Overview
Laura Sheffield is an associate attorney in Cosmich’s Jackson office, where her practice is focused on labor and employment law, toxic tort, and general litigation. She has extensive experience on advising employers on a wide range of workplace issues, including hiring and termination decisions, disciplinary matters, disability accommodations, and safety compliance. Laura has defended clients in federal courts and before the EEOC in discrimination cases, and has experience with FMLA claims, wage and hour issues, collective bargaining, and unfair labor practice charges before the NLRB. She also counsels businesses on compliance with federal regulations and agencies such as OSHA, the Department of Labor, and the NLRB, and works with clients to resolve employment disputes through arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution methods.
Laura brings a well-rounded background in litigation and public service to the firm. Before entering private practice, she served as a law clerk to Justice Josiah D. Coleman of the Mississippi Supreme Court. Throughout her academic and early professional career, Laura gained valuable experience through roles with the United States Attorney’s Office, multiple state and federal judges, and in public service under Mississippi’s Secretary of State and Lieutenant Governor.
Education
- Cornell Law School, J.D. 2022
- Journal of Law and Public Policy, Article Editor
- Moot Court Team
- Women’s Law Coalition
- Mississippi College, Bachelor of Science in Political Science, Minor in History, summa cum laude, 2017
- Political Science Award, 2017
- Aluma of the Year, History & Political Science, 2023
Admissions
- Mississippi, 2023
- Mississippi Supreme Court
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi
- United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Experience
- Focuses her practice on labor and employment law, advising employers on workplace compliance and litigation strategy under federal and state employment laws
- Guides clients through regulatory compliance with agencies such as OSHA, the Department of Labor, and the NLRB
- Defends employers in discrimination claims before federal courts and the EEOC
- Advises on daily employment matters, including hiring and termination decisions, disciplinary actions, disability accommodations, and workplace safety
- Represents employers in claims involving FMLA interference and retaliation
- Develops solutions for complex labor matters, including unfair labor practice charges, collective bargaining, arbitration, wage and hour disputes, employment contracts, and alternative dispute resolution
- Honorable Josiah D. Coleman, Justice, Mississippi Supreme Court, Jackson, MS Law Clerk, August 2022-August 2023
- United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of New York, Syracuse, NY, Intern, Spring 2022
- Honorable Joseph R. Cassidy, County Judge, Tompkins County Court, Sixth Judicial District, Ithaca, NY, Extern, Fall 2021
- Honorable Kristi H. Johnson, District Judge, United States District Court, Southern District of Mississippi, Jackson, MS, Intern, Summer 2021
- Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, Jackson, MS, Summer Associate, Summer 2021
- Honorable Delbert Hosemann, Mississippi Lieutenant Governor, Jackson, MS, Legal Intern, Summer 2020
- Honorable Delbert Hosemann, Mississippi Secretary of State, Jackson, MS, Capitol Office Coordinator, 2017–2019
Publications & Presentations
Distinctions
Associations
- Jackson Young Lawyers
Civic Involvement
Hinds County Family Legal Clinic, Jackson, MS
Volunteer, Summer 2018
Outside the Office
Outside of the office, Laura enjoys taking cooking classes, reading mystery novels, and playing piano—a passion she’s had for over 25 years and now shares by teaching her daughter, Isabella. She also loves painting and tackling home improvement projects, often finding creative ways to bring new life to her space. Whether they’re exploring new recipes, listening to music, or working on a DIY project together, Laura treasures quality time with her 11-year-old and the joy that comes from hands-on creativity.