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Laura Gerdes Long

Principal

Email Laura
Phone 314.889.7138

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Bio

A principal in Danna McKitrick’s litigation department, Laura Gerdes Long concentrates her practice on tort law, professional liability, heath care, employment, and municipal law.

HIPAA. Heavily involved with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) since its implementation, Laura is sought after as a speaker, trainer, and consulting advisor regarding HIPAA’s effect on employers, health care providers, and municipalities. For more than two years, she served the city of St. Louis as an independent contract lawyer on HIPAA compliance issues.

Health Care. For doctors, nurses, psychologists, and other health care professionals, Laura consults on licensing, disciplinary issues, and loss or restriction of hospital privileges.

Employment. Laura is knowledgeable in employment law polices and best practices, including the privacy and security requirements under HIPAA. Her litigation experience includes defending numerous discrimination cases, whistleblower and retaliation claims, and EEOC investigations. She also consults preventatively to help employers guard against the threat of suits.

Insurance. For both insurance companies and their insureds, Laura litigates matters related to auto accidents, premises liability, legal malpractice, and complex coverage issues arising from first- and third-party claims. She applies her mediation and direct negotiation skills to resolve matters wherever possible.

Laura has briefed and argued cases before the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. She formerly served as prosecutor and assistant city attorney for various municipalities in St. Louis County.

Speaking Engagements

Co-presenter: "Untangling Legal Responsibilities and Patient Well-Being: Knowledge and Tools to Guide the Mental Health Practitioner," Care and Counseling, Inc. (Oct 2011; Part Two - May 2012); St. Louis Psychological Association (Feb 2011); "Medical Records Law," Lorman Resources for Nursing Seminar; "Contemplating Death or Disability: The Professional Will for the Psychologist," St. Louis Psychological Association (April 2012).

Presenter: “New Tools Available with Respect to Wellness, HIPAA and FLSA Compensation Issues,” Associated Industries of Missouri; “HIPAA Privacy Regulations,” Missouri Association of Counties, Missouri Municipal Attorneys’ Association, Missouri City Clerks and Finance Officers’ Association.

Panel presenter: “HIPAA Panel Discussion,” Missouri Paralegal Association.

Television guest:
"Protecting Electronic Medical Records Under the New Health Care Act," KTVI Fox2 News with Elliot Weiler and Kim Hudson

Education

  • J.D., Washington University School of Law (1992)
  • B.A., cum laude, European Studies focus on Russia, Vanderbilt University (1988)
  • IADC Trial Academy, Stanford Law School, California (2009)
  • MODL Trial Academy (1996)

Admissions

  • Missouri
  • Illinois
  • U.S. District Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
  • U.S. District Courts, Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri, Southern and Central Districts of Illinois

Associations

  • The Missouri Bar
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • The Women Lawyers' Association of Greater St. Louis
  • St. Louis Area Health Lawyers Association

Community Involvement

  • Greater St. Louis Mothers of Twins Club, board member
  • City of Kirkwood, Missouri, Board of Adjustment, former member
  • The Missouri Bar/Missouri Judicial Conference Annual Meeting Planning Committee (2012)