Lara T. Gatz
Experienced Trial Attorney & Trusted Legal Advocate
View Full Profile

About Lara Gatz
Lara T. Gatz is a distinguished trial attorney and partner at Reed Smith LLP, bringing over two decades of extensive courtroom experience to her clients. Based in Miami, Florida, she has built a remarkable reputation for her tenacity, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to achieving favorable outcomes in complex litigation matters.
Her practice encompasses a diverse range of legal areas, with particular emphasis on commercial litigation, product liability defense, and toxic tort matters. Lara's approach combines meticulous preparation with persuasive advocacy, earning her recognition as one of the region's most formidable trial lawyers. She has successfully represented Fortune 500 companies, healthcare organizations, and individuals in high-stakes disputes across state and federal courts.
Beyond her legal practice, Lara is deeply committed to community service and professional development, regularly mentoring young attorneys and contributing her expertise to various legal education initiatives.
Practice Areas & Legal Expertise
Complex Commercial Litigation
Representing businesses in high-stakes disputes involving breach of contract, business torts, and shareholder controversies with a proven track record of successful trial outcomes.
Product Liability Defense
Defending manufacturers and distributors against product defect claims, providing comprehensive litigation strategies from pre-trial through appeal in mass tort and individual cases.
Toxic Tort Litigation
Managing complex environmental exposure cases with scientific precision, coordinating expert testimony, and developing innovative defense strategies for industrial clients.
General Liability & Insurance Defense
Providing strategic counsel and aggressive representation in premises liability, professional negligence, and insurance coverage disputes with focus on cost-effective resolution.
Notable Achievements & Recognition
Pennsylvania Super Lawyer
Recognized multiple years for outstanding legal achievements and peer recognition in civil litigation defense
Best Lawyers in America
Selected for inclusion based on comprehensive peer review and professional excellence in litigation practice
Trial Advocacy Leadership
Frequent presenter at legal conferences and CLE programs, sharing insights on effective trial strategies and courtroom tactics
Community Commitment
Active volunteer providing pro bono legal services and serving on boards of charitable organizations throughout Western Pennsylvania
Trial Experience That Delivers Results
Courtroom Excellence
With more than 20 years of trial experience, Lara has successfully litigated hundreds of cases from inception through verdict. Her courtroom presence combines thorough preparation with the ability to think quickly on her feet, adapting strategies in real-time to changing circumstances during trial.
Lara's trial success stems from her comprehensive approach: she invests significant time understanding not just the legal issues, but also the business context, industry dynamics, and human elements that influence jury decision-making. This holistic perspective allows her to craft compelling narratives that resonate with judges and juries alike.
Her clients appreciate her transparent communication style, providing regular updates and realistic assessments throughout the litigation process. Whether pursuing an aggressive trial strategy or negotiating favorable settlements, Lara keeps her clients' business objectives at the forefront of every decision.
Why Clients Choose Lara Gatz
Strategic Thinking
Lara develops comprehensive litigation strategies that anticipate opposing counsel's moves and position clients for success at every stage of the case, from initial filing through post-trial motions.
Tenacious Advocacy
Known for her unwavering commitment to client interests, she pursues every available avenue to achieve favorable outcomes, whether through aggressive motion practice, skilled negotiation, or compelling trial advocacy.
Clear Communication
Clients value her ability to explain complex legal concepts in accessible terms, providing realistic assessments of case strengths and weaknesses while maintaining open lines of communication throughout representation.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Understanding the financial pressures facing businesses today, Lara works efficiently to control litigation costs while never compromising the quality of representation or likelihood of achieving client objectives.
Professional Background & Education
1
Reed Smith LLP - Partner
Leading the firm's litigation practice in Pittsburgh, managing complex commercial disputes and product liability matters for national and international clients with focus on trial excellence.
2
Extensive Trial Experience
Over two decades of courtroom advocacy in state and federal courts throughout Pennsylvania and neighboring jurisdictions, including numerous jury trials resulting in favorable verdicts for clients.
3
Legal Education
Earned Juris Doctor degree from a prestigious American law school, graduating with honors and serving on law review, demonstrating early commitment to legal excellence and scholarly achievement.
4
Continuing Professional Development
Regular participant in advanced trial advocacy training programs and legal education seminars, staying current with evolving litigation techniques and emerging areas of law.
Connect With Lara
Professional Networks
Social Media
Video Content
Schedule a Consultation
Ready to Discuss Your Legal Matter?
Whether you're facing complex commercial litigation, defending against product liability claims, or need experienced trial counsel for any significant legal dispute, Lara T. Gatz brings the expertise, tenacity, and strategic thinking necessary to achieve favorable results.
Contact Reed Smith LLP to schedule a confidential consultation. Lara will take the time to understand your unique situation, assess your legal options, and develop a customized strategy designed to protect your interests and achieve your objectives.
Don't wait until a legal problem becomes a crisis. Proactive legal counsel can often prevent disputes from escalating and position you for success if litigation becomes necessary. Reach out today to learn how Lara's experience can benefit you or your organization.