Laura Van Buren

Biography

Laura Van Buren focuses her practice on government liability defense, including the defense of civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and state law torts. She defends government clients in corrections, law enforcement, employment, and road design matters.

An experienced trial lawyer, Laura has twice obtained one of the top 10 civil defense verdicts in the State of Arizona—in Crago v. Pitz (2022), an inmate deliberate indifference and retaliation case against high-level State officials, and in Lanz v. State (2024), a wrongful death case alleging negligent road design and the absence of a median barrier on I-10.

Outside the courtroom, Laura is a skilled and persuasive written advocate. Her federal and state appeals have led to multiple published opinions and resolved issues of first impression in favor of her law enforcement clients. She regularly obtains orders of dismissal and summary judgment in high-stakes, complex cases.

Laura’s practice encompasses the wide range of issues that her government clients face. She has defended law enforcement officers in cases alleging excessive force, wrongful pursuit, false arrest, malicious prosecution, and defamation. Her work on behalf corrections officials includes claims involving Security Threat Groups, inmate classification, deliberate indifference (including failure to protect, failure to provide medical care, and conditions of confinement), the First Amendment (including retaliation and religious rights), and wrongful death. On the employment side, Laura has defended governmental entities in claims alleging racial and gender discrimination, ADA and FMLA violations, and whistleblower retaliation. She also has experience conducting employment investigations.

During law school, Laura was a member of the Arizona State Law Journal, where she received the Outstanding Staff Writer Award. She also externed for Judge Mary Murguia on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

In recognition of her accomplishments, professionalism, and legal skills, Laura was selected to the list of Southwest Rising Stars by Super Lawyers from 2021 through 2025.

Employment

Wieneke Law Group
Associate, 2019 to present

Jones, Skelton & Hochuli
Associate, 2017 to 2019

Bonnett, Fairbourn, Friedman & Balint
Associate, 2014 to 2017

Bar Admissions

Arizona
U.S. District Court, District of Arizona
United States Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit

Representative Experience

Lanz v. State, Maricopa County Superior Court, No. CV2019-011642 (Nov. 20, 2024) (Road design case alleging that the absence of a highway median barrier caused a fatal crash; defense verdict. Top 10 Significant Defense Verdict of 2024.)

Craig v. Mohave County, et al., Maricopa County Superior Court, No. CV2023-006800 (Apr. 4, 2024) (Plaintiff alleged Defendants negligently failed to keep dangerous suspect in custody; motion to dismiss granted based on lack of duty.)

Sanchez-Ravuelta v. Yavapai County, al., 548 P.3d 347 (Ariz. App. 2024) (Notice of claim issue involving interpretation of the “facts sufficient” provision of A.R.S. §12-821.01; dismissal affirmed.)

Waller v. Santa Cruz County, et. al., No. CV-22-00244-TUC-RCC (D. Ariz. Feb. 21, 2024) (Officer-involved shooting; motion for summary judgment granted.)

Pettit v. Throop al., No. CV-21-01691-PHX-ROS, 2023 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 167532 (D. Ariz. Sep. 19, 2023) (Inmate allegations of excessive force and retaliation; motion for summary judgment granted.)

Goff v. Rode al., No. CV-20-01284-PHX-DLR, 2023 WL 3016251 (D. Ariz. March 31, 2023) (Inmate allegations of deprivation of religious items; motion for summary judgment granted.)

Miller v. City of Scottsdale et. al., No. CV-21-00834-PHX-GMS (D. Ariz. June 10, 2022) (Wrongful arrest arising out of enforcement of novel COVID-19 restrictions; motion for summary judgment granted), affirmed, 88 F.4th 800, 802 (9th Cir. 2023)

City of Scottsdale v. Mikitish, 253 Ariz. 238 (App. 2022) (Special Action relief granted; holding for the first time that officer-victims have absolute immunity from defamation claims for statements made in their reports)

Crago v. Pitz, al., No. CV-19-04532-PHX-ROS (D. Ariz. Sep. 19, 2022) (Inmate allegations of failure to protect & retaliation; defense verdict. Top 10 Significant Defense Verdict of 2022.)

Dennison v. Ryan, et. al., No. CV-18-04539-PHX-SPL (D. Ariz. Aug. 12, 2022) (Inmate allegations of sexual assault & unlawful search; defense verdict)

Enriquez v. City of Scottsdale, et. al., No. CV-19-04382-PHX-SMB, 2022 WL 1773829 (D. Ariz. June 1, 2022) (Employment discrimination; motion for summary judgment granted)