Legal, Consulting, and Project Management services
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS:
Rising Star, Super Lawyer 2016 & 2017
Leadership Georgia - Class of 2013, Fanning Fellow 2016-2017
Institute of Georgia Environmental Leadership - Class 2017
Fellow of the American Bar Foundation
Alumni Board of Directors - Furman University 2013-2019
Georgia State Bar Association – Member, Environmental & Real Estate Sections
Member at Large - Environmental Section Executive Board (2016 &2017)
Atlanta Bar Association – Member
Chair Environmental & Toxic Tort Section (2012-2013)
Chair Elect Environmental & Toxic Tort Section (2011-2012)
Executive Board – Environmental & Toxic Tort Section (2013-2014)
Executive Board - Young Lawyers Division Committee - Member at Large (2011-2013)
Association of Women Environmental Professionals – Member
Georgia Association of Water Professionals - Member
Georgia Environmental Restoration Association - Member
Business Women of Fayette Coweta - Member
Georgia Child Care Association Advisory Board
Junior League of Atlanta, Sustainer
CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocate
Rotary - Newnan Club - Member
Newnan- Coweta Chamber of Commerce - Leadership Coweta 2016
BAR ADMISSIONS:
Georgia
COURT ADMISSIONS:
- Georgia Supreme Court
- Georgia Court of Appeals
- Superior Courts of Georgia
- United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia
- United States 11th Circuit Court of Appeals
INVITED SPEAKER, LECTURES & PANELS:
"Firearms Bequests, Gun Trusts and Estate Administration", Gun Law: Advanced Issues, December 6, 2016, Atlanta, GA.
“Reservoirs - To Be or Not to Be. Updates on Law, Regulation and Financing”, 15th Annual Georgia Water Law & Regulation, March 22, 2016, Atlanta, GA.
“The Relationship Between Lawyer and Environmental Consultant in Compliance and Permitting Matters: Special Problems”, The Relationship Between Lawyer and Environmental Consultant, Environmental and Toxic Tort Section of the Atlanta Bar, April 24, 2015, Atlanta, GA.
“Reservoir Permitting in Georgia – Caution Ahead: Reservoir Roadblocks and Detours”, 14th Annual Georgia Water Law & Regulation, February 27, 2015, Atlanta, GA.
“Reservoir Permitting in Georgia”, 13th Annual Georgia Water Law & Regulation, March 19, 2014, Atlanta, GA.
“Endangered Species and 404 Permitting”, Endangered Species Act Law Seminar, March 14, 2013, Atlanta, GA.
“Relationship between Lawyer, Client and Environmental Consultant”, Environmental & Toxic Tort Section, Atlanta Bar, March 8, 2013, Atlanta, GA
“Putting it All Together – Permitting Strategies: A Panel Discussion”, 12th Annual Wetlands and Water Law in the Southeast, February 27-28, 2013, Atlanta, GA
“Recent Developments in 404 Permitting”, Environmental Law Section, Georgia Bar, Summer Seminar, King and Prince Resort, August 5-6, 2011, St. Simons, GA.
“Wetlands Permitting and Mitigation for Large Projects: Successfully Permitting a Water Supply Reservoir – New Reservoirs, New Alternatives, Protected Species, and Alternatives Analysis”, 10th Annual Wetlands and Water Law in the Southeast, February 16-17, 2011, Atlanta, GA.
“The Section 404 Wetlands Permitting Process”, Environmental Law Section, Georgia Water Law Seminar, Crown Plaza Hotel, July 29-30, 2010, Hilton Head, SC.
EDUCATION:
- Columbia University, Biosphere 1999
- Furman University, B.S. - Environmental Science 2000
- Furman University, B. A. - Political Science 2000
- Case Western Reserve School of Law, J. D., 2003
Even in childhood Laura was a self-motivated, driven, passionate individual who wanted to make a difference in her community. She graduated from Harrison High School in Kennesaw GA before attending Furman University and receiving a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in four years. She then received an academic scholarship to attend Case Western Reserve University School of Law where she received her J.D. in 2003 before returning home to Georgia.
Laura represents local governments, public utilities, developers, and private individuals on state and federal environmental planning, permitting, regulatory compliance and natural resource management. Her business practice is based on integrity, honesty and a strong worth ethic, which she believes has been key to her success and building of long-term trusting relationships. Her knowledge of the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, National Historic Preservation Act and Endangered Species Act have resulted in a client confidence of her abilities to obtain the desired client objectives which are exemplified by obtaining five of the last five new reservoir permits issued in the State of Georgia in the last ten years.
Laura performs pro bono legal services in her community for minor criminal and civil matters and also is involved in the Georgia Legal Military Assistance Program.
Laura lives in Sharpsburg, GA with her husband, Arthur, their four children and two dogs. She enjoys spending time with her family, playing sports, and cooking. She aspires to read for pleasure but recognizes the likelihood of that happening is moot until after baseball/soccer season. Laura is an active member of her faith community at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Peachtree City, GA.
Benz Law Group, LLC © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The material presented on this site is included with the understanding and agreement that Benz Law Group, LLC is not engaged in rendering legal or other professional services by posting said material. The services of a competent professional should be sought if legal or other specific expert assistance is required.
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