In a disc drive suspension having a load beam and a flexure lapped on the load beam, the load beam and the flexure are fixed to each other by a laser weld. The load beam has an insular region including the laser weld of the load beam and a partially etched portion formed around the insular region. The partially etched portion is thinner than the insular region. The etched portion is formed around the whole circumference of the insular region.