News

Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP, the Capital Region’s largest law firm, is pleased to announce that Laura Etlinger has joined the Firm as Of Counsel in its Litigation and Appeals Practice Group, where she will focus on appellate advocacy. With the Firm’s location only steps from the New York Court of Appeals, Ms. Etlinger’s experience and expertise in appellate litigation broadens and deepens the Firm’s appellate practice, enhancing its ability to handle complex, sophisticated appeals across state and federal courts.

Ms. Etlinger brings nearly 25 years of distinguished experience in appellate litigation, most recently serving in the New York State Attorney General’s Office Division of Appeals and Opinions. In that role, she handled a broad range of complex appeals in both New York and federal appellate courts, including numerous matters before the New York Court of Appeals. She has also prepared successful petitions for certiorari before the Supreme Court of the United States and has extensive experience drafting amicus briefs. 

Earlier in her career, Ms. Etlinger served as Special Assistant to the General Counsel at the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and completed appellate clerkships with the Honorable Howard A. Levine of the New York State Court of Appeals, who is currently Senior Counsel to the Firm, and the Honorable Walter K. Stapleton of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. 

“Laura is a phenomenal lawyer, who will bring a great value to our clients looking for relief in the Appellate Division, at the New York Court of Appeals, or the Second Circuit. Her experience at the Solicitor General’s Office and before New York’s appellate courts is virtually unmatched, and with her assistance, we are looking forward to the Firm’s thriving appellate practice continuing to grow,” said Robert Rosborough, Partner in the Firm’s Appellate Practice Group.  “And I know Judge Levine is very excited to work with Laura again on the New York expert witness matters he is handling in jurisdictions abroad.” 

Ms. Etlinger is admitted to practice in New York and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and is a member of the New York State Bar Association. She has been recognized for excellence in appellate advocacy, including receiving the National Association of Attorneys General Best Brief Award and multiple New York State Attorney General Lefkowitz Awards for outstanding performance, and is also active in the community, volunteering with The Legal Project to provide pro bono immigration services and supporting Planned Parenthood of Northern New England. 

Ms. Etlinger earned her J.D., summa cum laude, from Albany Law School, where she served as valedictorian of her graduating class. In her free time, Ms. Etlinger enjoys long walks, practicing yoga, attending jazz concerts and foreign films, and traveling. 

Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP, the Capital Region’s largest law firm with over 125 attorneys, has developed a reputation for innovative solutions and professional leadership. For 50 years, the Firm has served the public and private sectors with a broad range of practice areas and industry experience including business, commercial, education, energy, utility regulation, environmental, land use, immigration, intellectual property, labor and employment, matrimonial and family law, real estate development, federal and state taxation, cybersecurity and data privacy, estate planning and administration, health care, government relations and litigation.