About Laurence N. Kaldor

Laurence N. Kaldor is an accomplished attorney, author, and filmmaker whose extraordinary life journey has shaped a mission of service and inspiration. A survivor of a catastrophic plane crash in his youth, Laurence transformed personal tragedy into a driving purpose: to help others find hope, healing, and meaning in their lives. In every endeavor – from the courtroom to the creative stage – he brings a warm, human touch and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.

Early Life and Transformation

Laurence’s defining journey began at age 16, when he survived a devastating 1984 airplane crash that tragically claimed his father’s life. He sustained severe injuries, including the loss of his right eye and left leg, and endured over 100 surgeries during a grueling recovery. Battling through pain and even a period of drug dependency, he emerged from this trial with a profound sense of resilience and purpose. As Laurence often reflects, confronting death taught him “how to truly live,” instilling in him deep gratitude and a calling to serve others. His inspirational memoir, The Gift, chronicles this odyssey from tragedy to triumph – sharing how faith, love, and determination empowered him to rebuild his life with joy and meaning. Through this personal journey, Laurence discovered “the gift” hidden in even the darkest challenges, a message of hope he now strives to share with everyone.

Legal Career and Advocacy

In his professional life, Laurence built a distinguished career in law, driven by a passion for justice and compassion for the vulnerable. He earned his Juris Doctor from Golden Gate University School of Law and has nearly 30 years of legal experience, being licensed in California (since 1996) and New York (since 1997)lawyers.justia.com.

Over the years, he has served in several vital legal roles:

Superior Court Judge Pro Tem (Volunteer, California): Laurence served for over 12 years as a volunteer Judge Pro Tempore in the California Superior Court, contributing his time to help administer fair justice in his community.
Volunteer Prosecutor: He spent several years as a volunteer prosecutor, gaining the trust of offices in California to prosecute cases and stand up for public safety on a pro bono basis.
Pro Bono Advocate for Domestic Violence Victims: For more than two decades, Laurence dedicated himself as a litigator on behalf of domestic violence survivors in both New York and California, providing free legal help to those in need.

Through these roles, Laurence has exemplified a lawyer’s highest calling – using the law to protect others and give a voice to the voiceless. His colleagues and clients know him as a determined, ethical attorney who balances tenacity with genuine empathy. Whether presiding from the bench as a Judge Pro Tem or fighting in court for a victim’s safety, Laurence’s legal career reflects his core values of justice, service, and integrity.

Film and Creative Ventures

Beyond the courtroom, Laurence has channeled his life lessons and creative energy into the world of entertainment. He enjoyed a successful career in the film industry as a multi-award-winning independent filmmaker, wearing many hats as a producer, director, screenwriter, and even actor and stand-up comic. His creative work often carries the same spirit of hope and humanity that defines his personal story. Laurence made his directorial debut with the independent feature Redirecting Eddie, a feel-good comedy that marked the launch of his production label, Kaliber Filmsuser-hazoqtr.cld.bz. Over the years he has written, directed, or produced several independent projects – earning recognition on the film festival circuit and working with talents like actor Peter Falk on award-winning public service films. From heartfelt storytelling to humor on the stand-up stage, Laurence’s artistic ventures all showcase his drive to uplift and connect with people. He believes in the power of storytelling to heal, inspire laughter, and remind us of our shared humanity.

Mission and Personal Life

Across all his professional and creative pursuits, Laurence N. Kaldor is guided by a singular mission: to turn adversity into purpose and to empower others to embrace the “gifts” within their own lives. Whether he is advocating for a client, speaking to an audience, or writing his next chapter, he does so with compassion, humility, and an infectious optimism born from experience. Laurence’s journey taught him that every moment is precious, and he strives to instill that appreciation in others – encouraging people to live with intention, gratitude, and kindness.

On a personal level, Laurence remains grounded and inspired by family. He is a devoted husband and the proud father of two daughters, who he calls his “love, light, and everything”. They are his biggest inspirations and constant reminders of what truly matters in life. In his free time, Laurence often engages in community service and mentorship, eager to give back some of the hope and knowledge that carried him through tough times. Warm, approachable, and deeply authentic, Laurence N. Kaldor welcomes you to be part of his journey. His story is a testament to resilience and faith, and he invites others to share in the message that no matter the challenge, with purpose and heart we can transform our lives and uplift those around us.