Elizabeth Hafoka Named Lawrence Municipal Court Judge

Lawrence, Kansas – The City of Lawrence has announced the appointment of Elizabeth Hafoka as the next Municipal Court Judge, following a competitive national search. Hafoka, currently the Supervising City Prosecutor, will initiate her new role on April 22, 2026.

Extensive Legal Experience

Hafoka brings over 14 years of experience with the City of Lawrence Prosecutor’s Office, having served as Supervising City Prosecutor since 2013. Prior to her work with the city, she gained experience in the Douglas County and Johnson County District Attorney’s Offices. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas in 2007 and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Social Science from Bethel College in 2003. City of Lawrence

Commitment to Fairness and Accessibility

“Serving the Lawrence community has been the focus of my career, and I am honored to step into the role of Municipal Court Judge,” said Hafoka in a statement. “I am committed to ensuring every person who comes before the court is treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. I look forward to supporting an efficient, accessible court and continuing to build trust within our community.” Lawrence Times

Significant Courtroom Experience

Throughout her career, Hafoka has appeared as a prosecuting attorney in more than 700 evidentiary hearings, including both bench trials and jury trials. She has a particular focus on ensuring defendants, especially those without legal representation, understand their constitutional rights and are treated fairly within the criminal justice system. Lawrence Journal-World

Replacing Retiring Judge Kopecky

Hafoka will succeed Judge Chris Kopecky, who announced his retirement in January after serving as Municipal Court judge since October 2022. Lawrence Times