Laura Gillen is Of Counsel to the Firm’s Litigation Department, concentrating her practice in all phases of commercial litigation in both state and federal court.  She has experience representing corporate and individual clients in matters involving a variety of substantive areas of law including fraud, defamation, securities, shareholder disputes, employment, contracts, business torts, RICO and intellectual property.  Laura is often called upon to advise both businesses and non-profit organizations on employment matters, providing guidance on human resources issues, employment contracts, institutional policies and severance policies and agreements.  She has represented many of the firm’s corporate and non-profit clients in matters involving claims pertaining to discrimination and human rights laws, as well as matters pertaining to the protection and retention of proprietary rights and trade secrets.

In addition to litigating business disputes, Laura will frequently pursue and engage in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to achieve the best results for our clients, including private mediation and arbitration, as well as mediations before panels such as the AAA and FINRA.  Laura has been recognized as a top leader in law by the Long Island Business News with her inclusion in its “Who’s Who in Women in Professional Services.”

Laura attended Georgetown University, where she was honored with the distinction of being selected to be a George Baker Scholar.  Her participation in the Baker Scholar program impacted the direction of her life profoundly with its lessons of leadership and community service.  After graduating cum laude from Georgetown, Laura returned to New York to study at Stella Adler Studio and later became an agent for a leading speakers’ bureau.  During these years, she was also a GMHC volunteer, assisting persons living with HIV/AIDS.   

In 1995 through 1996, Laura embarked on transformational journeys to destinations in China, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and India.  The focal point of her travel was an extended volunteer mission in Calcutta with the Missionaries of Charity, where she worked in Mother Teresa’s home for the dying.

Laura returned to Georgetown for law studies by night, while interning for Hon. Marian Blank Horn of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims by day.  In 1998, Ms. Gillen transferred to New York University’s School of Law.  While at NYU, she worked at a New York City Firm and was invited to join that firm as a litigation associate after earning her JD in 2000. Laura worked on matters involving securities regulation, defamation, employment and intellectual property.  She also participated in the firm’s pro bono program, assisting victims of domestic violence.