Biography
Laura Bentele focuses her practice on complex commercial disputes and consumer products-focused class action litigation. She is also a co-founder and leader of the firm’s Agribusiness and Food team.
Laura defends advertising companies, multi-state consumer product manufacturers, distributors and retailers, regional utility companies, transportation companies, financial institutions and mining companies in state and federal courts around the country. She has successfully tried cases to verdict for both plaintiffs and defendants before juries in state and federal courts. However, if there is an expeditious opportunity to end a dispute early through aggressive motion practice or strategically timed recourse to alternative dispute resolution proceedings, clients rely on Laura’s skills to get them on the quickest path to meet their litigation objectives.
Laura also counsels clients concerning regulations impacting agricultural industries, food safety and consumer fraud issues, including matters involving labeling claims, sanitary transportation, product contamination and defective products. In helping food, beverage, animal food and consumer products clients navigate compliance issues, Laura’s approach to risk management is significantly informed by her work as a litigator. When clients are confronted with enforcement actions, recalls or lawsuits initiated by consumers or competitors, Laura moves quickly to implement an initial response.
With respect to both her work as a business litigator and regulatory counsel, clients appreciate Laura’s ability to anticipate their practical business concerns. Ultimately, she strives to maintain open avenues of communication to ensure that clients receive representation tailored to their needs and goals.
Education
- Washington University School of Law (J.D., 2012)
- Washington University Journal of Law and Policy, Editor
- National Moot Court Team, Member
- Scholar in Law Award
- George Washington University (B.A.)
- History and International Affairs
Admissions
- , 2012
- , 2013
Professional Activities
- The Missouri Bar
- Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
- American Bar Association (Food Supplement Committee)
- Theodore McMillian Inns of Court (2013-2015, 2017-2019)
- Women in Agribusiness
Charitable and Civic Involvement
- Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children of St. Louis
- Team Activities for Special Kids (TASK)
- Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts
- Missouri Botanical Garden Young Friends Council Alum
Accolades
- The Best Lawyers in America® Ones to Watch, Commercial Litigation (2021-present)
- Obtained #25 Plaintiff’s Win in Missouri (2017)
- Selected as a barrister member of the Theodore McMillian American Inns of Court (2017-2019)
- Women's Justice Rising Star Award (2017)
- St. Louis Business Journal “30 Under 30” Award Recipient (2016)
- Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers®, Rising Star (2015-present)
- Member of the Governing Council of The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section (2015-2017)
- Selected as an associate member of the Theodore McMillian American Inns of Court (2013-2015)
- Completed the Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers 2014 Trial Academy