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
