Anapol Weiss partner Laura Gilson will join a panel hosted by the UNC School of Law Students Against Sexual and Domestic Violence on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
The panel, titled, “Prosecuting Sex Crimes: State and Federal Law” will be a deep dive into how sexual assault cases are investigated and prosecuted under state and federal statutes, while addressing the common challenges faced by both attorneys and survivors in the pursuit of justice. Laura will be joined by four other panelists, including advocates, trial attorneys, and assistant district attorneys.
About Law Students Against Sexual and Domestic Violence
Law Students Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (LSASDV) is a university-recognized organization that routinely hosts panels and related programs designed to educate law students and the school community about sexual assault and domestic violence.
The organization provides law students with the opportunity to advocate for survivors of sexual and domestic violence and build connections with resources in the community, including rape crisis centers, legal nonprofits, and domestic violence providers. Members of the program are dedicated to providing advocacy and support to survivors. Anapol Weiss supports the LSASDV mission and we are honored that Attorney Gilson will have the opportunity to share her insight and experience with these law students.
Laura Gilson: An Advocate for Survivors
Laura Gilson has a distinguished career and successful track record of fighting for survivors of sexual assault. Before joining Anapol Weiss, Laura was the Senior Sex Crimes Counsel within the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, leading dozens of investigations involving sexual misconduct, hate crimes, and other federal civil rights violations committed by government actors. Following the investigations, Laura directed the litigation strategy to prosecute these cases in federal court.
While working for the U.S. Department of Justice, Attorney Gilson secured numerous landmark convictions, including U.S. v. Smith, U.S. v Johnson, and U.S. v. Dudley. Each of these civil rights sex crimes cases resulted in a conviction, ranging from 15 to 40 years in prison. Laura’s esteemed investigatory and litigation skills earned her numerous awards in the U.S. Department of Justice and were used to help train federal law enforcement officers and prosecutors in civil rights law. It’s this experience that will be at the center of the upcoming UNC Law panel and used to shape and inspire the next generation of advocates and leaders.
Anapol Weiss backs survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. We are committed to the pursuit of justice and helping survivors reclaim their voice. Attorney Laura Gilson is a huge part of this and continually upholds our mission and dedication to survivors. At our firm, she specializes in civil rights matters, including sexual abuse injuries, police misconduct, and wrongful death. To schedule a free consultation with Laura Gilson, please call 215-608-9645 or fill out our online contact form.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not create an attorney–client relationship. It should not be interpreted as legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact our legal team directly.