Laura Hermer

Laura Hermer is a Professor of Law at Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota, specializing in health law and reproductive justice. She previously served as Associate Professor at Hamline University School of Law (2012-2015) and held dual appointments at the University of Texas Medical Branch as Assistant Professor in Preventive Medicine and member of the Institute for Medical Humanities (2007-2012).

Her education includes a B.A. from Hampshire College (1993), J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law (1998), and LL.M. in Health Law from the University of Houston Law Center (2002).

Hermer's research examines systemic barriers in healthcare access, with emphasis on reproductive rights, Medicaid policy, population health equity, and legal protections for vulnerable communities. Her work intersects constitutional law, public health ethics, and healthcare financing.

Recent publications analyze abortion legislation during crises, Medicaid restructuring, and reproductive autonomy, demonstrating consistent focus on how legal frameworks impact marginalized populations during societal challenges.

Awards & Fellowships:

• Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Faculty Fellow (2014-2015) for innovation in public health law education

Grants & Initiatives: Secured Texas Department of State Health Services funding for secondhand smoke ordinance research; established Mitchell Hamline's medical-legal partnership with United Family Medicine through external funding.

Academic Leadership: Founded Mitchell Hamline's medical-legal partnership clinic; developed health economics curriculum at University of Texas Medical Branch; directed scientific integrity training for biomedical graduate students.