Women in the Law 2026 – Lawrie Kobza, Boardman Clark

Lawrie Kobza is an of counsel attorney at Boardman Clark, focusing her practice on helping municipalities develop and maintain reliable public water and wastewater systems while navigating complex legal and regulatory challenges.

Kobza has played a central role in shaping water supply policy and infrastructure across Wisconsin through legal advocacy and strategic counsel to utilities and local governments.

Among her notable accomplishments, Kobza served as legal counsel for Wisconsin’s first joint local water authority, supporting the formation of the authority, drafting complex water supply agreements to secure bond financing, and helping bring a $120 million regional water conveyance system to completion.

She also serves as legal counsel and lobbyist to the Municipal Environmental Group – Water Division, a coalition of more than 70 Wisconsin municipalities advocating on drinking water legislation and regulation. Her peers have recognized her contributions with the American Water Works Association – Wisconsin Section’s George Warren Fuller Award for leadership and service to the water supply field.

Kobza served as the first woman chair of the Wisconsin Section of the American Water Works Association and currently sits on the board of the Wisconsin Public Utilities Institute. She previously served as an elected member of the Madison Metropolitan School District Board of Education, including two years as vice president, chairing both its Finance Committee and Performance and Achievement Committee.