Laura Chao
About Laura Chao
Laura Chao is a Licensing, Strategic Partnering and Commercial Transactions Associate with expertise in privacy and technology issues. She has a diverse background in legal roles across various sectors, including enterprise software and data analytics.
Current Role at Gunderson Dettmer
Laura Chao currently serves as a Licensing, Strategic Partnering and Commercial Transactions Associate at Gunderson Dettmer. She has held this position since 2018, contributing to the firm's expertise in technology and privacy law. In her role, she specializes in the commercialization of technology assets, including intellectual property licensing, and provides legal guidance on data privacy and security issues for venture-backed technology companies.
Previous Experience
Prior to her current role, Laura Chao gained valuable experience through various positions. She worked at Gunderson Dettmer as a Summer Associate in 2017, where she focused on legal issues in New York. Additionally, she served as a Legal Extern at Away in 2018 and at Canary in 2017. Laura also worked as a Litigation Legal Assistant at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP from 2013 to 2015 and held internships at Ruder Finn and Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard LLP.
Education and Expertise
Laura Chao studied at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics from 2004 to 2008. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from Duke University in 2013 and later earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Fordham University School of Law in 2018. She is certified by the International Association of Privacy Professionals as a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US), indicating her expertise in privacy and technology law.
Industry Experience
Laura Chao has diverse industry experience that includes enterprise software, artificial intelligence/machine learning, data analytics, and digital content. This breadth of knowledge enhances her ability to counsel investors and companies on privacy and technology issues during financings and M&A/exit events. Her background equips her to navigate complex legal landscapes in the technology sector.
Research and Teaching Experience
In addition to her legal practice, Laura Chao worked as a Research and Teaching Assistant at Fordham University School of Law from 2016 to 2017. This role involved supporting faculty and students in legal research and education, further developing her analytical and communication skills within the legal field.