Laura E. Seidl

Biography

Professor Laura E. Seidl joined the faculty of Ave Maria School of Law in 2026 to establish and lead its Immigration Law Clinic. She brings more than fifteen years of experience in civil litigation, including complex litigation and law firm leadership. The clinic is designed to give students opportunities to assist with immigration matters and participate, under supervision, in federal court litigation. Her approach to clinical training draws on the legal profession’s deep roots in apprenticeship and helps students develop independent professional judgment through close mentorship.

In 2016, Professor Seidl helped found the Pope Francis Legal Clinic in the Diocese of Oakland, California. Her commitment to access to justice has also included representing families living in federally subsidized housing and those facing homelessness during the San Francisco Bay Area housing crisis.

Professor Seidl cofounded Herrera Kennedy LLP. Her practice has included qui tam litigation against pharmaceutical manufacturers, a nationwide consumer financial privacy class action, employment litigation, and commercial disputes. She previously worked at Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll in New York City on derivative litigation, including a private equity fund matter.

In addition to immigration law, her academic interests include civil procedure, access to justice, Catholic social teaching and the law, and integrating financial literacy into clinical education to prepare students to counsel clients. She is particularly interested in how artificial intelligence may reshape legal education and renew the importance of apprenticeship in preparing students for practice.

Professor Seidl earned her J.D. from New York Law School. During law school, she studied in London, England, and served as a legal fellow with the Crown Prosecution Service. She earned her B.A., magna cum laude, from Michigan State University’s Honors College, with a dual major in International Studies and Political Science.

Professor Seidl is admitted to practice law in Florida, New York, and California and is a member of Legatus.

Professor Seidl lives in Ave Maria with her husband and their three sons. She and her mother teach religious education together at Ave Maria Parish.

Education

• J.D., New York Law School
• B.A., International Studies and Political Science, magna cum laude, Michigan State University Honors College

Professional Experience

Cofounder

• Pope Francis Legal Clinic, Diocese of Oakland, California | Founded 2016

Cofounder and Attorney
Herrera Kennedy LLP

• Complex civil litigation, including qui tam actions against pharmaceutical manufacturers, consumer financial privacy class actions, employment litigation, and commercial disputes.

Attorney
Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll, New York City

• Derivative litigation, including matters involving private equity funds.

Legal Fellow
Crown Prosecution Service, London, England

• Legal fellowship completed during law school.

Honors & Professional Affiliations

Bar Admissions

• Florida
• New York
• California

Professional Affiliations

• Member, Legatus

Research Interests

Courses Taught

• Immigration Law Clinic