Laura A. Johnson
Shareholder

Contact

Biography

Laura Johnson is an attorney in Smith Haughey’s Grand Rapids office. Her practice focuses on medical malpractice defense litigation. Laura represents hospitals, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers throughout the state in all stages of litigation. She works on complex, high-value claims and has obtained several dismissals for her clients.

Prior to joining Smith Haughey, Laura gained valuable experience working as a medical malpractice plaintiff’s attorney in Detroit and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Laura’s experience as a plaintiff’s attorney allows her a unique and advantageous perspective in litigating for the defense. Laura is well-versed in all aspects of litigation and has been involved in multiple malpractice trials.

Laura earned her J.D. from Wayne State University Law School. She made the most of her time in law school by participating in multiple extracurricular and academic activities. Laura participated in the Disability Law Clinic, interned for a Wayne County Circuit Court judge, worked as a research assistant for the Dean of Students, and interned with the City of Livonia law department. In addition, Laura participated in Moot Court and achieved honors as a semi-finalist at the Cardozo Moot Court Competition in New York City. Prior to graduating from Wayne State University Law School in 2012, Laura received the Silver Key Award for academic accomplishments and received the Book Award in Environmental Law. Laura earned her B.S. in Health Sciences from Grand Valley State University where she graduated with honors from the Honors College. She also holds an M.S. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Tennessee – Knoxville.

In her spare time, Laura enjoys volunteering at her child’s school where she is on the PTA Executive Board and has participated in several task forces and focus groups commissioned by the Superintendent. Laura also enjoys spending time with her husband and children and taking advantage of beautiful West Michigan summers.

Admitted

State Bar of Michigan, 2012

Education

Wayne State University Law School (J.D., 2012)

University of Tennessee - Knoxville (M.S., 2006)

Grand Valley State University (B.S., 2004)

Accolades

Included in the 2023-2024 editions of the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants

Named to the 2023-2024 Notable West Michigan Lawyer list by Grand Rapids Business Journal

Named to the 2022-2023 Grand Rapids Magazine Top Lawyers lists for Medical Malpractice Law

Selected to the 2022 Michigan Rising Stars list for Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Defense

Selected as an "Up and Coming Lawyer" by Michigan Lawyers Weekly (2019)