Laura W. Benz

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 three 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. Awards and Honors Super Lawyers® Selectees Laura W. Benz included in a Super Lawyers® list Other Sources of Feedback About Laura W. Benz Included on the 2026Georgia Super Lawyers list Past Lists 2018 Georgia Super Lawyers list 2017 Georgia Super Lawyers list 2016 Georgia Super Lawyers list

• Attorney

• “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. , Speaker
• “Reservoir Permitting in Georgia – Caution Ahead: Reservoir Roadblocks and Detours”, 14th Annual Georgia Water Law & Regulation, February 27, 2015, Atlanta, GA., Speaker
• “Reservoir Permitting in Georgia”, 13th Annual Georgia Water Law & Regulation, March 19, 2014, Atlanta, GA., Speaker
• “Endangered Species and 404 Permitting”, Endangered Species Act Law Seminar, March 14, 2013, Atlanta, GA., Speaker
• “Relationship between Lawyer, Client and Environmental Consultant”, Environmental & Toxic Tort Section, Atlanta Bar, March 8, 2013, Atlanta, GA, Speaker
• “Putting it All Together – Permitting Strategies: A Panel Discussion”, 12th Annual Wetlands and Water Law in the Southeast, February 27-28, 2013, Atlanta, GA, Speaker
• “Recent Developments in 404 Permitting”, Environmental Law Section, Georgia Bar, Summer Seminar, King and Prince Resort, August 5-6, 2011, St. Simons, GA. , Speaker
• “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., Speaker
• “The Section 404 Wetlands Permitting Process”, Environmental Law Section, Georgia Water Law Seminar, Crown Plaza Hotel, July 29-30, 2010, Hilton Head, SC., Speaker

• Junior League of Atlanta, Sustainer
• Georgia Child Care Association Advisory Board
• Georgia Legal Military Assistance Program
• Active member of her faith community at Holy Trinity Catholic Church

• Georgia
• Supreme Court of Georgia
• Georgia Court of Appeals
• Superior Courts of the State of Georgia
• U.S. District Court Northern District of Georgia
• U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit

• Leadership Georgia - Class of 2013
• Alumni Board of Directors - Furman University 2013-2019
• Georgia State Bar Association – Member, Environmental & Real Estate Sections
• Atlanta Bar Association (Member)
• Atlanta Bar Association, 2012 - 2013 (Chair Environmental & Toxic Tort Section)
• Atlanta Bar Association, 2011 - 2012 (Chair Elect Environmental & Toxic Tort Section)
• Atlanta Bar Association, 2013 - 2014 (Executive Board – Environmental & Toxic Tort Section)
• Atlanta Bar Association, 2011 - 2013 (Executive Board - Young Lawyers Division Committee - Member at Large)
• Association of Women Environmental Professionals – Member
• Georgia Association of Water Professionals - Member
• Georgia Environmental Restoration Association - Member
• Business Women of Fayette Coweta - Member