Laura Martino is a partner in the firm’s litigation division. She represents clients on a wide array of civil litigation matters including insurance defense, municipal liability claims, professional malpractice, and workers compensation claims. In addition, she represents insurance companies and self-insured clients in coverage and bad faith disputes.
Before joining Grefe Sidney, Laura clerked for the 7th Judicial District of Iowa and worked in the renewable fuels industry. Laura is a member of the American Bar Association, the Iowa Bar Association and the Polk County Bar Association and was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
Laura is actively involved in the Des Moines community having served as the president of the Orchard Place Foundation board of directors (2012-2013) and the Greater Des Moines Young Professionals Connection (2009). She is a 2013 graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute.
What three words best describe you?
- Tenacious, inquisitive, efficient
Where are you from?
- I grew up in Jefferson, Iowa, but have now lived in Des Moines for about the same amount of time. Growing up, my dad served as the Greene County Attorney and my grandpa, who was an Iowa Supreme Court justice, had an office next door to him at the Greene County Courthouse. The court room, when it wasn’t in use, was one of my childhood playgrounds.
What was your first job?
- I was a lifeguard and coached summer swim team during high school and college.
Why did you decide to become an attorney?
- I come from a family of lawyers. At the time it seemed like the most logical thing to do after college. I’ve stayed in the profession though because I enjoy the variety and challenge. I get to spend most of my day problem solving and learning about new things.
What do you like most about Grefe & Sidney?
- The people. I’ve had the privilege to be mentored by some of the best trial lawyers in the state and I get to work every day with talented attorneys and staff members who bring good humor and a positive attitude to the job.
What are you most proud of professionally?
- We obtained a defense verdict a few years ago for a young man who had been sued by his former employer in what amounted to a fight between his former employer and current employer that he was unfairly put in the middle of. It was heartening to see justice prevail.
Laura can be reached at LMartino@grefesidney.com. Learn more about Laura and our other attorneys by visiting https://www.grefesidney.com/our-team/.