Laura Vartain

Laura Vartain is a partner in the Bay Area office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Laura is a high-stakes trial attorney who represents companies in litigation and government investigations. Laura is a former federal prosecutor and experienced first-chair trial lawyer with significant experience handling and overseeing high-profile criminal, intellectual property, national security, and cybersecurity cases. Prior to joining Kirkland, Laura led the investigation and trial of the individual who attempted to kidnap then-Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and who attacked Mr. Pelosi, successfully securing conviction at a jury trial. Since joining Kirkland in August 2024, Laura has brought her trial experience, her experience before the NDCA bench, and trade secret and government investigations knowledge to clients in Silicon Valley and beyond.

Laura most recently served as Chief of the National Security and Cyber Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. She first-chaired and supervised investigations in a wide range of cross-border matters concerning cutting-edge and critical technologies involving both individuals and organizations.

Prior to supervising National Security and Cyber Section work in Silicon Valley, Laura was responsible for leading and overseeing corruption, civil rights and white-collar matters. She led and managed investigations conducted in parallel with the SEC, as well as other federal agencies. Laura has tried 10 cases in federal court.

Laura is appointed by the Northern District of California judges to serve on the Criminal Justice Act Panel.