This week’s 5Q features Laura Perlov, partner-in-charge of Norton Rose Fulbright’s Denver office. Perlov focuses her practice on crisis management, government investigations, securities regulation and enforcement proceedings. With nearly two decades of experience, she represents companies and individuals in state and federal investigations and advises corporate boards and executives on internal investigations involving fraud, accounting irregularities, whistleblower allegations and corporate governance. Before entering the legal profession, Perlov worked at a major accounting firm and obtained her certified public accountant license in New York. She earned her law degree from Tulane University and her bachelor’s degree from Emory University. Perlov is admitted to practice in Colorado and New York.
Question 1: Briefs: Paper or digital?
Perlov: Both. Mostly digital, but always paper for the initial and the final reads. I catch things on paper that I somehow miss on a screen. I have no scientific explanation for this, but the evidence is overwhelming: printing a document improves both my eyesight and my judgment.
Question 2: What’s your favorite indoor activity in Colorado?
Perlov: Eating my way through Denver’s restaurant scene with family or friends. It has many of the same financial consequences as skiing, but better footwear and significantly less risk of bodily harm.
Question 3: Why did you become a lawyer/attorney?
Perlov: I actually always wanted to be a doctor. Then I got to college and realized that the pre-med track seemed designed to eliminate most of the joy from the undergraduate experience. I’ve always enjoyed making a good argument, solving complicated problems, and advocating for people. Law offered a socially acceptable way to turn preparation, persuasion, and a healthy amount of stubbornness into a career.
Question 4: What’s the best career advice that you’ve received?
Perlov: Be yourself. You can learn from lawyers you admire and adopt their good habits without taking on their personalities. Authenticity builds trust, and being genuine allows you to form deeper, more meaningful relationships. Ultimately, those relationships are what define your success. I think this is also just great advice for how to live life, regardless of your career.
Question 5: What legal issue do you think will matter most in the next 10 years?
Perlov: Artificial intelligence, unless the rumors are true that human life will not exist in 10 years. Assuming we are still here, AI will transform how businesses operate, how legal services are delivered, and how consequential decisions are made. The central legal questions will be who is accountable when AI gets it wrong, how much transparency should be required, and when human judgment must remain part of the process.
Law Week Colorado invites Colorado lawyers, paralegals, judges, law professors and other legal professionals to share their insights and experiences with the community with our weekly 5Q Questionnaire.