Lauren Gorman

Lauren Gorman is a nationally recognized attorney and Stanford Law School graduate practicing in Reno, Nevada. She is a seasoned trial lawyer and creative litigator whose advocacy has resulted in numerous wins and published decisions. She mentors and consults on issues ranging from constitutional law to complex sentencing and statutory construction issues. She is passionate about humanizing clients through media and is a pioneer in using documentary filmmaking to bring a client’s world into a sterile courtroom.

An experienced litigator.

Lauren obtained her Juris Doctor at Stanford Law School. Lauren has served as a law clerk for the Honorable Edward C. Reed Jr. and Anne R. Traum of the District of Nevada.

She practiced as a Deputy Washoe County Public Defender for two years. She served as a Federal Public Defender for ten years, eventually becoming a Senior Litigator.

Creative and compassionate.

Lauren has distinguished herself through her zealous litigation of issues like search and seizure, racially selective law enforcement, and equal protection. She has a passion for novel issues - taking deep dives into areas like digital privacy, facial recognition software and electronic surveillance. Her work has resulted in dismissals, acquittals, mistrials, favorable sentences, and reduced charges.

Lauren continues to research and write about constitutional law and has spoken on these topics in professional and academic settings. 

Lauren is a seasoned trial attorney, having tried cases involving charges of tax evasion, fraud, unlawful gun possession, illegal reentry, robbery, carjacking, assault with a deadly weapon, felony domestic battery, and murder. She has also tried misdemeanor cases with charges of driving under the influence and domestic battery. 

Lauren has fought for her clients on constitutional issues such as unlawful search and seizure, illegal interrogations, and defective search warrants - resulting in acquittals, dismissals, mistrials, reduced charges, favorable sentences, and published decisions. 

Lauren is known for her creative sentencing advocacy and her use of media in the courtroom. She produces mitigation films for certain clients to advocate for them more effectively in sentencing. She has obtained dramatic sentencing reductions and noncustodial sentencings in the most difficult cases. Lauren teaches sentencing advocacy locally and nationally. 

After passage of the First Step Act, Lauren took on dozens of compassionate release cases. Her tireless advocacy has resulted in the release of clients who now live happy and productive lives. During the pandemic she authored a newsletter for federal practitioners called Corona Weekly, providing guidance on how to advocate ethically and effectively during the pandemic.

Note: Past results do not guarantee, warrant, or predict future cases.

  • Stanford Law School | Juris Doctor

    Pro Bono Distinction

    Tufts University | Bachelor of Arts, International Relations

    Summa Cum Laude

    Distinguished Achievement Award

  • State of Nevada | 2009

    United States District Court for the District of Nevada | 2012

    Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals | 2013

  • Federal Bar Association

    National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

    Nevada Attorneys for Criminal Justice

    Washoe County Bar Association

  • Lessons from Live Court During the Pandemic | Virtual

    Grit: A Workshop to Energize, Elevate and Educate Women in Public Defense | Virtual

    Investigating & Presenting Mitigation at Sentencing | Reno and Las Vegas, NV

    State/Federal Time Calculations: How to Ensure Your Client Gets the Correct Sentence | Reno and Las Vegas, NV

    Challenging Points: Creative Ways to Avoid Criminal History Points and Explain Them | Kansas City, MO

    U.S.S.G. Criminal History Calculations | Reno and Las Vegas, NV

    The Why and How of Making a Mitigation Film | Washington D.C.