Laurie graduated from the University of W.A. with a Bachelor's degree majoring in Economics, and is a Commissioner for Declarations. He trained as an Industrial advocate, and is the Managing Director of L. H. Pilgrim and Associates. He is also a member of several professional associations.
Following six years as an Advocate and Industrial Officer in industry, Laurie worked for four years as Corporate Advocate and Industrial Officer with Mt Newman Mining Company (now called B. H. P. Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd). Subsequently, he worked with Hamersley Iron Pty Ltd for a similar period of time as the Company Advocate. In these capacities he spent a good deal of time at sites in the Pilbara advising management and representing the Company in industrial disputes, and in industrial matters before industrial tribunals.
Laurie subsequently joined the Australian Mines & Metals Association as a Senior Industrial Relations Consultant, where he was the Association Chief Advocate, specialising in the Pilbara iron ore industry and other mining industries.
At a later date, he was appointed W. A. Executive Director of the Association, and worked in this capacity until his resignation to take up an Industrial Relations Practise, where he typically provides a full range of Industrial Relations services to employers in a wide range of industries.
Some of the industries he has worked in are: