Sedgwick County Judgeships
2008-11-01 11:42:00
District Court Judge - Division 9
Answer: I was elected three times to the district court bench and served for eleven years as a District Court Judge. I was named as the Kansas Trial Judge of the Year by the lawyers who practiced before me. I became interested in making changes to the way jurors were summoned and was responsible for innovations in that system that has since saved taxpayers millions of dollars. I was appointed Chair of the Kansas Supreme Court Jury Management Standards Committee which created the first state standards in the United States. I worked with the National Center for Jury Management and traveled the country from coast to coast as part of a team, teaching other judges and court administrators about our jury management system. At the request of the Kansas Chief Justice, I shared our experience with the National Conference of Chief Justices.
I was assigned to handle some extremely difficult and complex cases, including murder cases, medical malpractice and product liability cases, and divorce cases.
I resigned my position to enter the private practice of law.
Question: What have you experienced as a private lawyer?
Answer: I have practiced as a partner in a medium-sized firm and have been a solo practice lawyer for the past several years. During that time I have successfully represented persons bringing lawsuits and persons who have been sued in all types of cases including foreclosures, automobile accidents, civil rights, medical malpractice, consumer fraud, employment discrimination, products liability, and Americans with Disabilities Act cases. I have been approved by the Federal Court as a mediator in federal cases and also mediate state cases. I have successfully mediated over 300 cases for people, resulting in settlements which avoided a trial.
Question: Why do you want to return to the bench?
Answer: I really enjoyed being a judge and the lawyers who appeared before me tell me that they enjoyed appearing in my court. I am passionate about the practice of law and helping others. To one appearing in court, that appearance is the most important thing going on in that person’s life at the moment. This is true whether the case is a traffic ticket, small claims case, complex contract case, or any other type of civil, criminal, or family law case. As a judge, I was able to provide people their day in court in a fair and impartial manner. I treated everyone in my courtroom the way I would like to be treated – with respect.
Question: Why should I vote for you?
Answer: I have more experience as a district judge than any other non-incumbent candidate. It is important that parties who appear in court do so in front of a judge who knows the law and applies it fairly. My being named Kansas Trial Judge of the Year is an indication of the confidence that lawyers have in me and their comfort with my judicial temperament.
