Abstract: A laser welding apparatus and method utilizes a pressure foot carried on a laser welder as the laser welder traverses an elongated weld line. The foot is L-shaped comprising a vertical mounting leg for attachment to the welder and a horizontal pressure plate at the lower end of the mounting leg. The pressure plate includes a cylindrical bearing element that creates a contact area with the items being welded that closely surrounds the weld site being contacted by the laser beam. At least one adjustable biasing unit forces the pressure plate into engagement with the items being welded to tightly press such items against an underlying support surface to cause close contact of the items only adjacent the weld site. Since the pressure foot is carried on the welder, the contact area of the pressure foot will move in concert with relative motion between the welder and the support surface to traverse along the weld line. No other clamps are used.