Laura A. White

Laura A. White is a partner at Smith O’Callaghan & White in Chicago, Illinois, where she focuses on employment and labor law, employment litigation and alternative dispute resolution, serving the Chicago Metro area. Her role involves advising corporations on complex employment-related litigation and ensuring compliance with discrimination and sexual harassment laws.

Recognized for her high ethical standards and legal experience, Ms. White holds an AV Preeminent peer-review rating* through Martindale-Hubbell. Her career accolades include being named a Leading Lawyer in Employment Law: Management. 

In her practice, Ms. White adeptly represents employers in federal courts and administrative proceedings, tackling issues such as discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation and wrongful discharge. Among her notable achievements is her involvement in a landmark Family and Medical Leave Act case that reached the United States Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit. Her effective strategies frequently lead to favorable resolutions in various discrimination and sexual harassment claims.

Navigating the complexities of employment law compliance is another key aspect of Ms. White’s work. By guiding employers through statutory requirements, she ensures robust defenses against harassment, retaliation and discrimination claims. Her recent successes include significant victories in federal court involving sexual harassment, retaliatory discharge and age and disability discrimination and numerous positive outcomes in EEOC investigations.

Beyond litigation, Ms. White addresses breach of contract disputes, wrongful discharge claims, wage and hour issues, and employment-related torts and wrongful conduct. Her strategic advice on discipline and termination decisions helps clients mitigate potential liabilities. As a certified mediator, she applies her extensive legal experience to mediate a broad spectrum of employment law cases including sexual harassment and retaliation cases.

Ms. White’s professional affiliations reflect her commitment to service, including roles with the Legal Assistance Foundation of Chicago and Volunteer Lawyers for the Homeless. Admitted to practice in Illinois and several federal courts, she is an active member of bar associations such as the Chicago Bar Association and the American Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Law Section.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.