Luke Sobba

Luke Sobba is a shareholder in the Topeka office of Morris Laing, practicing in the areas of litigation, employment law, and administrative law. Before attending law school at Washburn University, Luke taught high school English and coached basketball in western Kansas. It was during this time, with his children in grade school, that he decided to pursue a law degree. After graduating, Luke began his legal career at Morris Laing in 2002, where he worked as an associate and partner until 2016. That year, he transitioned to the Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB), where he spent several years advising public school districts and community colleges on a broad range of legal issues.

At KASB, Luke specialized in professional negotiations and provided legal training and advice to boards and administrators across Kansas. His work included offering counsel on topics such as student discipline, employment law, public records, bid law, and discrimination. Luke played a key role in developing and recommending board policies, reviewing contracts, and offering training to ensure the efficient operation of the 286 school districts in the Kansas public school system. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he facilitated weekly webinars to help school officials navigate complex legal challenges related to pandemic response, earning a reputation as a calm and logical voice in times of uncertainty.

Luke has appeared in the courts of Kansas and other states on behalf of both individual and commercial clients in civil litigation. Representing both plaintiffs and defendants, he has litigated matters in court, participated in mediations, and negotiated settlements of numerous cases involving contract and lease disputes. He has drafted appellate briefs and appeared before the appellate courts of Kansas and the 10th Circuit.

Luke has advised clients regarding their responsibilities under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. He has provided training to administrators and school board members concerning professional negotiations and has acted as lead negotiator for many school districts. Clients have engaged Luke to investigate claims involving allegations of employee misconduct, sexual harassment, and compliance with employment laws, and they have sought his advice and counsel in investigations conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

In 2025, Luke returned to Morris Laing, bringing with him valuable experience and a deepened perspective on the legal needs of public institutions. He continues to assist clients in litigation, employment law, and administrative matters, representing both individuals and businesses in civil disputes, mediations, and appellate matters.

In his personal life, Luke enjoys golfing, playing guitar, and writing sports blogs about K-State basketball. He resides in southwest Jefferson County with his partner, Carol, where they enjoy spending time with family, attending concerts, and attending music theater.

Practice Areas

Civil Litigation

Employment Law and Litigation

Administrative Law

Estate and Trust Litigation

Public Utility

Commercial Litigation

Education Law

Education:

• Kansas State University, B.S. English, B.A. Secondary Education, with honors, Phi Beta Kappa, 1991
• Washburn University School of Law, J.D., with honors, 2002

Admissions:

• Kansas Bar, 2002

Professional Background

• Member, Topeka Bar Association
• Past President, Topeka Lawyers Club
• Secretary/Treasurer of Kansas School Attorneys Association, 2019 – 2024