A native of Atlanta, Laura attended the University of Georgia where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, in 2002.  She earned her Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from the University of Georgia in 2005.  While at the University of Georgia, Laura was on the Editorial Board and was an Articles Editor of the Journal of Intellectual Property Law.  Additionally, while in law school, Laura was sworn in under the Third-Year Prosecutor’s Act and gained trial experience with her involvement in the prosecution clinic and work in the Office of the District Attorney.

Obtained a dismissal with prejudice of federal and state law claims made by a pre-trial detainee against a psychiatrist in the Middle District of Georgia in December 2018.  (DRI – The Voice of the Defense Bar, February 6, 2019, Vol 11 Issue 5)

Obtained a defense verdict for a physician’s practice in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in March 2017.  The allegations were based upon the physician owner of the practice’s performance of an injection.  The plaintiff alleged that the physician breached the standard of care in the physician’s sterilization techniques in both preparing and delivering the injection; and, he argued the physician therefore negligently caused a post-injection infection.  The patient claimed that in the days following the injection, he suffered severe pain, redness and swelling at the injection site and in the surrounding soft tissue.  Rather than returning to his physician, he presented to the hospital with multiple complaints and was diagnosed and treated for cellulitis.  The plaintiff further alleged he was at risk for sepsis, which required blood monitoring after his treatment and discharge from the hospital.  Despite the plaintiff’s contentions, a defense verdict was swiftly entered for the physician’s practice, and the physician’s record remains unblemished. (DRI – The Voice of the Defense Bar, April 26, 2017, Vol 16 Issue 14)

Obtained a defense verdict for a physician and his practice in a medical malpractice case following a six day trial in Atlanta, Georgia in 2014 where the plaintiff alleged the defendant physician should have reappointed the patient every week to ten days following the application of a fiberglass cast for the diabetic patient’s fractured fibula.  Instead, the physician instructed the patient to return in six weeks.  The patient went on to have a cut from the cast which became infected and resulted in the amputation of the patient’s five toes and soft tissue from her left foot.  The plaintiff asked the jury for over $800,000 in damages.  The defense overcame an incredibly damaging pre-trial ruling barring evidence of the patient’s noncompliance and the resultant inability to have the jury apportion the parties’ comparative fault.  Despite that obstacle, the jury came back with a defense verdict for the physician and his practice. (DRI – The Voice of the Defense Bar, July 2, 2014, Vol 13 Issue 26)

Obtained a defense verdict for a surgeon and his practice in a medical malpractice case in Selma, Alabama in 2012.  The plaintiff alleged the defendant surgeon severed the medial and lateral branches of the posterior tibial nerve as well as the dorsal medial and lateral cutaneous and plantar medial and lateral cutaneous nerves during surgery.  The plaintiff additionally alleged that the defendant surgeon altered his records to create fictitious office visits and that the defendant surgeon wantonly refused to see the plaintiff after surgery.  The plaintiff prayed for four million dollars in damages, including two million dollars in punitive damages.  Despite these allegations, supported by the plaintiff’s subsequent treating doctor, the jury returned a defense verdict for the surgeon and his practice. (DRI – The Voice of the Defense Bar, October 24, 2012, Volume 11 Issue 42)

Obtained affirmative equitable relief in the form of deconstruction of a cricket pitch and a permanent injunction against the City of Fort Oglethorpe following a jury trial in Ringgold, Georgia in 2012.  The jury awarded attorneys’ fees in the amount of $80,000.00. (Read Article)

Obtained a defense verdict for a surgeon and his practice in a medical malpractice case in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 2010.  The plaintiff suffered an extremity amputation following the defendant’s surgery to the extremity.  Despite allegations, supported by the plaintiff’s subsequent treating doctors, that the surgeon caused not only the amputation but also CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) and phantom and chronic pain, the jury returned a defense verdict for the surgeon and his practice.   (DRI – The Voice of the Defense Bar, June 9, 2010, Volume 9 Issue 23)

Obtained a defense verdict for a surgeon and his practice in a medical malpractice case in Charleston, South Carolina in 2009.  The plaintiff alleged that the defendant surgeon negligently performed tarsal tunnel release surgery by cutting a nerve and causing CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) in the plaintiff’s foot.  The plaintiff’s subsequent treating surgeon testified in the plaintiff’s favor and opined that the defendant cut plaintiff’s lateral plantar nerve.  Despite these allegations, the jury returned a defense verdict for the surgeon and his practice in under 10 minutes.  (DRI – The Voice of the Defense Bar, August 26, 2009, Volume 8 Issue 34.)

Successfully moved to dismiss an accusation filed by the California Board of Optometry against an optometrist in 2011.

Successfully set aside, through judicial review, disciplinary sanctions issued by the Nevada Board of Optometry against an optometrist in 2010.

Successfully moved to dismiss charges filed by the Iowa Board of Podiatry against a podiatrist in 2009.

Successfully defeated a summary judgment motion brought by a real estate lienholder against a mortgage company.  Further defended the ruling in the Georgia Court of Appeals and Georgia Supreme Court.  The case is reported at Deljoo v. SunTrust Mortg., Inc., 295 Ga. App. 187, 671 S.E.2d 234 (2008) and is cited in secondary sources at Fletcher Cyclopedia Law of Private Corporations § 2467, Necessity and use of seal–Deeds, mortgages, leases and contracts respecting real property (2010) HN:  1,2 (S.E.2d); Georgia Real Estate Finance and Foreclosure Law § 3:1, The nature of collateral (2010) HN:  1 (S.E.2d); Georgia Real Estate Sales Contracts § 12:11, Mortgages and security deeds (2010) HN: 1 (S.E.2d); Georgia Real Estate Title Exam and Closings § 2-35, Security deeds (2010) HN: 1 (S.E.2d); Georgia Admissibility of Evidence in Civil Cases C33, Corporations (2010) HN: 1,2 (S.E.2d); Pindar’s Ga. Real Estate Law & Proc. with Forms § 21-16, Execution of security deeds (2010) HN: 1 (S.E.2d); Pindar’s Ga. Real Estate Law & Proc. with Forms § 21-18, Recording (2010) HN: 1 (S.E.2d); Ga. Jur. Corporations, etc. § 5:24, Statutory apparent authority; effect of attestation (2010).

Successfully defended a roofing company against claims of negligent construction made by an Atlanta, Georgia nightclub. The case was resolved in 2009 with no payment by the defense and full payment by the nightclub of amounts owed to the roofing company.

Obtained a bench trial verdict in favor of a shipping company for amounts owed in 2008.

• Georgia’s Top Rated Lawyer Martindale-Hubbell® & ALM, 2022
• Top Rated Litigator, Martindale-Hubbell® & ALM, 2021 – 2022
• Elite Lawyer of the South, Martindale-Hubbell® & ALM, 2021 – 2022
• Woman Leader in the Law, ALM, 2020 – 2022
• America’s Top 100 Civil Defense Litigators®, 2019
• America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators®, 2018
• Recipient of DRI’s Albert H. Parnell Outstanding Program Chair Award, 2017
• AV® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, 2013
• Georgia Super Lawyers, Rising Star (2012 – 2020)

“Administrative Defense Matters, Peer Review, Hospital Privileges and Board Issues,” National Medical Association Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly, Atlanta, Georgia, August 2022

“Sorry, We’ve Been Sued,” 2022 Risk Management Lecture, National Medical Association Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly, Atlanta, Georgia, August 2022

“Risk Management in 2022 – Real Medical Malpractice Cases, Real Clients and Real Concerns,” GPMA, Atlanta, Georgia, March 2022

“Theater of the Courtroom: The Art of Storytelling” Workshop, DRI Annual Meeting, Boston, Massachusetts, October 2021

“Theater of the Courtroom: Overcoming Obstacles at Trial in a Pandemic” Workshop, DRI Annual Meeting, Boston, Massachusetts, October 2021

“Trending Now: Complex Claims Physicians & Surgeons Face Today,” The Midwest – IPMA (Indiana – Virtual), September 2021

“Trending Now: Complex Claims Physicians & Surgeons Face Today,” SW – TPMA (Texas – Virtual), September 2021

“Trending Now: Complex Claims Physicians & Surgeons Face Today,” APMA – The National, Denver, Colorado, July 2021

“Deposition Maneuvers of Today’s Plaintiff’s Bar: How to Arm Yourself and Your Client for the 30(b)(6) Battle and Beyond,” DRI Medical Liability & Health Care Law Seminar, Las Vegas, Nevada, July 2021

“Trending Now: Complex Claims Physicians & Surgeons Face Today,” Midwest – IPMA (Illinois – Virtual), June 2021

“Trending Now: Complex Claims Physicians & Surgeons Face Today,” The Western – CPMA (California – Virtual), June 2021

“Trending Now: Complex Claims Physicians & Surgeons Face Today,” OFAAS, Columbus, Ohio, June 2021

“Trending Now: Complex Claims Physicians & Surgeons Face Today,” ACFAS, Las Vegas, Nevada, May 2021

“Trending Now: Complex Claims Physicians & Surgeons Face Today,” Goldfarb Region III (Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey – Virtual), May 2021

“Risk Management in 2021: Real Cases, Real Clients and Real Concerns,” GPMA (Georgia – Virtual), February 2021

“Trending Now: Complex Claims Physicians & Surgeons Face Today,” NY Clinical – NYSPMA (New York – Virtual), January 2021

“Trending Now: Complex Claims Physicians & Surgeons Face Today,” FPMA (Florida – Virtual), January 2021

“Risk Reduction Strategies in 2020 and Beyond,” GPMA Educational Foundation Virtual Conference, October 2020 

“How to Reduce the Risk of a Lawsuit in 2020 and Beyond,” National Medical Association Virtual Annual Convention & Scientific Assembly, August 2020  

“How to Reduce the Risk of a Lawsuit in 2020 and Beyond,” PICA Educational Webinar CME, July 2020 

“Working From Home, Homeschooling, and the Issues Both Present,” DRI for Life Podcast, May 2020

“How to Diversify Your Committee,” DRI Leadership Conference, Chicago, Illinois, January 2020

“30(b)(6) Depositions & Corporate Implications in Litigation,” CHG Healthcare Services, Inc., Midvale, Utah, November 2019

“Watch Your Back for Reptiles – How to Slash Back and Speak the Defense Narrative,” Chiropractic and Beyond Continuing Education Program, Marietta, Georgia, September 2019

“Do Not Let Your 30(b)(6) Deponent Get Snaked – Slash Back and Speak the Defense Narrative,” American Property Casualty Insurance Association National General Counsel Conference, Baltimore, Maryland, September 2019

“Risk Management, Locums, Litigation & Emotions,” Weatherby Healthcare, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, May 2019

“Physician Risk – Concerning Trends and How to Avoid Them,” APMA, Destin, Florida, May 2019

“Newbie Mistakes – Avoiding Risk in the First Ten Years of Physician Practice,” GPMA, Atlanta, Georgia, February 2019

“Physician Risk – Concerning Trends and How to Avoid Them,” GPMA, Atlanta, Georgia, February 2019

“Effective Witness Preparation & Emerging Trends with Opioid Litigation,” Claims Professional Continuing Education, MagMutual Insurance Company, Atlanta, Georgia, January 2019

“Understanding Malpractice Risks and the Claims Process for Chiropractors,” OUM Webinar, Atlanta, Georgia, January 2019

“Lawsuits Are A Pain In The Neck PART II,” Chiropractic and Beyond Continuing Education Program, Marietta, Georgia, December 2018

“Legal and Risk Management Update,” Conference on Foot & Ankle Surgery, Braselton, Georgia, November 2018

“How to Better Understand Your Client’s Business and Make Your Claims Professional’s Life Easier,” DRI Annual Meeting, Medical Liability & Health Care Law Committee CLE, San Francisco, California, October 2018

“Lawsuits Are A Pain In The Neck PART II,” Chiropractic and Beyond Continuing Education Program, Marietta, Georgia, October 2018

“Simple Things You Can Do To Reduce Your Risk of a Lawsuit,” OPMA Region 7 Fall 2018 Meeting, Sunriver, Oregon, September 2018

“Depositions:  Medical Reptile Deposition Tactics and How to Prepare for Apex, 30(b)(6), Expert and Client Depositions, Including Physicians, Nurses, Administrators and Other Health Care Employees,” Striking Back Against the Reptile in Medical Malpractice and Long-Term Care Cases Seminar, DRI, Chicago, Illinois, June 2018

“Top Practice Improvements to Improve Patient Care and Reduce Risks,” 2018 Beachside Scientific Seminar, APMA, Destin, Florida, May 2018

“Top Practice Improvements to Improve Patient Care and Reduce Risks,” 21st Annual Georgia Summit Program, GPMA, Atlanta, Georgia, February 2018

“Why Patients Sue, ” Heartland Foot & Ankle Conference, Des Moines, Iowa, October 2016

“Dealing with Audits and Compliance with Medicare, HIPAA and Healthcare Insurance,” Chiropractic and Beyond Continuing Education Program, Marietta, Georgia, September 2016

“Wound Care:  Have a Seat at the High Stakes Table,”  Conference on Wound Care, Roswell, Georgia, May 2016

“Why Patients Sue,” Georgia Podiatric Medical Association Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia, February 2016

“Chiropractic Board Matters:  Compliance with Board Rules and What to Do if You Receive a Board Subpoena or Complaint,” Chiropractic and Beyond Continuing Education Program, Marietta, Georgia, September 2015

“Do You Want to be Dr. Smith or Dr. Jones?  Demonstrating and Documenting Careful, Competent and Caring Treatment,” North Carolina Foot & Ankle Society 2015 Winter Scientific Seminar, Greensboro, North Carolina, January 2015

“Adjusting Your Behavior to Avoid the Pain of a Lawsuit,” Chiropractic and Beyond Continuing Education Program, Marietta, Georgia, December 2014

“Don’t Let a Lawsuit Trip You Up,” Georgia Podiatric Medical Association Meeting, Hiawassee, Georgia, October 2014

“Adjusting Your Behavior to Avoid the Pain of a Lawsuit,”  Chiropractic and Beyond Continuing Education Program, Marietta, Georgia, September 2014

“Top 10 Reasons for Lawsuits Against Podiatrists,” Alabama Podiatric Medical Association Scientific Seminar, Destin, Florida, May 2013

“Lawsuits Are A Pain In The Neck,” Chiropractic and Beyond Continuing Education Program, Marietta, Georgia, 2013

“Collaborative Care:  The Use of Consultants,” The Podiatry Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, 2010

• Defense Research Institute (DRI)
  • Annual Meeting Steering Committee, 2018-2019
    • Chair, Substantive Law Committee Programming Subcommittee, 2019
    • Vice Chair, Substantive Law Committee Programming Subcommittee, 2018
  • DRI For Life Committee 2015-Present
  • Medical Liability and Health Care Law Committee 2010-Present
    • Chair, Committee 2021-Present
    • Vice Chair, Committee 2019-2021
    • Co-Chair, Striking Back Against the Reptile in Medical Malpractice and Long-Term Care Cases Seminar, 2018
    • Chair, Seminar 2016-2017 (Albert H. Parnell Outstanding Program Chair Award, 2017)
    • Vice-Chair, Seminar 2015-2016
    • Chair, Publications 2012-2015
    • Vice-Chair, Publications 2010-2012
    • Complex Medicine Seminar Steering Committee 2013-2014
    • Seminar Steering Committee 2010-Present
  • Women in the Law Committee 2010-Present
    • Medical Liability & Health Care Law Substantive Law Committee Liaison, 2014-2018
    • Annual Meeting Subcommittee 2010-2011
    • Program Marketing Subcommittee 2010-2018
  • Young Lawyers Committee 2008-2015
    • Steering Committee 2010-2015
      • Long Range Planning Subcommittee 2014-2015
      • Co-Chair, Marketing Subcommittee 2013-2014
      • Co-Vice-Chair, Marketing Subcommittee 2012-2013
      • Co-Chair, Legislative Liaison Subcommittee 2011-2012
      • Co-Vice-Chair, Legislative Liaison Subcommittee 2010-2011
    • Annual Meeting Subcommittee 2010-2011
    • Legislative Liaison Subcommittee 2009-2012
• American Health Lawyers Association
• Atlanta Bar Association
• Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC)
• Georgia Association of Women Lawyers
• Georgia Defense Lawyers Association
• Lawyers Club of Atlanta
• Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS)
• Alabama Defense Lawyers Association (2009-2017)
• American Bar Association (2006-2017)
• Claims & Litigation Management Alliance (2010-2020)
• Lekotek of Georgia – Board of Directors (2017-2020)

“Slash Back and Speak the Defense Narrative:  Do Not Let Your 30(b)(6) Deponent Get Snaked,” DRI’s For the Defense, May 2019

“How Reptile Theory is Used in Rule 30(b)(6) Depositions in Medical Malpractice / LTC / ALF Litigation,” DRI, 2018 (DRI – The Voice of the Defense Bar, Medlaw Update, December 21, 2018, Volume 23 Issue 4.)

“What Happens in Vegas Doesn’t Always Have to Stay There:  DRI Medical Liability and Health Care Law Seminar focuses on emerging issues in medical liability litigation,” DRI’s For the Defense, May 2017

“From the Publications Chair:  You Get What You Give,” DRI’s For the Defense, August 2013

“GA Court Strikes Noneconomic Caps; Two Other Tort Reform Provisions Survive,” DRI, 2010 (DRI – The Voice of the Defense Bar, Medlaw Update, December 13, 2010, Volume 15 Issue 2)

“Default by Purchaser and Judicial Process After Termination,”  National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education, 2003 (Co-authored by Charles W. Brown, Esq.)

Laura Eschleman speaking about a virtual and in person trial in 2021:  “With over 36 Zoom boxes of potential jurors, assessing each potential juror was difficult to say the least,” [Laura Eschleman] said. “[Jury selection] has always been an opportunity to introduce the defendant physicians to the jurors as humans; doing it virtually took that away. It is difficult to humanize a box on a screen.” See article here. 

“If not for these politicians’ inflated egos, the city would not be out almost $90,000 of taxpayer money,” Eschleman said, in “Fort Oglethorpe loses lawsuit over cricket pitch, ordered to pay nearly $90,000” See article here.