In Memoriam Laura Anne LaPlante

The Federalist Society offers its sincere condolences to the friends and family of Laura Anne LaPlante, who passed away Friday, May 2, 2014. The Federalist Society joins her family, friends, and the University of Chicago Law community in mourning her loss.

Laura served as the 2013-2014 Federalist Society Student Chapter president at the University of Chicago Law School. Originally from Hancock, New Hampshire, she is survived by her parents and three siblings. Laura and her classmate Michael Wasil were passengers in a taxi which was struck head on by another vehicle. Michael remains in the hospital at this time, and our thoughts and prayers are with him as well.

Laura was a strong leader for our student chapter, as well as the Edmund Burke Society and St. Thomas Moore Society. She was also an accomplished student, a talented athlete, and she was graceful and kind to others. Laura was set to graduate this spring and move to Boston to work as an associate at Wilmer Hale. Several weeks ago, we were happy to announce that the University of Chicago student chapter, led by Laura and her team, won their bid to host our 34th Annual National Student Symposium in February of 2015.

We are immensely thankful for the leadership Laura provided to the Student Chapter of the Federalist Society at the University of Chicago. She had a rare combination of talent and goodness and made a difference in the lives of others in her too short life. We are the better for having known her.

The Dean of the University of Chicago Law School, Michael Schill, wrote the following:

“I cannot make sense of the passing of such a wonderful, vital young woman who would surely have done so much in her life to make the world a better place. At the same time, during Laura’s short time on earth she made an impact. Laura left each of us better human beings than we would have been in her absence. Her friendship, engagement and love enriched us.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with Laura and Michael’s families during this difficult time. Law student and lawyer members of the Federalist Society across the country join Laura’s family in grieving this loss, a testament to Laura’s lasting impact on those who knew her.

We do not currently have the details for arrangements or an address for condolences, but will share such information, as appropriate, when it is made available.