Laura Watkins Utterback

Partner

Laura Watkins Utterback is a partner in the Newport Beach office and has been with the firm for more than 28 years. Her practice focuses on construction and real estate litigation, with an emphasis on insurance coverage, risk management, and complex construction defect matters. Known for leading with both strategic precision and humanity, Laura approaches every matter with the understanding that behind every dispute are people, businesses, homes, and livelihoods deeply affected by the legal process and the outcome. She represents leading California homebuilders, developers, contractors, design professionals, and homeowners throughout the State in all aspects of construction and real estate litigation.

Laura counsels clients at every stage of the construction process, from the negotiation and drafting of construction agreements through contract administration, risk management, warranty programs, and dispute resolution strategies designed to minimize and avoid litigation. In addition to representing major real estate developers and construction professionals, she also advocates for homeowners in disputes involving homeowner associations, defective construction, and claims against rogue custom home builders whose work has resulted in significant property damage or financial loss.

Her ability to balance aggressive advocacy with empathy and practical problem-solving has earned the trust of clients navigating some of the most stressful and financially significant disputes of their lives. Her practice includes advising clients on insurance coverage and business risk management issues, including strategies to minimize, avoid, and transfer risk exposure. Laura is knowledgeable not only in the technical and practical aspects of construction necessary to effectively litigate these claims, but also in the legal and business nuances of the construction industry, including insurance, warranty, indemnity, licensing, and regulatory matters essential to fully protecting her clients’ interests.

In addition to her legal practice, Laura serves on the board of a charitable 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to community outreach and philanthropic initiatives that support and strengthen local communities. Her commitment to service, both professionally and personally, reflects her belief that effective advocacy begins with listening, understanding, and treating every client with respect and compassion.

Also deserving of recognition, Laura is an international best-selling author of the children’s book, “It’s a Tug Life!”.  Tuglifebook.com #itsatuglifeonnaplesisland