Laura M. Ranum - Chicago, IL
Attorney at The Sotos Law Firm, P.C.
Municipal Defense Lawyers in Chicago, IL
141 W. Jackson Blvd. #1240A Chicago, IL 60604
Chicago Municipal Defense Lawyer
Updated: 03/10/2026
Areas of Practice
- Municipal Defense
- Civil Rights Defense
- Government Representation
- Employment Discrimination Defense
- Employee Internal Investigation
Litigation: 90%
Attorney Information
Overview
Laura joined the firm in 2015 and represents government officials and agencies in complex and often high-profile civil rights litigation in both state and federal court. She has significant experience in all aspects of litigation with a focus on Section 1983 and constitutional litigation. Laura has assisted in the facilitation of client-favorable resolutions in the form of injunction hearings, dispositive motions, trial, appellate practice, and out of court settlement.
Laura received her law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University. Ms. Ranum previously worked for the Office of the Illinois Attorney General as an Assistant Attorney General. As an AAG, Laura worked in the Civil Rights Unit where she defended state agencies and officials in high profile civil rights litigation.
Education
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Legal Education
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Notre Dame Law School,
Indiana, 2009
J.D.
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Notre Dame Law School,
Indiana, 2009
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Non Legal Education
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Northwestern University,
Evanston,
Illinois, 2006
B.A.
Honors: With Honors
Major: Political Science
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Northwestern University,
Evanston,
Illinois, 2006
Current Employment Position(s)
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Managing Partner and Shareholder
Representative Cases
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Jury verdict in fatal shooting case, Hernandez v. City of Peoria, et al., Case No. 19-CV-1153 in the Central District of Illinois. (August 2023)
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Summary judgment in reversed conviction case, Haynes v. Astrella, Case No. 19-CV-2296 in the Central District of Illinois. (January 2023)
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Summary judgment in reversed conviction case, Moran v. Calumet City, Case No. 22-CV-1043 in the Northern District of Illinois. Successfully argued before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals: Moran v. Calumet City, 54 F.4th 483 (7th Cir. 2022).
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Jury verdict in reversed conviction case, Cole v. Meeks, Case No. 15-CV-1292 in the Central District of Illinois.
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Summary judgment in reversed conviction case, Coleman v. City of Peoria, Case No. 15-CV-1100 in the Central District of Illinois. Successfully argued appeal before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals: Coleman v. City of Peoria, et al., 925 F.3d 336 (7th Cir. 2019).
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Successfully defended Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction after three-day evidentiary hearing in class action lawsuit brought against Department of Human Services under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Medicaid. Illinois League of Advocates for the Developmentally Disabled, et al. v. Illinois Dept. of Human Services, et al., 13-cv-1300, 2014 WL 3605633 (N.D. Ill. July 2014).
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Summary judgment on Title VII and First Amendment Retaliation claim brought against the Illinois State Police, Mustapha v. Monken, 10-cv-5473, 2013 WL 3224440 (N.D. Ill. June 25, 2013).
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Successfully defended a motion for preliminary injunction, leaving Illinois’ statutory campaign contribution limits intact in the face of the 2012 General Election. Illinois Liberty PAC v. Madigan, et al., 902 F.Supp.2d 113 (N.D. Ill. 2012).
Bar Admissions
- Illinois, 2009
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois, 2010
- U.S. District Court Central District of Illinois, 2010
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Indiana, 2011
- U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit, 2018
Other Affiliations
- Federal Bar Association
- Chicago Bar Association
Contact
141 W. Jackson Blvd. #1240A
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: 630-735-3300
Fax: 630-773-0980
Email: Send a message
Website: https://www.jsotoslaw.com
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