Laura G. Burstein is a public interest and pro bono leader with deep experience in immigration law, family law, and advocacy on behalf of vulnerable populations. Her professional life has centered around advancing access to justice—first through direct representation of survivors of domestic violence and trafficking, and later by creating and enhancing institutional pro bono programs that inspire a meaningful, lifelong commitment to public service.

At O’Melveny, Laura is Pro Bono Counsel, a full-time pro bono professional responsible for managing the firm’s national and international pro bono program, with a focus on O’Melveny’s three Texas offices. Laura fosters the firm’s relationships with legal services organizations and not-for-profits to help develop pro bono matters and clinics, mentors attorneys on pro bono matters, and encourages O’Melveny’s lawyers to maintain a robust pro bono practice.

Formerly, Laura served as Assistant Dean for Public Interest & Pro Bono at SMU Dedman School of Law, developing pro bono opportunities for students through partnerships with public sector agencies, administering the law school's pro bono program, advising students seeking public interest careers, and teaching the Government & Public Interest Externship Program.

She has received community awards for her pro bono work while at SMU and serves on the boards of numerous nonprofit agencies in her community.