Growing up in a family of educators, Laura Anthony brings a deep understanding and connection to her work representing K12 and higher education institutions and leading Bricker Graydon’s Education Law Group.  Since 1997, Laura has focused her practice on supporting those who’ve dedicated their careers to student growth and achievement.  A large part of this practice involves assisting educators in complying with ever-changing state and federal laws, including the IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the ADA, Title IX, and FERPA, as well as the agency and court decisions that impact education institutions.  This work includes defending institutions and other public entities against discrimination claims and other administrative and judicial actions and advising on student issues like disability protections, student conduct, athletic participation, and constitutional rights.

In addition to her work as an advocate, Laura serves as a third-party mediator, investigator, and hearing officer.  This neutral work enables Laura to apply her training and background in psychology, trauma, and restorative practices to help education and business leaders resolve conflict in ways that support their institutional priorities and workplace cultures.  Laura’s interest in conflict resolution started in law school and inspired her to pursue advanced coursework in alternative dispute resolution following graduation.  She holds a Professional Mediation Certificate from Cornell University, Scheinman Institute on Conflict Resolution, and is a Workplace Investigator Certificate Holder through the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI-CH).  Laura also serves as a Board-designated appeal officer for student conduct hearings and as a third-party decision maker, investigator, and informal resolution facilitator under Title IX.  

Laura’s family connections not only inspired her focus on school law but also led to a love of teaching.  As a result, she’s become a frequent national speaker on education law and dispute resolution topics and regularly provides professional development programs to regional audiences and local education teams. 

When she is not assisting clients, leading her practice group, serving as a neutral, or teaching, Laura tries to find time for traveling, getting lost in books and creative arts, and indulging her sweet tooth.

Education

The Ohio State University Mortiz College of Law, Ohio State Journal on Dispute Resolution

The Ohio State University, BA, Summa Cum Laude with Honors

Association of Workplace Investigators, Certificate Holder (AWI-CH)

Cornell University ILR School, Scheinman Institute on Conflict Resolution, Professional Mediation Certificate, Employment Mediation, Ethics in Mediation and Arbitration

Ohio Supreme Court, Fundamentals of Mediation, Domestic Abuse Issues in Mediation

University of Minnesota, Center for Restorative Justice and Peacemaking, Peacebuilding Dialogue, Restorative Justice and Sexual Misconduct in Colleges and Universities

The Ohio State University, Fisher College of Business, Executive Education Leadership Program

Distinctions

Listed, The Best Lawyers in America® – Education Law (2013, 2015–2025)

Listed, Super Lawyers®, part of Thomson Reuters® – Ohio, Schools & Education (2015–2020)

Columbus Lawyer of the Year, The Best Lawyers in America® – Education Law (2019)

Josephine Failer Award Recipient, The Ohio State University – Volunteer Service to Students (2010)

Up & Coming Lawyer, Ohio Lawyers Weekly (2004)

Barrister Leader, Columbus Bar Association

Professional Activities

Member, Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library

Member, National School Boards Association Council of School Attorneys

Member, National Association of College and University Attorneys

Member, Leadership Columbus, (Class of 2008)

Volunteer, Ohio Center for Law-Related Education – Mock Trial Program

Volunteer, Association for Conflict Resolution

Board of Trustees, Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library (2010–2020)

Member, Executive Committee, Ohio School Boards Association Council of School Board Attorneys (2007–2013)

Member, Ohio State Bar Foundation

Foundation Fellow (2001); Membership Marketing Committee

• Providing general counsel advice to K12 and higher education institutions.
• Defending education institutions in litigation and administrative complaint procedures.
• Serving as a neutral mediator, investigator and hearing officer.
• Designing and delivering professional development programs for national, regional and local audiences.

News

Resource Centers

Speaking Engagements

Publications

Additional Items

National Presentations for:

• LRP Publications, National Institute on Legal Issues of Education Individuals with Disabilities.
• LRP Publications, Special Education School Attorneys Conference
• Lehigh University Special Education Symposium
• Education Law Association
• OCALICON
• American Bar Association

Regional and State Presentations for

• Alabama Council of Administrators of Special Education
• Ohio School Boards Association
• Emerging Special Education Leaders Academy
• Buckeye Association of School Administrators
• Ohio Association of Pupil Service Administrators
• Principal Leadership Academy
• Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators