I've known Laurie for more than two decades, including having worked with her in depth on several complex, legally-challenging, and client-critical matters. She possesses a wide range of excellent legal skills, knowledge and experience; is a quick study in understanding a client's challenges and needs, and implementing a workable, efficient course of action for addressing them; has well-honed judgment that is at once sophisticated and practical; is a terrific team player; and can be counted on to get the job done, including within tight time constraints and without hesitation to seeing things through to completion.
I am particularly impressed by Laurie's impeccable integrity, coupled with her ability to function on matters that require a high measure of discrete, confidential treatment. In sum, I strongly recommend engaging Laurie, especially for significant projects that will benefit from her unique, seasoned talent.
Blake Bilespartner at Arnold & Porter
An extensive experience
I’ve had the good fortune to work among the best lawyers in the country in a variety of roles:
- Vice-President and Associate General Counsel and Vice President of Compliance Systems at the Altria family of companies, including regulatory, legislative, investigative, and compliance responsibilities
- Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Tahirih Justice Center
- Senior Counsel at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
- Litigator at Arnold & Porter and Shearman & Sterling with extensive experience in product liability litigation
A trusted partner
I’m also an entrepreneur who has started and run two small businesses, as well as an author. I’ve lived and practiced in the United States, Asia and Europe, thus have learned to work cooperatively with people from a variety of backgrounds and experience.
My professional and life experience make me an invaluable asset in solving complex, sensitive, and confidential problems that arise in organizations.
I am trusted by both senior management and junior staff based on my commitment to treat everyone with respect while being thorough and relentless in getting to the bottom of problems, whether legal or cultural.
As a former corporate client and more importantly friend of 25 years, I can state that Laurie possesses a unique blend of straight-up superb professionalism with incredible empathy, integrity and charm!
In corporate life I relied upon her for clear-eyed advice and and pull no punches opinions which I quickly learned came from her experience, depth of knowledge and importantly from her ability to go deep into issues while explaining them simply and with clarity. She is someone you can rely upon to give you her best always… and her best is fantastic!
As a friend, she is an absolute joy to be with and someone I still rely upon to “keep it real” with me! Also, as we share a deep love for dogs and wine, we are never at a loss for fun conversations!
James Scully Former Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Philip Morris International
My services
Working with Compliance executives, in-house lawyers, and outside counsel on compliance issues, including internal investigations.
Undertaking special/sensitive projects within a corporation or firm where an outside perspective is of benefit.
Let's work together. Contact me at laurie@laurieplessala.com
Member of the DC Bar. References available on request.