Laura Robertson, Attorney

I knew when I entered law school that I wanted to practice law that focused on children and their families. From the moment I started my internship with the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's office while I was still in college, until I wrote my first appellate brief arguing that a mother should not lose the right to parent her children, that focus has remained steady.

I learned so much while working with the Santa Barbara District Attorney's office. I learned that every child had a story, and that every story had two sides. Children and families that were broken and battered faced all kinds of problems, often the least of these being their legal problems. I discovered that those in the legal system that worked together to truly represent these children and their families could do a world of good in lives that truly needed to experience some good in the world.

After graduating from law school, I had the privilege of working for the Pulaski County Juvenile Court as an Intake Officer. I worked with kids everyday that had made poor decisions and I was able to guide them and their families through the legal process and tried to make a very confusing and trying situation understandable. I witnessed firsthand the results when the legal community worked together to resolve a situation, rather than just close another file. Seeing a child experience success and learn that they do not have to travel the same path as a friend or family member was a memorable lesson. Children deserve to know that one mistake does not have to define who they are or who they will become. I have maintained many good relationships with those that work within the juvenile system, and my years of working within the system have given me invaluable experience and knowledge.

As a mother I know how precious children are and I also know how much hard work goes into parenting. I have been blessed to have an incredibly supportive family and can only imagine what it would be like to facing parenthood on my own. Many parents are overwhelmed and feel they have no where to go for help and this often results in decisions that lead to the involvement of DHS in their lives. If you are facing a custody battle for your child or the termination of your parental rights, I know what is at stake. I know that there are two sides to every story and that every parent deserves the right to parent their child. Whether you are going through a divorce and want custody of your children, or your child has been declared Dependent/Neglected, I will fight for your parental rights. I will demand that everyone involved in your child's life delivers nothing less than the best, including me.

I have worked for the Arkansas Court of Appeals and been exposed to every aspect of the law, from criminal to worker's compensation. This has given me a depth to my legal practice that allows me to understand the complexities of each case and how to best approach a resolution. I expect a lot of myself, especially when it comes to case preparation and keeping my client informed. I will expect no less from those that are also involved in your case, be it the attorney on the other side, or a caseworker from DHS.

Practicing law is a privilege and one that demands that I give nothing less than my best in the pursuit of justice, but to paraphrase Shakespeare, justice is best served when it is seasoned with mercy. Any area of family or juvenile law can be heart wrenching and life altering even in the best of circumstances, and many of those involved in these cases make judgments based on only one side of the story. My job, as your advocate, is to tell your side of the story and to tell it well. Only after both sides of the story are heard, can justice truly be served. Not only will I fight for your rights in the legal system, I will treat you and your family with the compassion you deserve and need throughout the legal process.

With Additional Appointments By Request