experience in a variety of substantive areas, including ERISA, asset management disputes, consumer class actions, breach of contract, RICO, and copyright disputes.
Laura’s experience extends to federal courts throughout the country, including at the district and appellate court levels. She has served as the lead associate for litigation matters and successfully defended clients at the early stages of litigation, as well as at trial and through appeal. Laura also has provided guidance to companies during internal and governmental investigations. Throughout her career, Laura has maintained an active pro bono caseload, and in 2018, she received the Award for Excellence in Pro Bono Service from the Northern District of Illinois.
Experience
Prior to joining Willkie, Laura was an associate at another major law firm. While in law school, she interned at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois and Chicago Volunteer Legal Services.
- Benchmark Litigation – 40 & Under List – Dispute Resolution (2024)
- The Legal 500 United States – Labor and Employment - ERISA Litigation (2024)
- Northern District of Illinois Award for Excellence in Pro Bono Service, 2018
- Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch -
- Litigation - Labor and Employment (since 2024)
- Commercial Litigation (since 2024)
- “Hot Topics in ERISA Litigation,” Worldwide Employee Benefits Network, June 28, 2017
Laura's successes include*:
- Dismissal of putative class action brought under ERISA against financial services company related to the calculation of pension benefits
- Dismissal of RICO action for investment management services provider in connection with investment advice program offered to 401(k) plan participants
- Summary judgment in favor of telecommunications company and its asset management subsidiary in ERISA class action alleging breach of fiduciary duties
- Dismissal of copyright infringement claim for film studio, director, and producers of major motion picture
* Laura advised on these matters prior to joining Willkie.
Credentials
Education
Northwestern University School of Law, J.D. (cum laude), 2011 University of Michigan, B.A. (with distinction), 2007
Bar Admissions
Court Admissions
United States Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit, 2021 United States Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit, 2020 United States District Court, District of Colorado, 2018 United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, 2011 United States District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin, 2022