About Joni Ann
Joni Ann Laura is a licensed attorney admitted to practice law in California. She was admitted to the California State Bar in 1998. Her license is currently in active status. Ms. Laura is based in Encinitas, California, where she operates her own consulting firm, JLauraConsulting, specializing in international transactional law and consulting services. She has been practicing law for over 28 years, serving clients in various sectors, including technology, government affairs, and international trade.
Ms. Laura earned her Juris Doctor degree from William Mitchell College of Law, where she was involved in the Law Review and participated in case studies and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) program. She furthered her legal education by obtaining a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Business, Trade, and Tax Law from American University. Prior to her legal studies, she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience and Music Therapy at Duquesne University.
Ms. Laura's practice areas encompass business law, government and administrative law, intellectual property, and international law. She has extensive experience in drafting and negotiating complex agreements related to marketing, development, licensing, and the protection of intellectual property. Her work spans all stages of legal processes, including litigation, negotiations, and trials, with a particular focus on international transactional matters.
Throughout her career, Ms. Laura has held significant positions in both the public and private sectors. She served as Senior Director and Legal Counsel at Qualcomm from 2009 to 2023, where she provided transactional, intellectual property, and licensing counsel. She also developed strategic advocacy positions for Government and Public Affairs and promoted diversity in innovation. Prior to her tenure at Qualcomm, she was Director and Division Counsel for VAIO at Sony Electronics from 2007 to 2009 and served as Legal Counsel at Thermo Fisher Scientific from 2004 to 2006. Her court admissions include the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.
Ms. Laura is an active member of the California State Bar and has been recognized for her contributions to the legal field. She is also involved in community activities, including mentoring and promoting diversity in innovation. Ms. Laura is fluent in English and French, enabling her to effectively serve a diverse clientele.
