Laura Burson
Laura Burson is a seasoned intellectual property attorney and Senior Counsel at O’Melveny & Myers LLP in Los Angeles. She focuses on complex intellectual property litigation, including patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and unfair competition matters. A registered patent attorney admitted to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Laura brings extensive experience across a wide range of technologies, including medical devices, chemicals and chemical processes, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and computer-related technologies.
Throughout her distinguished career, Laura has held leadership roles at some of the nation’s leading law firms. She served as Partner at Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP and Kirkland & Ellis, where she specialized in intellectual property law and provided strategic guidance to clients navigating high-stakes litigation. She also contributed significantly to the Los Angeles Intellectual Property Law Association, serving on its Board of Directors and as President, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the practice and supporting the legal community.
Laura earned her Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, and holds a Master’s degree in Biological Chemistry from UC Irvine. In addition to her legal practice, she is a member of Chief, a private network dedicated to empowering senior women leaders across industries. Laura is recognized for her technical expertise, strategic insight, and dedication to mentoring and leadership, making her a respected authority in the field of intellectual property law.
• Loyola Law School, Los Angeles - JD
• Chief
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my deep passion for the legal field and my commitment to achieving the best outcomes for my clients, built over 26 years of experience. My journey has been shaped by the excellent education and training I received, all while raising two young children and growing within the legal profession. Along the way, I have been honored with several awards, including recognition as one of the Women Leaders in Tech Law and by Lawyers of America, among others.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is: You can, and you will. I have always held onto that mindset, persevering through every challenge. The legal field can be demanding, and many women don’t remain in it for the long term, but I am proud to have surpassed those expectations and sustained a successful career over the years.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the legal field is to stay the course, work diligently, and set clear goals. Success comes from perseverance, focus, and a commitment to continually growing both personally and professionally.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is balancing the demands of a busy legal career with personal responsibilities. As a dedicated lawyer and a mother, managing time effectively and being present where I’m needed most is both a challenge and an opportunity to grow in efficiency, resilience, and leadership.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are dedication and balance. I strive to work diligently for my clients while also prioritizing my family, cherishing quality time with my two teenagers. Maintaining this balance allows me to bring my best self to every aspect of my life.v