After graduating Baylor Law School, she began representing indigent clients in the criminal county courts at law in San Antonio, Texas. As a court-appointed attorney in Bexar County, she was successful at resolving cases for her clients before they went to trial, but she decided that to take her practice to the next level, she needed courtroom experience. In 1997, she joined the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office in San Antonio to gain the trial experience necessary to fight for her client’s rights.

For the next 20 plus years Laurie worked as an assistant district/county attorney in several different offices across Central Texas. Her experience includes prosecuting all types of domestic violence case, serious violent felony offenses, homicides, white collar cases, drug offenses, and police officer use of force cases. At the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, she served as the chief of two major units, Chief of the 167th District Court for three years and the Chief of the Critical Incident Unit for four years. In 2021, Laurie entered private practice where she joined the law firm of O’Connell West, PLLC. Additionally, she serves as an Associate Magistrate Judge for the City of Lago Vista. Laurie is now using her expertise in the criminal justice system to help those who have been accused of a crime, need help navigating the criminal justice system, need help consulting on a criminal case, or need help preparing for testimony in front of a grand jury or court. In private practice, Laurie’s reputation and experience has resulted in very positive outcomes for her clients. Whether you need a trial attorney or a trusted counselor, you will be well-served with Laurie as your advocate.