Laura Stemkowski advocates for victims harmed by medical drugs and devices and corporate misconduct, with a focus on women's health.Laura's advocacy includes supporting women who were diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder and other talc-based powders for feminine hygiene. She also represents people who developed breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, after receiving textured breast implants manufactured by Allergan, as well as patients harmed by allegedly defective hernia mesh. Additionally, Laura represents patients who suffered complications allegedly caused by Zantac and other allegedly dangerous medical drugs. In addition to her medical casework, Laura represents former Boy Scouts who suffered abuse in claims filed in the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy proceedings. She also litigates cases filed under newly enacted "window" laws that seek to hold abusers and abuse enablers accountable in civil court. Many states have and continue to pass such laws, extending the number of years available for survivors to file a childhood sexual abuse claim by opening a statute of limitations for a finite period of time.Prior to joining Motley Rice, Laura was a legal intern at the Department of Justice Environmental Division in Raleigh, N.C., where she wrote appellate arguments, summary judgment motions and other legal documents related to environmental, criminal and federal issues.While studying at UNC School of Law, Laura held positions with the Environmental Appellate Advocacy Team and the Holderness Moot Court. She served as Vice President of the UNC School of Law Environmental Law Project, Public Relations Chair for the UNC School of Law Pro Bono Board, and Junior Attorney Coordinator for the school's Cancer Pro Bono Project. She also served as a student practitioner with the Civil Legal Clinic, where she worked on claims spanning areas including Title VII EEOC, Title IX, and domestic violence.Laura also completed more than 100 hours of pro bono work with the University of North Carolina School of Law's Innocence Project and Legal Aid Divorce Clinic, as well as the Southern Environmental Law Center and Lawyer on the Line program.In the community, Laura is involved in Be a Mentor, a non-profit organization committed to empowering youth through mentorship.Awards and Accolades Best Lawyers Charleston, SC2024-2025 Ones to Watch list: Product liability litigation-plaintiffsRelated Blog Posts June 28, 2024 House subcommittee finds unsafe levels of toxic heavy metals in baby food by: Laura K. Stemkowski July 6, 2023 Social media's grip on teen mental health by: Laura K. Stemkowski February 17, 2023 Long overdue cosmetics safety front and center in new federal law Causes, Not Just Cases by: Laura K. Stemkowski Related News September 19, 2024 Motley Rice Investigates Legal Claims Against Harrods Alleging Abuse by: Motley Rice August 26, 2024 51 Motley Rice attorneys listed in 2025 Best Lawyers in America guide by: Motley Rice May 30, 2024 How to Stop Social Media Addiction by: Motley Rice