Finding My Place at AAJ
People. Signage. Booths. More people. That’s what I saw as I walked into the convention hall of an unfamiliar city for my first AAJ convention. The organization was new to […]
About Me
Laura
Yaeger
I am Laura Yaeger and am a dedicated leader and passionate advocate running for AAJ Parliamentarian in 2025. My commitment to standing strong, working hard, and ensuring inclusivity for everyone has been the cornerstone of my career and service to the legal community.
With decades of experience, I have built a reputation for tackling challenges head-on, listening to diverse perspectives, and delivering results that benefit all members. My proven track record of collaboration, integrity, and hard work reflects my vision for a more inclusive and forward-thinking AAJ.
At the link below, you’ll learn more about my achievements and qualifications. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone in the AAJ community.
My Goals
2025 AAJ
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Engage, energize, and grow membership. With a strong, committed, and increasing membership AAJ can continue to be a formidable partner in protecting the access to justice, allowing all of us to keep getting up every morning to fight for our clients.
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Grow the Evergreen Fund allowing us to strengthen AAJ’s fight for civil justice and widening the scope of our advocacy.
- Launch awareness campaigns to educate and inform both members and the public about AAJ’s advocacy highlighting our efforts and accomplishments.
Endorsements
*all endorsements are being made in [our/their] individual capacity[ies].
Kristina Aiad-Toss (OH)
“Laura was so welcoming when I first joined AAJ and has continued to be an amazing mentor.”
Karen Beyea-Schroeder (TX)
“Laura is a strong leader and will be a fierce advocate for AAJ.”
Paula Bliss (MA)
“Laura is the embodiment of AAJ ideals. She is one of the most dedicated, trustworthy, and compassionate professionals in the business of justice. She has my support 1,000%.”
Grace Chanin (MN)
“Since the moment I met Laura at the Chicago Phone Drive in 2022, she made me feel so seen and welcomed into AAJ. She has gone out of her way to lift me up and support some of the causes that are close to my heart (and hers): reducing stigma of mental illness in the legal profession and improving lawyer wellbeing. I admire her work ethic and passion for AAJ. It has rubbed off on me, leading me to want to become even more involved myself. AAJ is so lucky to have her. I am honored to support her in her race for AAJ Parliamentarian. “
Brooke Cohen (TX)
“I have known Laura for years and believe in her dedication to her clients, to AAJ, and to the legal justice system. I know she would do an exceedingly exceptional job; she has my vote! “
Erin Copeland (TX)
“I’ve known Laura for a long time and I admire her loyalty and dedication to AAJ. Laura shows up when you need her, both personally and professionally. I can’t think of a better candidate to represent us all.”
Kimberly Dougherty (MA)
“Laura has worked tirelessly to support so many of AAJ’s missions and goals. AAJ and its members will only further benefit from Laura’s leadership, dedication, and energy in the role of Parliamentarian.”
Amy Eskin (CA)
“Laura is an incredibly committed advocate not only on behalf of her clients but on behalf of the jury system and justice and fairness for all. I have worked in the trenches with her and I know that she supports the mission of AAJ with her whole self. She has been a champion of inclusiveness in this organization and will be a great asset to the leadership moving forward.”
Brian Franciskato (MS)
“I have worked directly with Laura for the past 4 years on numerous AAJ committees. Most recently, she has been an invaluable resource for me on MOC. She attends every meeting with enormous energy and always has new and insightful ideas to improve membership of AAJ. I have no doubt she will be a fantastic officer.”
Frank Frasier (OK)
“Laura is a leader!”
Melanie Garner (PA)
“Laura’s passion for AAJ and all it stands for is clear. She is an amazing advocate for her clients any fellow members of AAJ and their clients, too. Laura often goes above and beyond the call of duty, and I have no doubt she will excel as a Parliamentarian and move up the ladder of AAJ’s Executive Committee. I strongly endorse her.”
Brandi Gatewood (MI)
“Laura is a phenomenal asset to AAJ! AAJ is better because of Laura’s involvement and leadership! We are fortunate that she WANTS to be our next Parliamentarian.”
Bob Goldwater (AZ)
“Laura is an excellent, hard-working, and very ethical attorney. She would make a great Parliamentarian for AAJ!”
Amy Griggs (VA)
“I’m always inspired by Laura’s leadership, passion, and positivity. She is exactly the voice we need to elevate to speak for our colleagues and our clients through AAJ!”
Andrea Hirsch (GA)
“Laura is unmatched in her dedication to AAJ and will be an excellent Parliamentarian!”
Jessie Hoerman (MS)
“Laura has been to the betterment of AAJ in too many roles to name. Always a positive and charismatic force, we would be lucky to have her in the leadership of AAJ.”
Erin Jewell (VA)
“Laura is dedicated to the mission of AAJ and to working to protect access to the civil justice system.”
Casey Johnson (CA)
“Laura is an outstanding, visionary leader, with a long track record of organizational success who could not be better positioned to join the leadership ranks of AAJ.”
Jennifer Lawrence (KY)
“I have known Laura Yaeger for several years. She is dedicated to the cause of justice. She is a tremendous advocate on behalf of AAJ and the issues our clients face everyday. I am proud to know her and call her my friend. I endorse Laura Yaeger as Parliamentarian for 2025!”
Sarah London (CA)
“Laura is exactly the leader we need for this moment. She’s a dedicated advocate for consumers and those who fight for access to justice for all.”
Hadley Lundback (NY)
“I’ve known Laura for years, and I know she will make a great Parliamentarian. In addition to being a great trial lawyer, Laura has been dedicated to AAJ and preserving the civil for more than two decades. Laura will use her passion, intelligence and tenacity to ensure the courthouse doors remain open for our clients.”
Jeff Marion (NY)
“I met Laura recently when she hit me up for a membership upgrade. Laura is a “3:00 am type.” If you call her at 3:00 am to make calls or do work for AAJ, she will be there. Her dedication to the mission of AAJ sets her above any other candidate for the office of Parliamentarian. I enthusiastically endorse Laura for Parliamentarian.”
David Neiman (IL)
“I serve on the Membership Oversight Committee with Laura. Her leadership and guidance on MOC was exemplary. Laura’s commitment to AAJ is unwavering, as is her devotion to AAJ’s worthwhile causes and her clients. I proudly endorse Laura for Parliamentarian in 2025!”
Andres Pereira (TX)
“Pure class.”
Dennis Reich (TX)
“Laura is an exceptional lawyer with a big vision for how law should be practiced. AAJ will greatly benefit from her experience and abilities. She has my vote of confidence and you should vote for her too.”
Gladys Santana (IL)
“Laura is a natural leader and an unmistakable extension of AAJ. She was the first person I met at my very first AAJ convention and she was the one who immediately made me feel welcome. She is the reason I found a home in AAJ and AAJ’s Women’s Caucus. I was grateful for her leadership then so many years ago and continue to find comfort and inspiration in her friendship today.”
Audrey Schechter (FL)
“Laura is one of the most dedicated people I know. She has great ideas, a superior intellect, and a wonderful way with people. She will make a great leader of AAJ.”
Stephen Skinner (WV)
“Laura’s energy and commitment to AAJ is unquestionable. She brings a unique viewpoint that would bolster our standing.”
Vicki Slater (MI)
“Laura Yaeger is a natural born leader. Laura will bring her outstanding wit, her diplomatic and pragmatic manner to the solving of problems and her ability to motivate and inspire our members. She is the leader AAJ needs for these times. I am proud to give my endorsement to Laura Yaeger for AAJ Parliamentarian.”
Ariana Tadler (NY)
“I write with abundant support for Laura to serve as Parliamentarian. She has proven to be an excellent and encouraging resource to so many in all that you do. I am confident that she will take this role on with zeal and a philosophy of service leadership.”
Daniel Thornburgh (FL)
“I wholeheartedly endorse Laura Yaeger for AAJ parliamentarian. Having worked closely with Laura, I can attest to her exceptional leadership skills and dedication to the legal profession. Her experience as chair of AAJ’s Women’s Lawyer Caucus, co-founder of the LGBT Caucus, and member of the Board of Governors demonstrates her commitment to diversity and advancing civil justice. Laura’s expertise in complex litigation, combined with her collaborative leadership style and strong organizational skills, make her ideal for this role. Her ability to navigate intricate legal matters and implement efficient systems would be invaluable in maintaining order within AAJ proceedings. Laura’s dedication to mentoring and supporting fellow lawyers further highlights her character and commitment to our profession. I am confident that Laura will excel as AAJ parliamentarian and continue to make significant contributions to our organization.”
Mark Troutman (OH)
“Laura’s dedication to AAJ is unquestionable. I’ve watched her for the last two years chair and expand the Evergreen Committee’s work to better AAJ, and I’m humbled to serve as her vice chair this year. She’s dedicated to everything that AAJ is about. Period. Hard stop. Laura will serve AAJ well and fight for the important rights that AAJ protects. She has my endorsement and support.”
Kay Van Wey (TX)
“Laura has proven herself to be a tremendous asset to AAJ Leadership. She embodies the best qualities of a trial lawyer. She focuses on advancing others. She is solidly behind the goals of AAJ. Vote for Laura!”
Adrian Vega (NM)
“Laura’s selfless leadership is exactly what AAJ needs. She is ethical, experienced, and competent.”
Laura Voght (GA)
“As Laura Yaeger’s friend and colleague for over 10 years, I can attest to her strength of character and her devotion to the values for which AAJ stands. I have seen her work tirelessly as a leader in AAJ, always going above and beyond to reach and surpass the goals of our organization. I cannot think of a better candidate than Laura for our next Parliamentarian, to lead AAJ successfully into the future.”
Zachary Wool (LA)
“Laura’s commitment to AAJ and its values is unwavering. I have first-hand seen her work tirelessly to found the LGBT Caucus, to have it formally recognized by AAJ, and then to support its growth over the years. I can think of no better person who, through her own deeds, embodies the values of AAJ and the people it represents.”
Neal Zaslavsky (CA)
“Laura has been an amazing leader in AAJ for many, many years. Her commitment to the values of our organization is unparalleled, bringing voices to the voiceless, and fighting for justice for everyone. I look forward to Laura’s continued leadership and I am proud to endorse her candidacy.”
Sharon Zinns (GA)
“Laura was one of the first people to welcome me to AAJ, to make an effort to include me and lift me up. Laura is authentic and endearing, powerful and knowledgeable, and strong for herself and others. She is everything AAJ members should be and should want in a leader.”
Paul Byrd (AR)
“I have known Laura for over a decade. She has spent her entire time working to make the world a better place. Her work for AAJ has been tireless.”
John Morgan (FL)
“Laura has been a tireless advocate for her clients, your clients, and our profession for most of her career. She gets things done at work and in her capacity in leadership. I got to watch it firsthand. Laura will never let us down.”
Brian Ketterer (MD)
“Laura would be an incredible asset for AAJ as she has worked tirelessly for the organization for many years. It is very rare that I would support and endorse a specific candidate but Laura is an exceptional candidate deserving of special consideration.”
Donna MacKenzie (MI)
“I am honored to support Laura Yaeger in her campaign for AAJ Parliamentarian in 2025. Laura’s unwavering dedication to the American Association for Justice over the past 23 years speaks volumes about her commitment to our shared mission: standing up for our clients and protecting the civil justice system. Laura embodies the qualities of an effective and passionate leader. Her service to AAJ has been marked by tireless advocacy, thoughtful collaboration, and a steadfast focus on justice for all. She has consistently used her time and talents to support not only her clients but also her fellow trial lawyers, ensuring that our collective voice remains strong and impactful. Laura’s leadership style is both inclusive and inspiring. She recognizes the importance of our community’s shared commitment and works tirelessly to bring people together to advance AAJ’s mission. I have no doubt that as Parliamentarian, Laura will continue to strengthen our organization and amplify the values we hold dear. I encourage my colleagues to support Laura Yaeger in this important endeavor. Her vision, experience, and dedication make her the right choice for AAJ Parliamentarian. Together, under her leadership, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the fight for justice.”
Eric Romano (FL)
“Laura has worked tirelessly and has been an effective voice in support of AAJ’s mission. She has all the qualities that make her a strong leader, and I’m proud to endorse her for AAJ Parliamentarian.”
Timothy Takala (MI)
“Laura would be a great leader and Parliamentarian for a terrific organization!”
Lauren Walson (MI)
“Laura is honest, hardworking, intelligent, dedicated, and a great friend to all! She is the best candidate for the position.”
Kristina Anderson (IL)
“Laura’s commitment to AAJ and its values is unwavering. I have first-hand seen her work tirelessly to found the LGBT Caucus, to have it formally recognized by AAJ, and then to support its growth over the years. I can think of no better person who, through her own deeds, embodies the values of AAJ and the people it represents.”
Raeann Warner (DE)
“Laura is so hard-working for AAJ and that’s what we need in our leadership. I heartedly endorse her and thank her for her leadership and commitment.”
Rand Nolen (TX)
“I have known Laura for more than 25 years. Her skillset is ideal for Parliamentarian, and I wholeheartedly endorse her candidacy.”
CURRENT ENDORSEMENTS
*all endorsements are being made in [our/their] individual capacity[ies].
Kristina Aiad-Toss
Mary Alexander
Kat Allen
Andy Bederman
Karen Beyea-Schroeder
Avram Blair
Paula Bliss
Bruce Braley
Laurie Briggs
Kent Buckingham
Beth Burke
Evan Buxner
Paul Byrd
Elizabeth Cabraser
Diane Cardoso
Eileen Carney
Thomas Cartmell
Lisa Causey-Streete
Grace Chanin
Steffani Chocron
Aaron Clemens
Brooke Cohen
Aksana Coone
Erin Copeland
Katherine Cornell
Leslie Cronen
Kimberly Dougherty
Amy Eskin
Ingrid Evans
George Fleming
Lydia Floyd
Simone Fulmer Gaus
Brian Franciskato
Frank Frasier
Brenda Fulmer
Melanie Garner
Brandi Gatewood
Eric Gibbs
Sidney Gilreath
Bob Goldwater
Andrea Grass
Amy Griggs
Chrissy Hagen
Laurel Harris
John Hickey
Andrea Hirsch
Jessie Hoerman
Kelly Hyman
Kate Jaycox
Erin Jewell
Sean Jez
Casey Johnson
Julie Kane
Samantha Katen
Brian Ketterer
Mark Kitrick
Rebecca Langston
Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Liakos
Sarah London
Roopal Luhana
Hadley Lundback
Donna MacKenzie
Jeff Marion
David Matthews
Sydney McLafferty
Michal Meiler
Todd Michaels
John Morgan
Hillary Nappi
David Neiman
Lauren Newton
Rand Nolen
Jules Olsman
Cheryl Palmer-Hughes
Michelle Parfitt
Gary Paul
Shenoa Payne
Emily Peacock
Andres Pereira
Ellen Presby
Mary Allen Ramprasad
Dennis Reich
Trevor Rockstad
Lee Rohn
Eric Romano
Antonio Romanucci
Gladys Santana
Audrey Schechter
Amber Love Schubert
Andrew Schwaba
Stephen Skinner
Michael Slack
Vicki Slater
Miranda Soucie
Ariana Tadler
Timothy Takala
Daniel Thornburgh
Mark Troutman
Andrew Van Arsdale
Kay Van Wey
Adrian Vega
Laura Voght
Lauren Walson
J. Gregory Webb
Ronal Weiner
Lindsay Wilz
Zachary Wool
Caroline Zapiec
Neal Zaslavsky
Sharon Zinns
*all endorsements are being made in [our/their] individual capacity[ies].
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