Laura DeRise serves as Baker Donelson's Director of Lateral Recruiting and Integration, partnering with Firm leadership to advance strategic growth through the recruitment and integration of lateral partners, of counsel, and attorney groups. She advises on talent strategy, market expansion, competitive positioning, and high-impact lateral opportunities that strengthen the Firm's platform and capabilities.
With nearly 20 years of experience spanning law firm leadership, executive search, consulting, in-house legal operations, and private practice, Laura brings a business-focused perspective to legal talent strategy. Her work sits at the intersection of relationship building, commercial decision-making, and organizational growth. She works closely with internal stakeholders and external search consultants to identify, evaluate, and execute lateral opportunities aligned with the Firm's long-term strategic objectives. She also oversees the lateral shareholder and of counsel integration process, helping to ensure a seamless transition into Baker Donelson's client service-driven culture.
Prior to joining Baker Donelson, Laura advised law firm leaders and lateral partners on strategic recruiting, candidate assessment, talent analytics, interviewer training, integration planning, and significant growth opportunities across key industries and practices. Earlier in her career, she spent a decade leading the attorney recruiting function at a Southeastern-based law firm, where she built and managed the lateral recruiting program, supported group acquisitions and office expansions, and advised senior leadership on market trends and strategic hiring. She also practiced law and served as general counsel and a member of the executive leadership team of a private equity-backed company, giving her practical insight into executive decision-making, client expectations, and the commercial factors that drive successful lateral growth.