Laura
Gerdes Long
A member of Danna McKitrick’s litigation department, Laura Gerdes Long devotes herself to tort, employment, insurance, municipal and health care law, professional liability, and complex litigation.
In addition to her dispute resolution capabilities, Laura serves in the role of
consultant, trainer and advisor providing these types of services to entities such as municipalities, fire departments and self-insured employers. She is
particularly proficient in employment law polices and processes—especially
related to the privacy and security requirements under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
Because of her heavy involvement with HIPAA since its implementation, she is sought after as a speaker regarding the Act’s effect on municipalities, fire districts, emergency medical services, physicians, and employers.
Laura has briefed and argued cases before the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Her employment law experience encompasses numerous employment discrimination cases, retaliation claims, and EEOC matters.
Laura previously served as prosecutor for Velda City, Bella Villa, and
Normandy and as assistant city attorney for various other municipalities throughout St. Louis County. For over two years, she served the city of St. Louis as an independent contract lawyer on HIPAA compliance issues.
Practice
Areas
Tort Law and Complex Litigation; Employment; Insurance; Municipal; Health care Law; Legal Malpractice; Government Litigation
Education
J.D., Washington University School of Law (1992)
B.A., cum laude, European Studies focus on Russia, Vanderbilt University (1988)
Graduate, Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers Trial Academy (1996)
Admissions
Missouri
Illinois
U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
U.S. District Courts, Southern District of
Illinois and Eastern District of Missouri
Professional Associations
The Missouri Bar
Illinois State Bar
Association
Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
The Women Lawyers' Association of Greater St. Louis
Speaking Engagements
Lecturer: "HIPAA Privacy Regulations," Missouri Association of Counties, Missouri Municipal Attorneys' Association, Missouri City Clerks and Finance Officers' Association
Panel presenter: Newly Elected Officials seminar, St. Louis County Municipal League
Community Involvement
Healing the Children Golf Tournament
Youth and Family Center Board
City of Kirkwood: Board of Adjustment
