“Laura Wasser has become one of the most recognisable figures in American family law by redefining what successful divorce representation can look like. Renowned for advising high net worth individuals, business leaders, entertainers and public figures, she combines exceptional legal skill with a philosophy that prioritises dignity, practical solutions and long-term family wellbeing. Her influence extends far beyond the courtroom, helping shape a more constructive approach to divorce while remaining one of the most trusted advisers for clients facing complex financial, parenting and reputation-sensitive disputes.”

Fantastic Lawyers® Editorial 2026

Laura Wasser is a leading California family law attorney based in Los Angeles. For more than three decades she has advised clients on divorce, financial settlements, child custody matters and complex family law disputes, becoming one of the most recognised family lawyers in the United States.

Her practice regularly involves high net worth individuals, business owners, entertainment industry figures, athletes, executives and public personalities facing complex and highly sensitive family law matters.

What Laura Wasser does

Laura advises clients across the full spectrum of family law, including:

• Divorce and legal separation
• High net worth and ultra high net worth divorce
• Complex financial settlements
• Child custody and parenting arrangements
• Spousal support and maintenance disputes
• Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements
• Asset protection and wealth preservation
• Family law mediation and negotiated settlements
• Celebrity and public figure family law matters
• Cross-border and multi-jurisdictional family disputes

She is particularly known for representing clients whose family law issues involve significant wealth, public scrutiny, business interests or complex financial structures.

Why she stands out

Laura has built a national reputation not only for her legal expertise but also for her belief that divorce does not need to become destructive, emotionally exhausting or financially ruinous.

Her approach focuses on achieving practical solutions that protect families, preserve relationships where possible and minimise unnecessary conflict.

This philosophy was captured in her bestselling book, It Doesn’t Have to Be That Way: How to Divorce Without Destroying Your Family or Bankrupting Yourself, which has helped thousands of individuals navigate separation with greater confidence and perspective.

Clients and peers alike recognise her ability to combine strong advocacy with pragmatic problem-solving, helping families reach sustainable outcomes during periods of significant change.

A trusted adviser to high-profile clients

Laura is widely regarded as one of America’s leading advisers in high-profile family law matters.

Her experience includes advising celebrities, entertainment professionals, athletes, executives and entrepreneurs whose cases require exceptional discretion, sophisticated financial analysis and careful reputation management.

Her ability to navigate both legal complexity and public attention has made her one of the most sought-after family lawyers in California.

National recognition and awards

Laura has received widespread recognition throughout her career and is consistently ranked among the leading lawyers in California.

• Named among the California Daily Journal’s Top 100 Lawyers
• Recognised among Southern California’s Top 50 Women Attorneys for more than a decade
• Selected as a Southern California Super Lawyer
• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rated
• Recipient of the Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law Zephyr M. Ramsey Award
• Recipient of the Century City Chamber of Commerce Women of Achievement Award
• Recipient of the Brady Center Advocate Award
• Recipient of the Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice Justice Award

She has also been repeatedly recognised by major legal, business and entertainment publications for her influence and achievements in family law.

Leadership and contribution to family law

Laura is deeply involved in legal education and professional leadership. She regularly lectures and speaks on family law topics and has taught at leading institutions including:

• University of California, Berkeley
• UCLA School of Law
• Loyola Law School
• New York University School of Law
• Southwestern Law School

She has also served in leadership and advisory positions with numerous legal and charitable organisations, reflecting her long-standing commitment to improving both the legal profession and wider society.

Education and professional background

• B.A., University of California, Berkeley
• J.D., Loyola Law School
• Admitted to practice in California since 1994
• Member of the Beverly Hills Bar Association Family Law Section
• Member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association Family Law Section
• Member of the State Bar of California Family Law Section