Overview
Laura Hensley is an experienced litigator in a variety of practice industries, including employment law and consulting, workplace investigations, workers’ compensation, and insurance defense. Laura also has experience in litigating bad faith claims and enjoys using that knowledge to benefit her clients. She represents her clients vigorously in all facets of litigation, regularly counseling clients prior to and during litigation in an effort to obtain a positive outcome.
In her litigation practice, Laura believes in a focused, detailed, and strategic approach. She believes that effective communication with her clients and an open dialogue regarding the desired outcome ensures client satisfaction.
Bio
Laura grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated on the Dean’s List from Augustana University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Government & International Affairs where she played basketball for the Vikings all four years. Following undergraduate studies, Laura attended Creighton University School of Law, graduating cum laude in 2005.
Laura believes that the most enjoyable part of practicing law is the relationships she develops with her clients. Because of this, Laura focuses on operating her practice in a collaborative way, listening to what the client wants and consulting her clients on how to achieve that outcome within the bounds of the facts and the law presented. As anyone that has met her will share, Laura enjoys litigating matters on behalf of her clients, never fears confrontation, but understands and appreciates that each case requires a different approach and adapts her practice and communication accordingly.
Laura’s practice involves regularly conducting trainings for employers, managers, and adjusters, attending on-site visits to best understand the needs of her clients. Additionally, Laura conducts workplace investigations and works with employers to prevent and manage workplace issues including harassment, discrimination, performance issues, employment policies, FMLA, OSHA, and other related topics. She regularly represents insurance companies in disputes regarding negligence and liability issues and enjoys counseling clients on compliance with workers’ compensation and employment laws.
Laura has two boys she adores, and she spends her time happily chasing them around to various sporting events and cheering them on.
Boyce Law Firm, LLP is a member of the National Workers’ Compensation Defense Network. http://www.nwcdn.com/
Practice Areas
Professional and Community
Admissions:
- South Dakota – State and Federal Court
- Iowa (Inactive)
- Nebraska (Inactive)
Memberships:
- South Dakota Bar Association, Member
- 2nd Circuit Bar Association, Member
- Women in Law, Member
- SDDLA, Board Member
- National Worker’s Compensation Defense Network, Planning Committee Member
- Carroll Institute, Board Member
Publications and Presentations
Events:
10.2.2019: “Navigating the Interplay between FMLA, ADA and Workers’ Compensation.” South Dakota Safety Council, Sioux Falls, SD.
2.18.19: “Navigating the Interplay between FMLA, ADA, and Workers’ Compensation.” Howalt McDowell, Sioux Falls, SD.
5.17.2018: “Employment Law Updates 2018.” Siouxland Payroll Association, Sioux Falls, SD.
11.8.2017: “Workers’ Compensation Do’s and Don’ts.” Presented with Brad Wilson at the Safety Benefits, Inc. Annual Convention, Mitchell, SD.
11.3.2017: “Workers’ Compensation Updates and Trends.” Guest Presenter with TJ Von Wald at an Athletico Physical Therapy Seminar, Sioux Falls, SD.
6.20.2017: Panel Counsel in Mock Deposition for the Independent Insurance Adjusters of South Dakota Annual Convention, Pierre, SD.
6.13.2017: “Workplace Dispute Resolution.” Presented with Michael S. McKnight to the Sioux Empire Society of Human Resources, Sioux Falls, SD.
6.6.2017: “Legislative Changes and Legal Updates.” Presented at the South Dakota Workers’ Compensation Summit, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
2.7.2017: “Workplace Dispute Resolution.” Lunch and Learn, Boyce Law Firm, Sioux Falls, SD.
11.16.2016: “Workers’ Compensation Discussion and Updates.” Presented to the Brookings Area Human Resource Association, Brookings, SD.
10.3.2016: “Absence Management.” Presented to the Independent Insurance Adjusters of South Dakota. Annual Convention, Deadwood, SD.
9.22.2016: Medical Panel Discussion for the State of South Dakota. National Workers’ Compensation Defense Network Annual Conference, Chicago, Illinois.
8.31.2016: “Workers’ Compensation Law and Practice” Sterling Education Services 1st Annual Workers’ Compensation Seminar, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
6.23.2016: “Absence Management: Handling the Sick, Injured, or Disabled Employee.” Presented at the South Dakota Workers’ Compensation Summit, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
6.24.2015: “The Impact of the Affordable Care Act on Workers’ Compensation.” Presented at the South Dakota Workers’ Compensation Summit, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
2.19.2015: “Employment Practices and South Dakota Workers’ Compensation Laws.” Presented for the South Dakota Society for Human Resource Management, Brookings, South Dakota.
Awards and Recognitions
- Labor and Employment Law – Management
- Litigation – Labor and Employment
- Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers