Laura S. Flynn

Laura S. Flynn is a Partner in the Northern California office of Murchison & Cumming, LLP, focusing her practice on personal injury defense, including wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. With over 30 years of trial experience, Laura has successfully tried cases in counties across California, such as San Francisco, Marin, Alameda, Sonoma, Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, and San Luis Obispo.

Growing up in an Air Force family, where frequent moves and exposure to diverse cultures were a constant, Laura developed resilience, quick problem-solving abilities, and adaptability—qualities that have greatly enhanced her ability to navigate complex legal challenges and connect with clients from all walks of life. She has lived in places across the globe, including Germany for three years during her high school years; experiences like these have allowed her to thrive in any environment and have been instrumental in her legal career. She quickly builds relationships with a diverse client base, embraces challenges in new situations, and approaches complex legal issues with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow.

Laura carefully guides her clients through every stage of litigation, ensuring they feel informed and supported throughout the process. Her ability to balance meticulous preparation with practical problem-solving makes her a trusted advocate in even the most challenging litigation matters. In a recent case, Laura obtained a defense verdict after her client’s vehicle rear-ended the plaintiff’s vehicle. Despite the inherent challenges of collision cases, Laura effectively demonstrated that her client was not at fault by presenting evidence that countered the plaintiff's claims. This thorough approach ensured a favorable outcome, sparing the client from liability and reinforcing the importance of a strong and well-prepared defense.

Laura's distinguished career achievements have not gone unnoticed by her peers and clients, being recognized as a Northern California Super Lawyer. In addition to her legal practice, she previously served as a Board Member for the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada for six years. Laura earned her undergraduate degree with honors with a degree in Law and Society at University of California, Santa Barbara before obtaining her law degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law, where she served as Executive Editor of the Law Review.

Outside of the office, Laura enjoys yoga, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, beach outings, and cheering on the San Francisco Giants at baseball games.

Published Works

• “Labor & Employment Roundtable” (California Lawyer April 2015)
• “Defending Claims for Alleged Violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title III (Public Accommodations)” (Defense Comment Spring 2012).

Classes/Seminars Taught

• "Let's Make a Deal: How to Negotiate Like An Expert," (Marin County Bar Association March 2021)
• “Reasonable Accommodations” (Marin Rental Property Association August 2020)
• “Sexual Harassment Prevention Training” (Sausalito Chamber of Commerce July 2020)
• "The Impact of COVID-19 on Civil Litigation” (Marin County Bar Association May 2020)
• “Creating and Implementing a Dress Code and Grooming Policy” (Human Resources Association of the Central Coast September 2019)
• “ADA Access Claims – Preventing, Defending and Resolving Discrimination Claims” (San Francisco Apartment Association May 2015)
• “Evaluating and Resolving ADA Access Claims” (Claims Conference of Northern California September 2013)
• “Howell Questions Answered? Justice Croskey Accepts the Challenge” (ADC Educational Law Seminar June 2013)
• “ADA: Defense Strategies and Attorney Fee Awards in Light of Recent Legislation and Jankey v. Lee” (ADC Educational Law Seminar February 2013)
• “Avoiding and Defending ADA Claims Under the Expanded Definition of Disability” (ADC Annual Meeting December 2012)
• “Review of Federal and California Laws Regarding Employee Wage and Hour Issues” (Claims Conference of Northern California August 2012)
• “Brinker – Has the California Supreme Court Finally Invented the “Free Lunch?” (ADC Employment Law Seminar May 2012)
• “Fair Claims Settlement Practices Act Regulations” (Sacramento Claims Association February 2012)
• “Defending Property Owners and General Contractors in Personal Injury Cases Filed by Employees of Subcontractors” (ADC Annual Meeting December 2011)
• “Top Ten Mistakes Attorneys Make When Participating in ADR” (ADC Basic Training Series October 2011)
• “Wage and Hour Issues for Law Firms” (ADC Law Firm Management Seminar 2011) “Handling, Resolving and Preventing Disability Discrimination Claims’” (ADC Employment Law Seminar May 2010)
• “What’s in Your ADA Transition Plan?” (Association of Bay Area Governments 2010)