Laura K. Stemkowski

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Laura K. Stemkowski: Attorney with Motley Rice LLC

Biography

Laura Stemkowski advocates for victims harmed by medical drugs and devices and corporate misconduct, with a focus on women’s health.

Laura’s advocacy includes supporting women who were diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder and other talc-based powders for feminine hygiene. She also represents people who developed breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, after receiving textured breast implants manufactured by Allergan, as well as patients harmed by allegedly defective hernia mesh. Additionally, Laura represents patients who suffered complications allegedly caused by Zantac and other allegedly dangerous medical drugs.

In addition to her medical casework, Laura represents former Boy Scouts who suffered abuse in claims filed in the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy proceedings. She also litigates cases filed under newly enacted “window” laws that seek to hold abusers and abuse enablers accountable in civil court. Many states have and continue to pass such laws, extending the number of years available for survivors to file a childhood sexual abuse claim by opening a statute of limitations for a finite period of time.

Prior to joining Motley Rice, Laura was a legal intern at the Department of Justice Environmental Division in Raleigh, N.C., where she wrote appellate arguments, summary judgment motions and other legal documents related to environmental, criminal and federal issues.

While studying at UNC School of Law, Laura held positions with the Environmental Appellate Advocacy Team and the Holderness Moot Court. She served as Vice President of the UNC School of Law Environmental Law Project, Public Relations Chair for the UNC School of Law Pro Bono Board, and Junior Attorney Coordinator for the school’s Cancer Pro Bono Project. She also served as a student practitioner with the Civil Legal Clinic, where she worked on claims spanning areas including Title VII EEOC, Title IX, and domestic violence.

Laura also completed more than 100 hours of pro bono work with the University of North Carolina School of Law’s Innocence Project and Legal Aid Divorce Clinic, as well as the Southern Environmental Law Center and Lawyer on the Line program.

In the community, Laura serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S., a sexual assault advocacy program offering free support and services for adult survivors of sexual assault. She is also involved in Be a Mentor, a non-profit organization committed to empowering youth through mentorship.

Awards, Accolades & Recognitions

Best Lawyers

Charleston, SC
2024-2026 Ones to Watch list: Product liability litigation-plaintiffs

Blog Posts

July 6, 2023

Social media’s grip on teen mental health

by: Laura K. Stemkowski

February 17, 2023

Long overdue cosmetics safety front and center in new federal law Causes, Not Just Cases

by: Laura K. Stemkowski

February 17, 2022

Studies show cow-milk baby formula products can cause deadly intestinal disease in premature babies Causes, Not Just Cases

by: Laura K. Stemkowski

News

March 24, 2026

Rhode Island AG’s Report Finds Hundreds of Children Abused by Catholic Priest

by: Motley Rice

June 11, 2025

Motley Rice Welcomes 2025 Summer Law Clerks

by: Motley Rice

See more ›

Areas of Practice (7)

  • Consumer Fraud Protection
  • Human Rights Lawsuits
  • Medical Device Lawsuits
  • Medical Drugs
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Toxic Exposure
  • Women's Health Lawsuits

Education & Credentials

University Attended:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A., 2013
Law School Attended:
University of North Carolina School of Law, J.D., with honors, 2016
Year of First Admission:
2016
Admission:
2016, South Carolina
Reported Cases:
Casework: How Churches Hide Sex Abuse: Learn how churches hide sex abuse and how recent abuse scandals exposed institutional responses to clergy abuse allegations within religious institutions.; Sexual Abuse; Active Case; Hotel Sexual Assault: Survivors of hotel sexual assault have options to pursue justice in civil claims. Learn how you can hold hotels accountable.; Sexual Abuse; Active Case; Sexual Abuse in Detention Centers: Sexual abuse in detention centers is common and should be taken seriously. Know your legal options.; Sexual Abuse; Active Case; What Is the Difference Between Civil Remedies and Criminal Remedies?: Sexual abuse survivors may be eligible to seek civil remedies for their injuries against both the perpetrator and the institution that facilitated the abuse. Learn more about the difference between civil remedies and criminal remedies for sexual abuse.; Sexual Abuse; Active Case; Labor Trafficking Lawsuit: Millions of people are exploited for their labor each year. Learn about labor trafficking lawsuits that seek justice for them.; Human Rights Lawsuits; Active Case; Human Trafficking Lawsuit: Human trafficking is considered modern-day slavery. It's a crime to traffic people. Victims can also seek justice through civil lawsuits.; Human Rights Lawsuits; Active Case; East Palestine Train Derailment: Learn more about the Norfolk Southern Derailment, what caused it and the hazardous materials released.; Toxic Exposure Transportation Accident Lawsuits; Active Case; Sexual Abuse on Campus: Sexual abuse on campus by staff or other students is serious. Know your legal rights and next steps.; Sexual Abuse; Active Case; Childhood Sexual Abuse Lawsuit: Learn how a sex abuse attorney trained in trauma-informed legal practices can help you seek justice.; Sexual Abuse; Active Case; LDS Sexual Abuse Lawsuit: LDS sexual abuse lawsuits claim Mormon Church members abused children. Survivors are seeking justice.; Sexual Abuse; Active Case; Covidien Mesh Lawsuit: Find out more about Covidien mesh lawsuits filed by patients who sustained severe injuries.; Medical Device Lawsuits; Active Case; Hernia Mesh Lawsuit: Thousands of hernia mesh lawsuits may soon settle. Find out if you qualify to get money or file a new case.; Medical Device Lawsuits; Active Case
ISLN:
924670099

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