Laura B. Kirshenbaum

Employment disputes in higher education are never routine, and that’s exactly what she loves about them: every matter blends policy, personality, and principle. Universities call on Laura for level-headed counsel when the stakes are high, and the path forward isn’t obvious.

Laura represents a range of public and private employers. Her focus is representing colleges and universities in state and federal courts, before administrative agencies and arbitration panels, and in sensitive internal matters. She helps leaders navigate the full spectrum of employment issues - from discrimination and tenure denials to academic discipline and difficult separations - always with an eye toward minimizing risk and preserving community trust. Increasingly, her work centers on the complexities of medical and family leave, including the intricacies of Massachusetts PFML, where proactive guidance can prevent costly disputes.

Clients value Laura’s preparation and poise. She is known for thinking three steps ahead, pairing rigorous research with clear, decisive strategy. In litigation, she’s assertive and unflappable - qualities that have translated into defense wins, including a complete victory for a multinational law firm after a three-week legal malpractice trial, as well as favorable outcomes in discrimination, breach of contract, defamation, and business tort matters. In pre-litigation settings, she helps institutions resolve problems quietly and well, so they can stay focused on their mission.

Before turning her focus to higher education and employment law, Laura served as a supervising Assistant District Attorney in Middlesex County, trying complex criminal cases and briefing complicated questions of law for appeals before the state’s highest courts. That foundation sharpened her instincts, her judgment under pressure, and her ability to see the big picture without missing the details that can make or break a case.

Laura’s approach is simple: prepare thoroughly, communicate clearly, and solve the current problem facing her client while preventing the next one.

SOLUTIONS

Faculty Discrimination and Contract Dispute Defense

Defended a university against discrimination and breach of contract claims brought by a faculty member terminated following consecutive medical leaves. Successfully secured dismissal of multiple claims and leveraged that outcome to negotiate a favorable settlement, efficiently resolving the matter while minimizing ongoing risk and cost to the client.

Employment and Separation Strategy for Higher Education Institution

Advised a small college on layoff procedures and individual terminations, providing guidance on progressive discipline, documentation, and separation agreements to ensure compliance and reduce the risk of future employment disputes.

Defense of Pay Inequity Claim in Higher Education

Defended a university against a pay inequity claim brought by a former female coach. During discovery, gathered and presented evidence of the university’s historical pay practices and equity analyses, leading the claimant to abandon that claim.

Adjunct Faculty Employment Promise Dispute

Defended a university against a claim by an adjunct faculty member alleging a promised full-time faculty position. Achieved a highly favorable resolution for the university while successfully avoiding protracted and costly litigation.

Wage and Employment Dispute Resolution

Defended a sales company against Wage Act and breach of contract claims brought by a former employee, successfully avoiding litigation. Also counseled a small business facing multiple employee termination and wage claims, resolving disputes pre-litigation and implementing strategies to reduce future risk exposure.

Tenure Denial Discrimination and Contract Dispute

Represented a large research university in defending against discrimination and breach of contract claims arising from a tenure denial. Managed a complex discovery process involving multiple tenure and appeal committees and numerous faculty witnesses, ultimately leveraging evidence of the plaintiff’s credibility issues to achieve a highly favorable resolution for the university.

Title IX Policy Overhaul and Compliance

Revamped a university’s Title IX policies to align with evolving federal and state administrative guidance, consolidating overlapping procedures to create a clearer, more efficient, and compliant framework for addressing discrimination and harassment claims.

Early Dismissal of Student Discrimination and Contract Claims

Obtained early-stage dismissal of discrimination and breach of contract claims filed by a former student against a graduate school, eliminating further litigation risk and securing a decisive win for the institution.

Legal Malpractice Trial Victory for Global Law Firm

Defended a multinational law firm against a $15 million legal malpractice claim brought by a former client. After a three-week jury trial, secured a complete defense verdict on all claims, along with a successful counterclaim, fully vindicating the firm and its attorneys.

Construction Litigation and Sanctions Award

Represented homeowners in litigation against a builder involving significant construction defects. Successfully litigated multiple discovery motions, resulting in substantial monetary and evidentiary sanctions against the builder for repeated discovery violations.

Fraudulent Contractor Recovery and Judgment Enforcement

Secured a $1.35 million judgment against a contractor who accepted payment but failed to perform under the contract. Obtained the contractor’s bank records through third-party subpoenas and successfully levied the judgment against the contractor’s accounts.

Investor Recovery in Successor Liability and Chapter 93A Action

Represented early investors in a defunct company and obtained a $1 million settlement after demonstrating that the company had effectively merged with a successor entity. Defeated the successor’s motion to dismiss and, through discovery, developed evidence to amend the complaint to include a Chapter 93A claim, ultimately leveraging that claim into a highly favorable settlement for the clients.

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

Experience recognized

38 Attorneys Named to 2025 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Laura Kirshenbaum Joins as Partner in Labor & Employment

•Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2022-2025
•Boston Magazine Top Lawyers, Labor & Employment, 2024