Laura Schauer Ives

Laura Schauer Ives has built a powerful career fighting for justice in civil rights, wrongful death, and sexual abuse cases. Her work has led to numerous multi-million-dollar settlements for victims harmed by police misconduct, workplace harassment, and institutional failures. She is known for taking on high-impact cases that bring systemic change.

Laura began her academic journey at the University of New Mexico, earning her B.A. in 1996 with a minor in English. She continued at the University of New Mexico School of Law, graduating in 2000. She was recognized as a Bonderant Research Scholar and made both the dean’s list and honor roll during her time there.

Laura served as Legal Director of the ACLU of New Mexico, where she litigated key constitutional cases. These included challenges to discriminatory military discharge policies, marriage rights for same-sex couples, and abuse in the prison system. One notable case resulted in a $1.575 million settlement for a woman subjected to invasive searches.

Laura’s civil rights litigation includes several high-profile police shooting cases, including the wrongful death of James Boyd. Her advocacy highlighted supervisory failures and led to a $5 million settlement. In another case, she secured a court ruling declaring a police shooting unlawful due to lost body camera footage, which also settled for $5 million.

Laura has represented numerous survivors of sexual assault, securing millions in compensation for those abused in schools, jails, and by law enforcement. She is widely respected for her compassion, helping clients move forward while holding institutions accountable.

Laura has also led efforts in employment discrimination cases, such as a $2.5 million settlement for female corrections officers subjected to a hostile work environment. She continues to represent clients facing abuse of power and civil rights violations statewide.

Laura Schauer Ives has been honored with the Guardian of Liberty Award twice for her legal work. She remains active in the ACLU of New Mexico and speaks regularly on civil rights law. Her career is defined by tireless advocacy and her unwavering commitment to justice.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Ives & Flores, P.A.
• Member, New Mexico Bar Association
• Member, New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, Albuquerque Bar Association
• Member, New Mexico Women’s Bar Association
• Member, Federal Bar Association
• Member, American Association for Justice
• Director, ACLU of New Mexico

Licensed State

• New Mexico

Education

• University of New Mexico School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of New Mexico
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges