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. At Kirkland, Laura brings her trial experience and trade secret and government investigations knowledge to clients in Silicon Valley and beyond.

Laura joined Kirkland in August 2024, having 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. As Chief of the National Security and Cyber Section, Laura focused on protecting Silicon Valley’s innovation from inside threats and outside attacks by investigating and charging cases concerning theft of trade secrets, economic espionage and computer intrusions arising from the hacking of Bay Area companies. 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 nine cases in federal court. Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Laura was an associate for several years at Latham & Watkins, where she represented clients in complex commercial litigation, securities litigation and antitrust violations.