About Laura
Laura M. Hanson: Experienced Legal Counsel in Complex Claims
Laura M. Hanson is a Partner and a leading expert in complex legal matters at Alexander Holburn, specializing in Business Disputes, Corporate/Commercial, Insurance, and Construction + Engineering law. With a proven track record of success, Laura provides strategic legal counsel to a diverse range of clients, including major insurance companies, self-insured organizations, and credit unions, across a broad spectrum of litigation and coverage disputes. Her deep understanding of the legal landscape, combined with her exceptional negotiation and mediation skills, consistently delivers favorable outcomes for her clients.
Laura’s practice is built on a foundation of meticulous investigation, strategic thinking, and a commitment to achieving the best possible results for her clients. She is frequently called upon to act as coverage counsel, providing expert opinions on property and liability claims for all types of policies, including Commercial and Homeowner policies, CGL policies, Director and Officer Liability policies, and All-Risks and Wrap-Up and Course of Construction policies. This includes thoroughly assessing risks, developing robust defense strategies, and navigating the complexities of insurance coverage disputes.
Beyond coverage, Laura is a skilled litigator, adept at handling a wide array of disputes. She regularly defends contractors, trades, and engineers facing property claims, providing critical legal support in complex construction-related matters. Furthermore, she is experienced in pursuing product liability claims against manufacturers and distributors, leveraging her expertise to protect her clients' interests. She also defends credit unions in relation to claims advanced for alleged failure to arrange for the placement of certain insurance, and has significant experience managing complex and catastrophic personal injury claims, often working with clients who have sustained serious injuries.
Laura’s approach is deeply rooted in negotiation and mediation. She routinely participates in mediations for her clients in advance of trial, skillfully guiding them through the process and leveraging her extensive experience to secure favorable settlements. She regularly appears before the Supreme Court of British Columbia and has a strong history of domestic arbitration work, demonstrating her proficiency in various dispute resolution methods. This dedication to alternative dispute resolution significantly reduces costs and timelines for her clients.
At Alexander Holburn, Laura chairs the Women’s Forum, a vital initiative dedicated to promoting business development and networking opportunities amongst the firm’s female lawyers, paralegals, and female clients. This commitment extends beyond the firm, as she’s an active member of the Canadian Bar Association’s Insurance Subsection, serving as a Member-at-Large since 2018, and is also deeply involved with the Women’s Insurance Cancer Crusade (WICC). As a member of WICC’s Breakfast Event Committee, she plays a crucial role in organizing fundraising events for Camp Goodtimes, which provides vital support for children with cancer, showcasing her dedication to community involvement and charitable causes.
Laura’s expertise and experience have been consistently recognized within the legal community. She has been recognized as a Best Lawyers® in Canada 2021 nominee for Insurance Law, Construction Law, and Personal Injury Litigation, further solidifying her reputation as a leading legal professional. Her commitment to excellence extends to her ongoing involvement in the insurance defense legal community.
Practice Areas:
- Construction Law
- Insurance Law
- Personal Injury Litigation
- Coverage Counsel
- Business Disputes
- Corporate/Commercial Law
Awards & Recognition:
- Recognized: Construction Law, 2021 Best Lawyers® in Canada
- Recognized: Insurance Law, 2021 Best Lawyers® in Canada
- Recognized: Personal Injury Litigation, 2021 Best Lawyers® in Canada
- Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2021
Education & Credentials:
- City: Vancouver
- State: British Columbia
- Country: Canada
