Laura Ward, Member

Laura Ward is the Director, Legal Operations and Outside Counsel at Abbott. Laura joined Abbott in 2017 and is responsible for development and oversight of Abbott’s strategies and programs for engaging with outside counsel, including firm selection and engagement, outside counsel diversity, spend management, and performance evaluations. In addition to managing Abbott’s outside counsel relationships, Laura oversees the Legal Invoicing and Project Management teams and leads Legal’s Pro Bono Program.

Prior to joining Abbott, Laura practiced IP litigation at Niro, Haller & Niro. She also clerked for the Honorable Mary Anne Mason, Circuit Court of Cook County, Chancery Division.  Laura earned her B.A. in Neuroscience from Hamilton College and her J.D. from Loyola University School of law. 

Laura is passionate about community service and is active in her local community as well as the legal community. She previously served on the Associate Board of NorthShore University Health System and the St. Vincent de Paul Center Associate Board.