Laura C. Baucus

Member


Laura Baucus has a unique hybrid practice concentrating on supply chain disputes and transactions, complex contract litigation, and consumer financial services litigation.

Laura’s experience advising manufacturers throughout the supply chain is varied and deep. She has successfully negotiated and litigated hundreds of supply chain disputes and contracts, always with a focus on helping the client achieve its ultimate goal—which is typically an uninterrupted supply chain.

Laura’s financial services practice focuses on large-volume portfolio litigation management, including representing national mortgage servicers, credit card issuers, and other financial institutions in consumer litigation. As an experienced legal project manager, she has managed thousands of consumer financial services actions throughout her career.

Laura is the director of Dykema’s 100+ attorney automotive industry group, the immediate past leader of the firm’s financial services litigation practice, and founded the firm’s supply chain group. To both her clients and colleagues, Laura is a trusted advisor and partner with experience delivering consistent results to clients in the automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, technology, and financial services industries.

Laura litigates and counsels clients on supply chain procurement and disruption, purchase order disputes (e.g., pricing, contract formation, force majeure, termination), tooling recovery, B2B defective product, recalls and warranty, and cost-recovery, and Uniform Commercial Code issues, including the “Battle of the Forms.”

On the transactions side, she drafts and revises supply contracts, force majeure provisions, and general terms and conditions of purchase or sale.

Laura has advised E/AV (electric and autonomous vehicle) companies on harmonizing practices and contracts to be consistent with the automotive industry, as well as developing tools to mitigate risks in commercial customer and vendor contracts.

In the financial services arena, Laura represents financial institutions and manages portfolios for consumer litigation involving federal and state statutes, such as TILA, RESPA, ECOA, FCRA, TCPA, SCRA, and related state laws. She also represents clients in title insurance matters in loan originations, servicing, and claims.

Laura frequently shares her subject matter expertise by developing educational training programs for clients, legal professionals, and business groups. She has presented on a range of topics, such as supply chain disruption, contracting processes and risks in manufacturing industries, best practices for purchase orders, force majeure, the CARES Act and other pandemic-related regulations, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issues, and legal risks related to digital mortgages.

Within Dykema’s Michigan offices, Laura is the past co-leader of our Women’s Business Initiative, working to increase the role of women in the law, assist women with practice development, and provide networking and support opportunities.

I believe collaboration with clients and developing a strong back-and forth-relationship is the key to providing usable, practical advice.
    • Wayne State University School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, Order of the Coif
    • Catholic University of America, B.A., summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa
  • Bar Admissions

    • Michigan, 2000
  • Court Admissions

    • U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit, 2003
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, 2000
    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan, 2005
    • U. S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin, 2015
    • U. S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin, 2015
    • Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Banking and Finance; Banking and Finance Law, 2021-2024

    • Recognized by The Legal 500 United States as a Key Lawyer for Automotive Litigation, 2022-2023; Transport: Rail and Road – Litigation, 2019

    • Recognized in Michigan Super Lawyers® for Business Litigation, Creditor Debtor Rights: Business, 2022

    • Named A “Leader in the Law” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly, 2021

    • Recognized in the Crain's Detroit Business special report, "Notable Women Law," 2021
    • Selected as a Future Star by Benchmark Litigation, 2013-2020
    • Recognized in Michigan Super Lawyers® as a Rising Star for Civil Litigation Defense, Business Litigation and Consumer Law, Administrative Law, 2013-2014
    • Oakland County Bar Association; Business Court Committee, Vice Chair; Membership Committee
    • State Bar of Michigan
    • Federal Bar Association
    • Women Lawyers Association of Michigan

Latest News and Insights

Dykema Drives Auto Webinars3.14.24

Dykema’s 2024 Automotive Trends Webinar Series: Supply Chain (Part I) and Financial Distress (Part II)

During this webinar, we will provide insights on legal and tactical considerations as companies…

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Press Mentions3.6.24

Law360 Profiles Dykema’s Automotive and Transportation Industry Group as a 2023 “Practice Group of the Year”

Dykema’s Automotive and Transportation Industry Group was profiled by Law360 as part of its…

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Publications2.14.24

2024 Automotive Trends

Dykema’s 2nd Annual Automotive Trends Report has taken the pulse of industry leaders—from original…

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