Laura Kassner Christa died Wednesday, August 1, after a brief battle with lung cancer, listening to her beloved Rolling Stones, with her family at her side. She was 63. Laura and her fraternal twin Claudia were born in Fort Knox, Kentucky on March 29, 1955 to Ernest Kassner and Clara Kassner (née Christa). A quintessential Army brat, Laura spent her childhood in Germany, New Jersey and California. Her parents' hopes of her becoming a doctor were dashed when she enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania Law School after graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Brandeis University. A California girl at heart, she moved to Los Angeles in 1981 to begin practicing law. A few years later, she met her future husband, Laurence Jackson, at Finley Kumble, where they were associates. Soon after their engagement, Laura departed to start her own practice. Laura and Larry married in 1984. Their children, Peter and Lucy, were born in 1987 and 1991. Larry joined Laura's practice in 1994. They led the rechristened Christa & Jackson for the rest of their careers. Laura championed the advancement of women and girls. During her time leading the California Women's Law Center board, she advocated the use of Title IX litigation to ensure equal opportunities for female athletes in LA-area schools. She tirelessly fundraised for female candidates for public office, from city councilors to presidential candidates. Laura believed small law practices could thrive by becoming more interconnected globally. In addition to her decades-long service as a member and officer of the International Bar Association, Laura took on leadership roles in cross-border networks of boutique law firms. Peter and Lucy attended Harvard-Westlake School and graduated from Northwestern University. Peter practices law at Latham & Watkins in Los Angeles. Lucy is entering her final year at UCLA Law School. Laura's husband and her twin sister predeceased her. She is survived by her brother Michael, her sister Margaret, and her son and daughter. Laura's memorial service will be Sunday, August 26 at 11:00 a.m. at Carondelet House in Los Angeles. Attendees may default to black, but may also honor Laura with their attire. A Rolling Stones t-shirt, Dodgers jersey or Armani pantsuit would be equally appropriate.
Published in the Los Angeles Times from Aug. 8 to Aug. 12, 2018