LAWYERWashburn University School of Law Alumni Magazine | Spring 2015 VOLUME 52, ISSUE 1
Feature Story U.S. Supreme Court Swearing-In DEAN’S LETTER Where Has Your Dream Taken You?
Each semester, a unique group of students from around the world begins their legal education at Washburn Law. While some have political science degrees, most have studied in other areas, including business, English, or psychology.
Many come with a mental picture of what their dream job in law will look like. As our alumni have experienced, countless hours spent in Law School oft en changes that vision. Th rough Washburn Law’s Clinic, DEAN Centers for Excellence activities, guest speakers, externships, and faculty Thomas J. Romig guidance, our students are exposed to a multitude of career opportunities EDITORS Judyanne Somers, that help defi ne their future career paths. Director, Alumni Services Shelia Summers, Director, Marketing Communications In this issue of the Washburn Lawyer, three stories tell about Washburn DESIGNER AND EDITOR Law alumni who have taken diff erent routes to practice law in rural Pam Besler Kaufman Assistant Director, Kansas, the Midwest, and on an international level. Marketing Communications PHOTOGRAPHERS Bruce Mathews, Calvin “Cal” Williams, ’78, a native Kansan, chose to practice law in Mathews Communications the Topeka area and then found his niche as a rural Kansas lawyer in Earl Richardson Martin E. Wisneski Colby. Th e Honorable Nancy Moritz, ’85, has expanded her work in the public sector beyond Kansas’ borders to become the newest judge
UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS: on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. John Kemp, ’74, E-mail: [email protected] continues to be an advocate for people with disabilities around the Telephone: 785.670.1011 world. Each are excellent examples of how Washburn lawyers can make a signifi cant diff erence in our profession and shine the light on Washburn Law. CONTACT US: We welcome your comments to this publication. Please write, telephone, We encourage our alumni and friends to always pursue their careers with e-mail, or visit our website. Letters to integrity and passion, wherever that may be — in your local community the editor and news of jobs, honors, weddings, anniversaries, and births or hundreds of miles away from Washburn Law. And please do keep in are always welcome. Please include touch — we would love to hear where your degree takes you. your name, class year, address, and daytime telephone number. Sincerely,
WRITE TO: Editor: Washburn Lawyer Washburn University School of Law THOMAS J. ROMIG Alumni Services Dean and Professor of Law 1700 SW College Ave. Topeka, KS 66621 Telephone: 785.670.2013 Fax: 785.670.3249 E-mail: [email protected] Web: washburnlaw.edu/alumni
Washburn Lawyer is published twice yearly by Washburn University School of Law, Topeka, Kan. Opinions expressed and positions advocated herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the policies of the school. © 2015 Washburn University School of Law - All rights reserved. Swearing-In Washington, D.C. CONTENTS Page 18 IN EVERY ISSUE 2 President’s Letter
3 Law School News
16 Law School Events
27 Faculty and Staff News
28 In Memoriam
29 Class Actions
35 Alumni Events
38 Upcoming Events
LEGAL BRIEFS 4 Commencement
8 Alumni Profi le
12 Moritz’s Investiture
15 Alumni Fellow
18 Supreme Court Swearing-In Ceremony
22 Alumni Awards
26 Veterans Clinic
36 Student Perspectives
Investiture: The Honorable Nancy L. Moritz, ’85 Page 12 PRESIDENT’S LETTER Awards Recognize Alumni Contributions
Th e Washburn University School of Law Alumni Association hosted a reception at the Bradbury Th ompson Alumni Center on March 27, 2015, to honor several individuals. Th e Association presents three diff erent awards each year: the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Distinguished Service Award, and the Honorary Life Membership.
Kay Arvin, ’51, Winton Hinkle, ’68, and Th e Honorable Alex Hotchkiss, ’27, were the Lifetime Achievement Award recipients.
SABRINA STANDIFER, ’99 Th e Honorable Nancy Moritz, ’85, received the Distinguished Service PRESIDENT Award and the Honorary Life Membership was presented to David J. Rebein. Washburn University School of Law Alumni Association Th e awards presentation has always been one of my favorite alumni OFFICERS Sabrina Standifer, ’99, President events. Family members of the recipients travel from near and far to (Wichita) James C. Slattery, ’75, President-Elect attend. Th e acceptance speeches are inspirational, moving, and heartfelt. (Topeka and McLean, Va.) Th ese awards provide us with an opportunity to thank the recipients for S. Lucky DeFries, ’78, Vice President (Topeka) their contributions to our school. It reminds me why I chose to attend Ward E. Loyd, ’68, Treasurer (Topeka) Washburn and the connection that I will have to Washburn for the rest Jeffrey D. Jackson, ’92, Secretary of my life. (Lawrence, Kan.) Paul R. Hoferer, ’75, Past President (Wichita) Stephen W. Cavanaugh ‘73, Who do you know that is deserving of one of these awards? Please take a Foundation President (Topeka) few minutes to nominate that individual. Nominations can be submitted William D. Bunten, ’56, Foundation Treasurer (Topeka) at any time and can be sent to the alumni director’s attention at the Law School. Th e Awards Committee reviews all nominations and then BOARD OF GOVERNORS recommends that year’s recipients to the Board of Governors for the TERM ENDING JUNE 30, 2015 Christina I. Collins-Apperson, ’97 (Raleigh, N.C.) Board’s approval. If a nomination is received aft er recipients have already John M. Duma, ’81 (Olathe, Kan.) been selected, the information will be retained for consideration the John R. Hamilton, ’65 (Topeka) Edward L. Kainen, ’88 (Las Vegas) following year. C. Michael Lennen, ’74 (Topeka) S. Ken Morse, ’80 (Topeka) Sue Jean White, ’80 (Bellaire, Texas) I also want to thank Washburn University President Jerry Farley for his TERM ENDING JUNE 30, 2016 support of the Law School. He and Susan, his wife, attend multiple Law Tom Adrian, ’69 (Newton, Kan.) W. David Byassee, ’75 (Denver) School events each year, visiting and spending time with current students Michelle Canter, ’92 (Norcross, Ga.) John M. Collins, ’91 (Neptune, N.J.) and alumni. His vision for the future of our Law School and eff orts with Wendell (Bud) F. Cowan, ’74 (Overland Park, Kan.) regard to the proposed new Law School building have been instrumental. Lori Fink, ’85 (Dallas) Jack Flesher, ’72 (Wichita) If you have ever met President Farley or heard him speak, you know that Art Glassman, ’65 (Topeka) Stephen M. Gorny, ’94 (Kansas City, Mo.) his energy and enthusiasm are contagious. John D. Jurcyk, ’84 (Kansas City, Mo.) Lynn S. McCreary, ’94 (Brookfi eld, Wis.) Timothy P. O’Sullivan, ’75 (Wichita) R. Douglas Sebelius, ’76 (Norton, Kan.) SABRINA STANDIFER, ’99 Kathryn M. Wachsman, ’75 (New York) President, Washburn University School of Law Alumni Association
2 SPRING 2015 | WASHBURNLAW.EDU Fall 2014 Entering Class
• 90 students from 13 diff erent states, one • 22 students are political science majors; many from China, and an exchange student from others have degrees in history, business, the Netherlands psychology, and communications; and a few • 42 diff erent undergraduate schools are majored in biology, engineering, philosophy, represented with 31 of those out of state drama, music, and accounting • Top three feeder schools are KU and Washburn • Th e class includes engineers, law enforcement (tied with 12 students) and K-State (10 students) offi cers, teachers, musicians, coaches, military, • Th e average age is 26; the age range is 21 to 45 radio personalities, dance instructors, • 11% have post-graduate degrees accountants, and political bloggers Welcome Spring 2015 Entering Class
• 25 students from 10 states, one from China, and an • 14 diff erent majors, including four political science exchange student from the Netherlands majors, two criminal justice majors, two health/ • 35% of the entering class is from Kansas kinesiology majors, and two history majors • 17 diff erent undergraduate schools are represented • Th e class includes a geologist, bailiff , baker/chef, • Th e average age is 28; the age range is 21 to 66 life support counselor, retired Army Colonel, • 17% have post-graduate degrees cultural adviser in Afghanistan, and combat medic
Law School News 3 Graduating Class of 2014
Scott Christoff er Abbott Kallie Anne Campbell David William Exstrum Aissac S. Aiono International and Comparative Business and Transactional Law Lusine Akobian Law Certifi cate, Distinguished Certifi cate*, Natural Resources Joshua Simon Albin Pro Bono Honors Law Certifi cate, Oil and Gas Bryan L. Alkire Jaclyn Noell Cannaday Law Certifi cate Robert Allen Anderson, Jr. Advocacy Certifi cate* Janette Marie Fellows-Papak Keaton Stewart Ashlock Rancid Booten Carr Michael L. Fessinger Joseph Robert Astrab Iasha Chaudhry International and Comparative Business and Transactional Samuel Duane Clevenger Law Certifi cate* Law Certifi cate* Business and Transactional Kelsey Renee Fowler Adam Nicholas Baro Law Certifi cate Pro Bono Honors Michael Joe Baxter Taylor Brooke Concannon Michael Jay Fowler Natural Resources Law Joshua M. Conway Aaron Kyle Friess Certifi cate*, Oil and Gas Advocacy Certifi cate, Natural Resources Law Law Certifi cate* International and Comparative Certifi cate*, Oil and Gas Hiwot Berihun Law Certifi cate Law Certifi cate* Business and Transactional Travis Lee Cook Hazel Ludinette Gauthier Law Certifi cate Justin Michael Daake Family Law Certifi cate* Maurice Eugene Brewer Kara Michelle Daniel Isabella Gichiri Adam M. Brillhart Family Law Certifi cate Business and Transactional Adam Brinley Nicholas Rex Daugherty Law Certifi cate* Jessica Anne Brunken David John Derochick Zachary Neil Green Julianne Nicole Burton Nathan Lee Dickey Christopher Lee Gunn International and Comparative Lindsay Kay Donaldson Business and Transactional Law Certifi cate John F. Doyle Law Certifi cate Benjamin E. Busboom Michael Joseph Duenes Jesse Lee Haller Business and Transactional Law Sara Louise Ehret Business and Transactional Certifi cate*, Natural Resources Family Law Certifi cate Law Certifi cate Law Certifi cate, Oil and Gas Jason Martin Eslinger Erich Haught Law Certifi cate May 17, 2014, and Dec. 13, 2013 Petro Allied Health Center’s Lee Arena
Ethan Lawrence Hausmann Mathew William Mullen Jenna Rose Seematter BreAnne Christine Hendricks Business and Transactional Jara Jean Settles Family Law Certifi cate Law Certifi cate Tracy Leigh Middleton Shaff er Jenni Leigh Howsman Nhu T. Nguyen Maciej Sokolowski Nicole Marie Hoyt Jason Russell Niernberger Calla Marlee Sprague Ashley Rae Iverson Laura Houser Oblinger Tucker Alan Stewart Steven Douglas Iverson Eli Matthew O’Brien Phillip Charles Strozier Gerald Madison Jackson Jennifer Lynn Ouellette Matthew Lawrence Sullard Irving Joshua Jacobs Family Law Certifi cate, Evan Eugene Talbott Advocacy Certifi cate Pro Bono Honors Matthew Allan Tate Scott Allen Johnson Bill Pak Natural Resources Law Certifi cate, Curt Jones Tyler E. Patterson Oil and Gas Law Certifi cate Jacqueline Kelly Matthew Jon Peterson Te rr a Te c c h i o Nicholas Brennan Kenney Travis Michael Pfannenstiel James H. Th ompson, III Clay Adam Kuhns Business and Transactional Linda Diem Tran Advocacy Certifi cate, Law Certifi cate* John Bolinger Turney, Jr. Family Law Certifi cate Michelle Christine Pfl umm Marissa Jo Wagenaar Sylvia Denise LeBaron-Ramos Justin Jay Pierson Kurtis Kenneth Wiard Taylor A. Left wich Family Law Certifi cate, Lisa M. Williams Business and Transactional Distinguished Pro Bono Honors Family Law Certifi cate Law Certifi cate*, Natural Christopher Michael Ray Megan Teresa Williams Resources Law Certifi cate, Jaime Gleyre Richards Jeff rey Alan Wilson Oil and Gas Law Certifi cate* Christopher A. Rohr Natural Resources Law Certifi cate, Kelsy Erin Long Benjamin Nephi Romney Oil and Gas Law Certifi cate Christopher William David Lyon Kerrilyn Sue Russ Robert E. Young Matthew J. McGivern Business and Transactional Business and Transactional Matthew McTernan Law Certifi cate, Tax Law Law Certifi cate* Joseph Hervey Milavec Certifi cate*, Pro Bono Honors Cassy Anna Zeigler Tax Law Certifi cate Steven Patrick Salyer Michael Alexander Zimmerman Robert J. Moody, Jr. JD/MBA Dual Degree Trevor Charles Mooney Steven Alexander Scholtz Jenna Erin Morgan Jason Th omas Schulte * Denotes certifi cate earned with distinction Commencement 2014
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[1] Commencement speaker and recipient of the Honorary Doctor of Law, The Honorable J. Patrick Brazil, ’62 [2] Professor Amy Deen Westbrook, 2013-14 William O. Douglas Outstanding Professor of the Year [3] Amy Hanley, 2013-14 Adjunct Professor of the Year [4] Glen McBeth, ’03, 2013-14 Adjunct Professor of the Year [5] Jesse Haller, ’14, president, Washburn Student Bar Association
6 SPRING 2015 | WASHBURNLAW.EDU Commencement 90%+ Legacies participated in experiential of learning (skills-based) 1 2014 opportunities through the Washburn Law Clinic, [1] Robert Anderson, Jr., ’14 (center) is a legacy externships, or internships to Donald Anderson, II, ’10, (left) and Robert Anderson, Sr., ’85
[2] Taylor Concannon, ’14, is a legacy to Chris
2 Concannon, ’79, Donald Concannon, ’52, and 47% Debra Traster ’91 completed an externship [3] Michael Fowler, ’14, (right) is a legacy to (Lee) William Fowler, ’81
[4] Erich Haught, ’14, is a legacy to Anne 43% Haught, ’90 3 [5] Taylor Leftwich, ’14, is a legacy to Candice participated in the Reynolds, ’84 Washburn Law Clinic [6] Jeffrey Wilson, ’14, (left) and James (Trip) Thompson,III, ’14, (right) are legacies to James Thompson, ’75, (center)
Not pictured: 700+ Kelsy Allison, ’14, is a legacy to Gary Long, ’88 hours toward the Pro 4 John Doyle, ’14 is a legacy to Daniel Doyle, ’82 Bono Honors Program Tyler Patterson, ’14, is a legacy to Gary Patterson, ’90 33% earned a specialized Certifi cate 5 13 studied abroad in 6 Barbados, the Netherlands, Ireland, France, and the Cayman Islands
7 Disabilities and Leadership Unite Kemp, ’74, Honored with Dole Leadership Prize
Two distinguished Washburn experience, and legal expertise and working with Sen. Dole Law alumni, both worldwide have combined to make him over the years. He has learned leaders in the disability a highly recognizable and that you can be a statesman; movement, were in the spotlight distinguished voice for people you can respect other people’s on Dec. 14, 2014, at the Robert with disabilities. opinions; and sometimes J. Dole Institute of Politics. you have to yield, blend, and John Kemp, ’74, received the Impacting the Nation cooperate. Kemp recalled Dole 2014 Dole Leadership Prize Th roughout his professional saying, as they were negotiating and was personally selected life, Kemp has worked with the ADA in 1990, “You can’t by former Senator Robert Dole on projects of mutual have everything you want, Dole, ’52. Th e prize is awarded interest. Since the 1970s, Dole and still, you’re going to have annually to an individual or and Kemp have partnered to give up something to get group whose public service to lobby on behalf of people the cooperation. And you just leadership inspires others. with disabilities. Th eir have to think about what it is Kemp joins a prestigious list of combined eff orts have, in part, that you really, really want.” prize recipients that includes resulted in the enactment Kemp said, “He’s always been Nelson Mandela, the Wounded of the Rehabilitation Act a guy that can see both sides of Warrior Project, former New of 1973 and the Americans the issue. He can bring people York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, with Disabilities Act (ADA) together and fi nd common and former Polish president that was passed by Congress ground. And if anything, he Lech Walesa. in 1990. Additionally, they taught me that you can get a lot worked with the late Paul more done by being willing to “As a wounded veteran and Hearne, a good friend and past compromise and put yourself tireless advocate for disability executive director of the Dole in the other person’s place.” rights, Senator Dole has taken a Foundation on Employment personal interest in Mr. Kemp’s of People with Disabilities, Changing the World outstanding service to the to lobby staunch opponents Today, Dole and Kemp’s disabilities community,” said of expanding the rights of eff orts are focused on getting Institute Director Bill Lacy. people with disabilities. One of U.S. ratifi cation of the United their eff orts included meeting Nations Convention on Kemp was born with a with the National Federation the Rights of Persons with congenital defect that left of Independent Business Disabilities. According to the him without arms or legs. He Owners to ease their concerns United Nation’s website, this now has four prostheses and about small businesses’ fear of international treaty states that uses a motorized chair. His going out of business because all persons with disabilities passion for inspiring others of having to meet ADA have the right to be free with disabilities has earned guidelines. from discrimination in the him respect in the corporate, enjoyment of their rights. Th is non-profi t, and political arenas. Kemp has learned many includes the right to be free His keen perspective, personal valuable lessons observing from discrimination on the
8 SPRING 2015 | WASHBURNLAW.EDU Alumni Profile John Kemp, front and center, is pictured with students and staff from the Henry Viscardi School. basis of disability, but also on During a recent phone capabilities. Located in any other basis such as race, conversation, Kemp and Dole Albertson, N.Y., Th e Viscardi color, sex, language, religion, both resolved that in 2015 Center provides a lifespan political or other opinion, they would get the resolution of programs and services national or social origin, ratifi ed and they talked strategy that educate, employ, and property, birth, or other status. for how to accomplish this empower children and adults Th e treaty also identifi es the endeavor. As of April 16, 2015, with disabilities. Kemp obligations on States’ parties the U.S. has signed, but not has passionately served to the Convention to promote, yet ratifi ed the convention, as the Center’s president protect, and ensure those and there have been 153 and CEO since 2011 and rights. States that ratify the ratifi cations/accessions by inspires others to achieve the Convention are legally bound States in the world according impossible through knowledge, to respect the standards in the to the United Nation’s website experience, vision, personality, Convention. Th is is the fi rst (un.org/disabilities). and persistence. human rights convention of the 21st century and the fi rst Empowering Children “It’s an unbelievable place legally binding instrument Kemp has selected Th e here,” said Kemp about Th e with comprehensive protection Viscardi Center to receive the Viscardi Center, which is of the rights of persons with $25,000 Dole Leadership Prize comprised of three main disabilities. to help further the Center’s components—Henry Viscardi educational technology School; Abilities, Inc.; and (cont. on page 10)
Alumni Profile 9 Kemp (cont. fr om page 9)
the National Business and Disability Council.
At the Henry Viscardi School, students who are medically fragile and have signifi cant physical disabilities are given the chance to function freely in a great environment, not be chastised or humiliated because of their disability, and learn and grow on their own. “Th ere is a big rationale for this kind of school to exist,” Kemp said.
Th e school’s student profi le is pre-K through age 21, non- John Kemp, ’74, and Chris, a student from the Henry Viscardi School. ambulatory, wheel-chair using, technologically dependent, and/or non-verbal. Students one day a week, four full-time at developing an “Accessible are so ill that school districts nurses, and about 30 therapists, ICT” forum of companies cannot accommodate their all who work closely with the from the information and needs. Th ese fragile children 170 students. communication technology are transported daily in area to discuss how people with climate-controlled buses from “Technology is such an disabilities work and learn, and their homes that are located equalizer for people with what kind of technologies are up to an hour away from the disabilities that we want and should be available. Th e center. Th ey come from the fi ve to make sure that not only Viscardi Center plans to be an boroughs of New York City, students have all of the aggregator for those companies Westchester County, and the technologies that they need to and a test place for both the counties of Long Island. “It’s learn, grow, and develop,” said students at the school and the the parents of these children Kemp. “But also, that the staff adults with disabilities who that I probably admire the has the technologies that they receive services. “We’re an most,” said Kemp, referring need to instruct and lead incubator of good ideas,” to their untiring eff orts to the children.” Kemp said. care for a disabled child in addition to their other family Microsoft and IBM are When students leave the members and daily obligations. among the organizations Henry Viscardi School, they Th e center is heavily staff ed that have supported Th e feel good about who they are in the medical support area, Viscardi Center. In the as people with disabilities including a doctor working future, the center is looking entering the world. “Th at
10 SPRING 2015 | WASHBURNLAW.EDU Alumni Profile they have the confi dence and As a child, Kemp was blessed his father, whose Parkinson’s the belief in themselves, and to have a Viscardi-type of disease was in its latter stages. they righteously belong to infl uence in his life through “When I introduced him, society — to me, that’s the his father, John B. Kemp. he got up very slowly, turned empowerment part of what Aft er Kemp lost his mother to around, and waved at everyone. we do here,” emphasized cancer, Kemp’s father single- And I still think, ‘whoa, that’s Kemp. “And they need to feel handedly raised him and his one of my great memories.’” that they’re not hat-in-hand two siblings from a young begging and pleading for an age. Kemp’s father expected When Kemp’s dad developed opportunity, but that they have him to be in an inclusive Parkinson’s, he recalls basic civil and human rights as school environment, accept encouraging him to use the citizens of this great country. challenges, and become self- handicapped parking pass only So they come out of here suffi cient. John B. Kemp retired to get the response, “No, no. not over-reaching and over- aft er 62 years spent working Th ey’re for people like you. I asking but knowing that they in federal, state, county, and shouldn’t take those parking have an equal opportunity to city government. He later spaces.” He didn’t perceive participate in society.” developed Parkinson’s disease, himself as handicapped in that and died in 2008. “He was the sense, which Kemp sees as a Abilities, Inc., at Th e Viscardi ultimate public servant. He’s frequent response of people Center helps prepare with me every day…a really as they age — they resist the individuals with disabilities remarkable guy,” said Kemp of identity of being disabled. for entry or re-entry in to the his father. “Part of our movement is to workplace. Specifi c examples of give dignity to the identity the services include training for One of Kemp’s favorite of disability. For too long, retail sales, job coaching, offi ce memories is when he people just felt sorry for us and technology courses, and career gave Washburn Law’s there weren’t a lot of options exploration. Approximately commencement address in for us. Now with civil rights 2,000 adolescents and adults May 2003, which coincided and getting jobs, we are really are supported each year with with receiving an Honorary changing how people with some type of service off ered at Doctorate of Law degree. disabilities are perceived,” Abilities, Inc. Kemp was able to introduce said Kemp.
Th e third component of Th e Viscardi Center is the National Business & Disability Council, which serves the For more information visit: employer community, and Th e Viscardi Center - viscardicenter.org works with most of the United Nations - un.org/disabilities Fortune 100 companies on their hiring, customer service, and supply chain issues involving businesses owned by individuals with disabilities.
Alumni Profile 11 Judge Moritz, ’85, Sworn In to Tenth Circuit Court
Th e fi rst thing that comes together evidence in a form want to go to law school. What to mind when you think of that makes sense, creating a should I major in? What are Judge Nancy L. Moritz, ’85, plan, becoming an adversary, my talents? Because I’m sure is success. A close second is honing oral speaking skills, and if I had, I wouldn’t have done people, and her superb memory cross examining. “Everything what I did. Everybody laughs of all of those who impacted about it — I just thought this is because the idea of me as an her life, from her childhood what I want to do,” said Nancy. accountant is really kind of a in Tipton, Kan., to Washburn “Th e only thing I could think scary thing,” she said. Law, to her offi ce in Lawrence was I probably ought to be with the U.S. Court of Appeals a lawyer.” Nancy’s story from childhood for the Tenth Circuit. through today contains Nancy chose Washburn references to numerous In fourth grade, Nancy didn’t University because she knew employers, coworkers, and know any judges or lawyers in Washburn Law would prepare friends. Her fi rst job was Tipton, Kan., where she and her to be a good lawyer. She working for Moira Brouddus her cousin decided to have began taking communications at the Holiday Inn in Salina a little bakery. But then she and English classes because nearly full-time during the decided that it would be a lot they came easy to her. But she school year and more during of hard work to be a baker and was also taking accounting the summer, to help pay for she would have to get up early classes and doing well in tuition. All six Moritz children in the morning. Th e hilarity those. When a friend noted worked to supplement their of Nancy not wanting to work that a communications mother’s income as an editor at hard isn’t lost on anyone who degree wouldn’t allow her School Specialty Supply since knows her. to have a real job, something their father resigned as the she chuckles at now, Nancy postmaster of Tipton when his When her dad’s symptoms decided to major in accounting health failed. of Huntington’s Disease despite the repeated advice of necessitated a move nearer to her professor, Dr. Meredith Th at same Moira became a Topeka for medical care, the Moore. When she refl ects on catering director at Washburn family relocated to Salina, business courses, Dr. Richard University and then a house Kan. Most of the 80 students Moellenberndt and Dr. Walt mom for Alpha Delta fraternity. in her new class at Sacred James come to mind as tough She came to all of Nancy’s Heart school already had professors who challenged her. swearing-in events, helped tight friendships, so to make Nancy out along the way, and friends, Nancy decided to join Nancy never really doubted perhaps changed her life’s course. the debate team. She calls it the that she was going to law best thing she ever did. school, but she never Nancy mentioned other people considered career counseling. who impacted her career, It was through debate that “I don’t remember ever going including Shawnee County Nancy discovered her love of to career counseling and saying District Court Judges Terry the analytical process: putting here’s what I want to do; I Bullock and James Martin
SPRING 2015 | WASHBURNLAW.EDU 1212 Alumni Profile Macnish, Jr.; federal Judge Patrick F. Kelly, ’53; and partners and associates at Davis, Unrein, Hummer, and McAllister.
Nancy recalls a time when she and Judge Kelly argued about a certain case. “Nancy, when the President calls and makes you God, you can decide,” he told her. “I always think about that — when the President calls and makes you God,” Nancy said. Th e President did indeed call, nominating her to the Tenth Circuit bench in August 2013. “Well, guess what, Judge Kelly? Here I am. I’m not God, but you know, if Judge Kelly were still alive, he would be so proud.”
Nancy was notes editor for Judge Eric Melgren, ’85, on the Washburn Law Journal their last year of Law School and they became good friends. For years, their careers took similar paths and he ended up being her boss at the U.S. Attorney’s Offi ce. Eric came to her swearing-in for both the Court of Appeals and the Kansas Supreme Court, and Nancy chose him to perform her swearing-in. He was very helpful throughout the two-year process of getting her appointment, as he had been through it himself fairly recently. “He was always encouraging,” said Nancy. “He said, ‘We’re going to make it. You’re going to make it. It’s all (cont. on page 25)
13 Hanging a Shingle in Rural Kansas Cal Williams, ’78, Advocacy Practitioner in Residence
Th e winding road in Cal Oft en, students who are Recent graduate Chris Rohr, Williams’ career has always looking at careers in Western ’14, has been mentored by intersected with Washburn Kansas will ask him, “So who Williams before and during Law. Aft er graduation in 1978, is going to give me a job?” His Law School, and since he did extensive litigation response is, “Nobody is going graduation. Rohr shared work in Osage and Shawnee to give you a job. You’re going that Williams was not only counties in Kansas, and fi nally to make your own job. You’re infl uential in his decision to set up practice in Colby, Kan., going to look at three, four, attend Washburn Law, he was in 1993. But over the years, or fi ve communities in a six- also instrumental when starting Williams has always made time county judicial district. Look his solo practice in September to give countless hours back to at the demographics and fi gure 2014 in Colby. the Law School. out where you’re going to fi t best. See what’s going on, see “Under Cal’s guidance, I “A highly skilled defense what’s needed. Study the area.” assisted him in various cases lawyer, Cal has been an He emphasizes that there’s a and each time I came away with Intensive Trial Advocacy diff erent fi t for everybody and practical experience that could Program (ITAP) team leader, there are a million ways to fi nd not be gained elsewhere,” said instructor, and mentor to a job and make it work, but Rohr. “Cal’s continued eff orts many, many students,” said there aren’t any excuses for not to off er advice and insight in Michael Kaye, professor and fi nding a job. my daily practice are making director of the Center for me a better lawyer every day. I Excellence in Advocacy. Williams goes on to say, “You am where I am today because of Th ere is an end in sight for his don’t have to get hired, you can Cal’s generosity and support.” legal career as he winds down make your job.” It can be done, his practice with the goal of just like he did, “by putting In rural practice, it’s easier to taking down his shingle some shiny plastic letters on be a big fi sh in a small pond, in in 2016. a piece of wood, putting it Williams’ opinion. Yet, it’s still on a chain, and hanging it in essential, no matter where you Williams oft en lectures to the window. And there’s your practice, to get along with the law students about the nature shingle — the start of your bar and the courts, and uphold and value of practicing law legal career in rural Kansas.” professional ethics. But, it’s in a rural area. In a recent especially essential when you’re presentation to Washburn “If you want to be your own in a small community, because Law graduates, Williams said, boss, and you want to chart you still have to live in and be a “Th ere is a job out there for your own course, it takes time,” part of the community. “When each and every one of you, you said Williams. “Th ere’s a three- that client is gone, you’re going just have to have guts enough to fi ve- to ten-year cycle before to see that judge and that to go out and start it rather you get over a hump and start other attorney again, probably than fi nd it.” making the money that you this week or next week,” said think you oughta be making.” Williams. (cont. on page 15)
14 SPRING 2015 | WASHBURNLAW.EDU Alumni Profile Kuckelman, ’90, Named Alumni Fellow School of Law Honoree
Michael Kuckelman, BBA A native of Atchison, Kan., Kuckelman is a member of ’86 and JD ’90, was honored as and resident of Olathe, Kan., the Kansas, Missouri, New Washburn University’s Alumni Kuckelman is a partner at York, U.S. Supreme Court, and Fellow for Washburn Law Kuckelman Torline Kirkland Supreme Court of England and during the Fellows Luncheon and Lewis specializing in Wales bars. His community on Nov. 14, 2014, at Bradbury commercial and personal service includes the Catholic Th ompson Alumni Center. injury law. He was previously Education Foundation an attorney at Blackwell Board, Maur Hill-Mount While at Washburn he was Sanders and was a member Academy Board of Directors, a member of Alpha Delta of the plaintiff s’ executive and Washburn University fraternity, Inter-fraternity committee appointed by the Foundation Board of Trustees. Council, Student Council, U.S. District Court for the Moot Court Council, and Southern District of New York Over the years, he has assisted Order of Barristers, and was to litigate the 9/11 World several families with adoptions editor of the Washburn Law Trade Center cases. and does the work pro bono Journal. because he believes in uniting parents with children.
Williams (cont. fr om page 14) It’s also important to build of the biggest fi rm in Kansas. days learning and practicing rapport with other attorneys All solo practitioners. If we trial skills. Williams, along when practicing in rural were a fi rm, we would be the with other faculty, coaches areas or as a solo practitioner. biggest fi rm in Kansas. We and mentors students in the Williams believes that you do every thing, and there’s fi ner points of trial advocacy. need someone to fall back on, someone who can answer any A noteworthy result of the that you call and say, “here’s question. I don’t know a solo week is that the ITAP students my situation, I’m kind of out there that wouldn’t try to learn the importance of concerned about this, and have help and be reasonable with becoming thoughtful, credible, I done something wrong?” and you, just like you’re expected to professional, energetic, and get a second opinion. do as time goes by.” compassionate advocates — essential skills that will serve For Williams, Joel Meineke was Almost every summer for them well in their careers. that resource. When Williams the past 10 years, Williams was practicing in Linden, Kan., has spent a week at the Law “Simply put, he is an Meineke was a solo practitioner School serving as an ITAP outstanding teacher, alum, in Topeka and shared with faculty member. ITAP is a total colleague, and good friend,” Williams “what you don’t seem immersion trial skills course in said Kaye. to realize is you’re a member which students spend entire
Alumni Fellow 15 Brown v. Board at 60: Looking Back - Looking Forward Center for Law and Government and Washburn Law Journal Symposium
Washburn Law’s Center for Law and Government and the Washburn Law Journal presented Brown v. Board at 60: Looking Back - Looking Forward to explore in a critical manner what the Brown v. Board of Education decision has meant and what it will continue to mean looking forward. Th e event was held on Feb. 27, 2014, at Bradbury Th ompson Alumni Center.
Distinguished experts 1 participated in three distinct plenary sessions addressing the topics of “Th e Life of Brown,” “Race and Education Today,” and “Contemporary Race Issues: Confronting Inequality in the 21st Century.”
Th e third issue of volume 53 (summer 2014) of the Washburn Law Journal was dedicated to the topic of this symposium, and articles written by the participants are featured. Related articles can be found at washburnlaw.edu/wlj.
The Supreme Court’s decision 2 in Brown marked a milestone [1] Symposium speakers included (front row) Cheryl Brown Henderson, Shirley A. Hill, Abel A. Bartley, and William Yeomans, and (back row) Juan F. Perea, Ted Shaw, Preston Green III, Cedric Merlin in the nation’s long journey Powell, Chris Hansen, Joseph Zima, ’72, and Jack Alexander. [2] Following the symposium, attendees and their guests attended a reception at the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka. toward racial equality, a journey that continues today.
166 SPRINGSPRPRING 20201515 | WASHBURNLAW.EDUWASHSHBURBUURNLAN AW.EDUU Law School Events Th e Future of Housing Business and Transactional Law Center and Washburn Law Journal Symposium
Washburn Law’s Business and Transactional Law Center partnered with the Washburn Law Journal to host a symposium entitled Th e Future of Housing: Equity, Stability, and Sustainability on Feb. 26, 2015.
Th e symposium hosted 20 experts from across the country who came to Washburn Law to discuss and debate their scholarly works on current legal housing issues. Presentations were grouped into three panels: (1) fair housing problems and
1 2 equitable solutions, (2) market re-stabilization aft er the 2008 foreclosure crisis, and (3) real estate development and planning for the future.
Articles on which many of the presentations were based will be published in a forthcoming volume of the Washburn Law Journal, and will appear online at washburnlaw.edu/wlj.
3 4
Symposium speakers [1] Mark Roark [2] Kali Murray [3] Kathleen Engel and [4] James J. Kelly, Jr. Equity, Stability, and Sustainability
Law School Events 177 Washburn University School of Law is pleased to announce its newest members of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States.
18 SPRING 2015 | WASHBURNLAW.EDU Supreme Court Swearing-In Ceremony MARCH 9, 2015 19 Washburn Law alumni admitted to the bar of the United States Supreme Court on March 9, 2015: Gloria Angus, ’89 Professor Joe McKinney, ’86 Shelton Benedict, ’84 Michael Sharma-Crawford, ’02 Terri Bezek, ’86 John Solbach, ’77 Randy Brinegar, ’86 Bryan Walker, ’10 Leonard Buddenbohm, ’76 Kristen Wheeler , ’06 Jeff Cowger, ’90 Th e Hon. Merlin Wheeler, ’77 Mark Dupree, Sr., ’07 “Parents and children Tim Karstetter, ’74 By written motion: usually have to watch each Dustin Kirk, ’11 Jed Davis, ’67 Kyle Krull, ’84 Jack Scheske, ’81 other’s careers from the sidelines, but it is every Dean Th omas Romig moved the admission of 20 law school graduates, 16 from Washburn Law, for admission to the bar of the United States parent’s dream that they can Supreme Court in a Swearing-in ceremony. share their important Th e ceremony was held March 9, 2015, in Washington, D.C., Washburn life events with their Law alumni hailed from the states of Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, children and family. Missouri, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania with graduation years from 1974 to 2011. To fulfi ll this dream by Hosting the group in Washington, D.C., were Washburn University jointly executing the oath President Dr. Jerry Farley; Washburn University School of Law Dean of practice before the Th omas Romig; Patrick Mikesic, executive director of Development and Alumni Relations - Law School; Sean Harlow, development United States Supreme Court director for Washburn University Foundation; and Judyanne Somers, with our spouses present was director of alumni services at Washburn Law. Th e admittees were honored to have Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., and something we have Associate Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor join the long anticipated and group for photos and a visit following the swearing-in.
will always cherish. Aft er the ceremony, the group attended a luncheon at the historic Army Th ank you to and Navy Club and enjoyed a tour of the Pentagon.
Washburn University In addition, more than 50 people gathered for a reception that evening School of Law for the participants, their families, and Washington, D.C., metro-area alumni at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill. Former Senator Robert for this unique J. Dole, BA ’52 and JD ’52, and the recipient of Honorary Doctor of opportunity to reach this Law degrees from Washburn in 1969 and 1985, was the special guest. milestone together.”
Th e Honorable Merlin Wheeler, ’77, and daughter Kristen Wheeler, ’06
20 SPRING 2015 | WASHBURNLAW.EDU Alumni in attendance: Tim Belsan, ’09, Former Senator Robert Dole, ’52, and Tim’s wife Asha. [1] Chief Justice John G. Roberts [2] Justice Sonia Sotomayor [3] Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
1 2 3
[1] Gloria Angus, ’89 [2] Vicky and Shelton Benedict, ’84 [3] Terri, ’86, and Sarah Bezek [4] Debbie and Randy Brinegar, ’86
1 2 3 4
[1] Leonard Buddenbohm, ’76 [2] Jeff Cowger, ’90 [3] Shanelle and Mark Dupree, Sr., ’07 [4] Marilyn and Tim Karstetter, ’74
1 2 3 4
[1] Stuart, Dustin, ’11, and Vanessa Kirk [2] Kyle, ’84, and Gretchen Krull [3] Sharon and Joe McKinney, ’86 [4] Michael, ’02, and Rekha Sharma-Crawford
1 2 3 4 4
[1] John, ’77, and Patricia Solbach [2] Bryan, ’10, and Lon Walker [3] Kristen Wheeler, ’06, and Phillip Horvey [4] Merlin, ’77, and Deborah Wheeler
1 2 3 4
[1] Pam and Dean Thomas Romig [2] Former Congressmen Jim Slattery, ’75, and Robert Dole, ’52
21
1 2 2015 Awards Recognition Reception March 27, 2015 • Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center • Washburn University Campus
1 2 3 4 [1] Members of Kay Arvin’s family [2] Gene Olander, ‘63, spoke on behalf of Judge Hotchkiss [3] David Rebein and his family members [4] Professor Jim Concannon spoke on behalf of Winton Hinkle Lifetime Achievement Awards The Lifetime Achievement Award is bestowed on graduates whose careers have been highly distinguished, and whose achievements and contributions are widely recognized as signifi cant and outstanding in their fi eld of endeavor, whether it be in the practice of law, the judiciary, business, public service, education, or otherwise. While all graduates of the Law School will be eligible for consideration, in general those nominated should be persons whose professional careers have been substantially completed, and who clearly will represent the very best and most accomplished of the Law School’s many outstanding graduates.
Kay Arvin grew up in the and later, in mediation. Kay was an in-demand 1920s on a Kansas working farm. At speaker on marriage and Christian faith, and three years old, she followed her sister to considered her legal career an extension of her a one-room schoolhouse near Cullison, commitment to helping others. Kan. Th us began a life of engaged learning that never faltered. She championed the cause of abused women, interviewed several incarcerated for killing Shortly aft er the war, Kay was blinded by an abusive husbands, and advocated on their behalf accident. She inquired if she could accompany with then-Governor Joan Finney. She was the her husband, Les, to his classes at Washburn Law. fi rst woman to try a case in her state’s Supreme She enrolled and thrived, serving as secretary for Court and win. the Washburn Bar Association. Kay considered civic and pro bono work an Les and Kay became Wichita attorneys and obligation. She was listed in Harvard’s Best raised their two sons near Rose Hill, Kan. In spite Lawyers in America. of the challenges of blindness, Kay embraced the dual roles of mother and working professional. Kay died June 1, 2014, in Nashville six days Her practice specialized in adoption and divorce, before her 92nd birthday.
BA, Ottawa University, ’43 • JD, Washburn University School of Law, ’51
22 SPRING 2015 | WASHBURNLAW.EDU Alumni Awards Winton’s many contributions to Washburn Law Winton Hinkle was born in Hays, Kan., on March 2, 1942, include: Alumni Association Board of Governors and grew up in Garden City, Kan. He member from 2002 to 2013 and president from received his BSE, cum laude, in English 2010 to 2013; and member of the Business and from Emporia State University in 1964. Transactional Law Center’s Board of Advisors He earned his JD degree, magna cum from 2004 to the present. laude, from Washburn Law in 1968. Winton was a member of Phi Alpha Delta and Winton and his wife, Pauletta, established an editor-in-chief of the Washburn Law Journal. endowed unrestricted program fund in the Business and Transactional Law Center during the In December 2014, Winton retired from Hinkle Centennial Celebration. Th e Hinkle Elkouri Law Law Firm LLC, a company he founded in 1987. Firm, L.L.C., established a $50,000 scholarship at He was senior counsel, concentrating his practice Washburn Law during the Centennial. Th e fi rm in municipal fi nance and securities law. Th e also makes cash awards to Washburn students in Hinkle Law Firm currently has 40 attorneys and the National Negotiation Competition. more than 70 support staff , including paralegals and accountants, and represents private and Winton and Pauletta have four adult children. publicly held businesses.
BSE, Emporia State University, ’64 • JD, Washburn University School of Law, ’68
Council, he made signifi cant contributions to Th e Honorable the judicial system in his committee work. He was one of the early moving forces behind the
Alex Hotchkiss publication of the “Pattern Instructions for was born in Burlingame, Kan., on Aug. Kansas,” available to judges and lawyers in both 12, 1904. He was born to naturalized, civil and criminal cases, which provides clarity immigrant parents from Scotland. and instructions for jurors in the courtroom. Aft er graduating from Washburn Law in 1927, Judge Hotchkiss moved to Lyndon, Kan., in Judge Hotchkiss served as Washburn Law Alumni Osage County to practice law and run for county Association president from 1954 to 1955. He was attorney. He returned to Topeka to accept a awarded the Distinguished Service Award from legal position with the former Oil Department Washburn Law in 1967. Judge Hotchkiss served of Kansas. Judge Hotchkiss moved back to as justice of the national fraternity of Phi Alpha Lyndon to practice general law. He ran for county Delta (PAD) in 1967, and later was appointed attorney and in 1943 was elected to the Kansas Supreme Justice of Phi Alpha Delta Legal Senate. In 1960, Hotchkiss became judge of the Fraternity, International. Fourth Judicial District. Judge Hotchkiss was recognized as having an Judge Hotchkiss was a leader in progressive legal outstanding legal mind and was considered one reform. As a member of the Kansas Judicial of the best district judges in Kansas.
Washburn University, ’24 • JD, Washburn University School of Law, ’27
Alumni Awards 23 Distinguished Service Award The Distinguished Service Award is bestowed on graduates of Washburn Law who have particularly distinguished themselves and brought recognition to the school through their service to Washburn University School of Law, the legal profession, their community, or public service. Th e Honorable Nancy L. Moritz is a former judge of the Kansas Court the Obama administration for a position on the of Appeals and justice of the Kansas Tenth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. A feature Supreme Court. She was nominated by story about Nancy starts on page 12.
BBA, Washburn University, ’82 • JD, Washburn University School of Law, ’85 Honorary Life Membe rs hip The Honorary Life Membership is awarded annually to a non-graduate. The recipient of this honor is someone who has provided an exemplary service to their profession, community, and Washburn University School of Law.
David J. Rebein David received the 2009 Distinguished Service is founder and partner of Rebein Award from the Kansas Bar Association for Bangerter Rebein. He received his B.A., continuous longstanding service on behalf of the summa cum laude, in political science legal profession. He has been recognized by Best from Washburn University in 1977. Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers for his work as a trial lawyer. While at Washburn, David was inducted With more than 30 years experience, David into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. David has tried hundreds of cases and represented earned his JD from the University of Kansas School Fortune 500 Companies as well as individuals of Law in 1980. in commercial and personal injury cases. He is at David is a member of the American College home in both Federal and State Courts. of Trial Lawyers. He is a past president of the Kansas Bar Association and past president of the David sums up his work by saying, “I walk into a Legacy for Justice Foundation. David is current tragedy and try to make sense of what happened. treasurer of the Kansas Association for Justice. I personally investigate the case and if I take it, I He is admitted to the Kansas Bar and Florida Bar. give it everything I’ve got.”
BA, Washburn University, ’77 • JD, University of Kansas School of Law, ’80 Awards Committee Lucky DeFries, ’78, Chairman; Tom Adrian, ’69; John Duma, ’81; John Hamilton, ’65; Ed Kainen, ’88; Lynn McCreary, ’94; Kathryn Wachsman, ’75 Staff Liaison: Professor Jim Concannon
washburnlaw.edu/alumni/awards
24 SPRING 2015 | WASHBURNLAW.EDU Alumni Awards Moritz (cont. fr om page 13) going to be worth it.’ He’s been “Obviously I have a lot of a good friend.” praise for my professors and the classes that I took, and they Nancy remembers that gave me a solid background. professors James M. Concannon; I never felt like I didn’t have Linda H. Elrod, ’72; and what it took to practice law or Gregory J. Pease were always get started. I think that’s the willing to talk to her about big thing. Everyone, not just anything when she began at the professors, but the deans, Washburn Law. She notes assistant deans, and the staff , that they are still with her. they’re helpful and they’ll “Th ey’re supporting us,” she continue to help people.” said. “And they’re advocating for us. My class at Washburn Nancy credits a suggestion Law has remained very close. from Justice Herd as leading to Th ere’s a group of us that her many lawyer friends across communicate by email and the state. He suggested she support each other. I remember get involved, which led to her when I was applying for both relationship with the Kansas the Court of Appeals and the Bar Association, where Judge Kansas Supreme Court, they Christel Marquardt, ’74, did a letter writing campaign. appointed her to the board of We are a group that supports editors for the KBA Journal each other without having any around 1985. Again, it was one organized structure. We know of the best things she ever did. each other and we’ve kept in contact and there are so many Nancy chose to have her of us now that are judges from investiture to the Tenth our class in particular. We all Circuit Court of Appeals last talk about how we think that October at Washburn’s White support has helped us.” Concert Hall, where her many professors, classmates, When professors Concannon colleagues, employees, and and Elrod wrote letters on her mentors could share in her behalf, they could really talk success and visit with the about who she was. “Nobody delightfully warm, funny, has that from their Law and successful woman they School,” Nancy said. “Since consider a friend. Getting to I’ve now been hiring Washburn know Nancy was one of the Law students…I know there best things they ever did. is still that support from the university, from the professors.
25 Veterans Clinic Launched Clinic Supports Veterans and Service Members
Th e Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic (VLAC) the Kansas Supreme Court to be legal interns, was launched in the fall of 2014 to serve veterans meet with the clients and complete the process. and other service members living in Kansas. Four “Washburn Law is honored to off er the Veterans one-day Clinics have been held, during which Legal Assistance Clinic,” said Dean Th omas J. free wills, living wills, and durable powers of Romig, who retired as a Major General in the attorney were provided. Despite inclement Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps in 2005 weather during two of the Clinic events, 57 people aft er 34 years of service. “We want to do our fell within fi nancial guidelines and were served. part to help address the continuing need in the veteran and military community for wills, living Th e Clinic is staff ed by Washburn Law students wills, and durable power of attorney.” who work pro bono under the close supervision of faculty. Aft er the initial screening, upper-level Future VLACs may provide diff erent services Law Clinic interns, who have been certifi ed by that are needed by the community.
Students Recognized for Insight and Preparation Extensive Work Done on Veterans Case
Professor Joe McKinney has been working on a Veterans Claims. “What happens in prebriefi ng veterans benefi t case with a group of Washburn conferences is privileged. I can only say that the Law students and aft er numerous hours, their presiding offi cial concluded that the arguments work is getting noticed, as they were commended we put forth raise serious, interesting, and by the offi cial presiding over a debriefi ng conference. precedential questions that evidently had not been previously raised by any litigant. Th e offi cial Th e students represent a veteran injured during complimented the students on their preparation the Cold War who is appealing the Department and insight and signed off with congratulations of Veterans Aff airs’ denial of his claim for service- to the students of Washburn Law.” related disability benefi ts. Th e circumstances surrounding his injuries, including the lapse of Th e students are Courtney Kelley, Joe Pilgrim, time between the date of injury and diagnosis John Nichols, Anastasia Willy, and (as a pro bono of his disease, raise particularly diffi cult and volunteer) Suzanne Lueker. Also instrumental intertwined factual and legal issues. were Melissa Leach and Jordan Clothier, students who prepared a memorandum for fi ling with McKinney said that he and the students were the Court. Law Clinic Managing Director Debi privy to a telephone pre-briefi ng conference Schrock provided material assistance. ordered by the U.S. Court of Appeals for
26 SPRING 2015 | WASHBURNLAW.EDU Veterans Clinic FACULTY NEWS
MAXWELL RETIRES POLLVOGT FILLS NEW POSITION
Aft er 36 years in the halls of Susannah Pollvogt, associate Washburn Law, Professor Nancy professor of law, has fi lled the new Maxwell will retire aft er the spring position of director of Academic 2015 semester. She was given Skills and Bar Passage. She came to Professor Emeritus status by the Washburn Law in August of 2014 Washburn Board of Regents on and specializes in assisting students December 4, 2014. in developing academic skills and passing the bar exam. She has a She will be greatly missed! particular interest in methods of Nancy Susannah active learning and self-assessment. Maxwell Pollvogt
RUBENSTEIN GRANTED TENURE GRANT IS CO-DIRECTOR OF ILTL
Professor David Rubenstein was Professor Emily Grant is in her granted tenure in April 2014. second year as co-director of the His areas of expertise include Institute for Law Teaching and constitutional, administrative, and Learning, a national organization immigration law. He also serves as that aims to provide a learning director of the Center for Law and environment that helps students Government. Prior to teaching, he achieve the highest academic clerked for Th e Honorable Sonia standards and prepares students Sotomayor when she was a judge on to assume their responsibilities as David the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Emily eff ective, moral attorneys. Rubenstein Second Circuit. Grant
Learn more about Washburn Law’s faculty scholarship and activities at: washburnlaw.edu/facultyscholarship
FOUNDATION NEWS
Washburn University Foundation has three new professionals on board to lead fundraising eff orts for Washburn Law.
Patrick Mikesic is executive director of development and alumni relations at the Law School. He joined the Foundation in January 2015.
Karla Whitaker joined the Foundation as a Patrick Karla Sean development director in September 2014. She was Mikesic Whitaker Harlow director of Law School admissions from 2003 to 2012.
Sean Harlow joined the Foundation in April 2014 as a development director. He graduated from Washburn Law in 2002.
Faculty and Staff News 27 In Memoriam Washburn Law mourns the passing of the following alumni whose deaths were reported to the school since the date of our last publication through January 20, 2015.
Th e Honorable George S. Reynolds, ’42, Marvin W. Maydew, ’69, DeBary, Fla., on June 15, 2014, at age 95 Topeka, on July 7, 2014, at age 88 Alfred O. Holl, ’49, Glen P. McCarty, ’72, Oklahoma City, on July 17, 2014, at age 93 Albuquerque, N.M., on May 6, 2014, at age 69 Kay Arvin, ’51, Ronald D. Prochazka, ’73, Nashville, on June 1, 2014, at age 91 Topeka, on March 12, 2014, at age 72 Robert M. Gaither, ’53, Harriet E. Caplan, ’76, Topeka, on Nov. 16, 2013, at age 93 Hays, Kan., on August 2, 2013, at age 67 Charles J. Rondelli, ’53, Th e Honorable John R. Eyer, ’77, Tucson, Ariz., on July 18, 2013, at age 83 Belleville, Kan., on May 7, 2013, at age 60 Harold K. Wells, ’55, Garry L. Howard, ’79, Elmdale, Kan., on December 14, 2013, at age 86 Wichita, on June 13, 2013, at age 63 Charles F. Lay, ’58, Gregory M. Dennis, ’82, Gardner, Kan., on February 11, 2014, at age 81 Olathe, Kan., on January 5, 2014, at age 58 Richmond M. Enochs, ’63, Lynn D. Lauver, ’83, Olathe, Kan., on Oct. 29, 2013, at age 74 Topeka, on Nov. 7, 2013, at age 70 Fred W. Phelps, ’64, John T. Banta, ’85, Topeka, on March 19, 2014, at age 84 Phoenix, Ariz., on July 28, 2013, at age 67 Robert J. Brown, ’65, Wallace S. Squibb, ’92, Raymore, Mo., on June 22, 2013, at age 78 Springfi eld, Mo., on December 19, 2013, at age 46 Harold D. “Butch” Gerlach, ’67, David Duer, ’00, Topeka, on Sept. 27, 2013, at age 72 Roswell, N.M., on November 28, 2014, at age 43 Daniel L. Swagerty, ’68, Stephen J. Boyden, ’04, Chillicothe, Mo., on November 28, 2013, at age 80 Topeka, on February 19, 2014, at age 48 John C. Gariglietti, ’69, Pittsburg, Kan., on January 3, 2014, at age 70
28 SPRINGSPRING 20201515 |W| WASHBURNLAW.EDUWASHBURNLAWEW.EDU In Memoriam CLASS ACTIONS Updates submitted as of January 27, 2015
1952 James W. Sloan, ’52, partner, has announced that well- Martin R. Uff ord, ’77, Wichita, Topeka, was honored with one respected Hays lawyer Todd D. has joined Hinkle Law Firm LLC of the highest Salvation Army Powell, ’98, is a partner in the full- as a member. awards, the William Booth service law fi rm, Glassman, Bird, Award, at Th e Salvation Army of Brown & Powell, L.L.P., which 1978 S. Lucky DeFries, ’78, Topeka’s Civic Luncheon. serves Northwest Kansas. Topeka, has been selected for 2014 John F. Stasiowski, ’74, Scottsdale, induction into the Ottawa High 1965 Bill Hunsaker, ’65, Ariz., retired aft er working for 36 School Wall of Fame and has been Arvada, Colo., launched his new years in the beer industry. named vice chair of the Ottawa law practice with Donnie Emmi, University Board of Trustees. serving clients with personal 1976 Gerald L. Green, ’76, Edward J. Nazar, ’78, Wichita, injuries or business disputes, and Hutchinson, Kan., was sworn in as has joined Hinkle Law Firm LLC estate law. the 129th president of the KBA. as a member. Th e Honorable J. Th omas Bradley J. Prochaska, ’78, 1968 Winton M. Hinkle, ’68, Marten, ’76, Wichita, has been Wichita, has been elected as Wichita, retired from the fi rm he appointed chief judge of the chairman of the American founded, Hinkle Law Firm LLC. District of Kansas. Aft er serving Association of Justice’s as law clerk to retired Associate professional negligence section. 1969 Th omas A. Adrian, ’69, Justice Tom C. Clark of the Newton, Kan., received the United States Supreme Court, he 1979 Edward L. Barker, ’79, Outstanding Service Award from spent 19 years practicing law in Mission Hills, Kan., has joined the Kansas Bar Association (KBA) Kansas, Minnesota, and Nebraska, Husch Blackwell’s Kansas City, and the Robert K. Weary Award the last 14 years of which were as a Mo., Healthcare, Life Sciences from the Kansas Bar Foundation. member of Bremyer & Wise, P.A. and Pharmaceuticals industry Michael H. Haas, ’69, Hoxie, in McPherson, Kan. Judge Marten team as senior counsel, and brings Kan., retired as attorney for is a founding member of the extensive experience, having Sheridan County aft er more than Wesley E. Brown Inn of Court, a previously served for more than 40 years, and was the longest- frequent speaker at seminars and 25 years as senior vice president serving, continuously elected conferences, and has taught trial and chief legal offi cer of the county attorney in state history. advocacy at Harvard Law School four-state nonprofi t healthcare He also served in the National for more than 25 years. organization Sisters of Charity of Guard during his career and Michael L. Merriam, ’76, Leavenworth Health System. continues to operate his private fi rm. Topeka, was honored by the Robert F. Hartsook, ’79, Kansas Kansas Sunshine Coalition for his City, Mo., was inducted into 1971 H. Philip Elwood, ’71, promotion of open government. the Emporia High School Hall Topeka, has been appointed to the Merriam has practiced media and of Fame. He is the owner of Tower Mental Health Foundation First Amendment law for more Hartsook Companies Inc., one of Board of Directors. Elwood is an than 35 years and has represented the largest fundraising consulting attorney with Goodell, Stratton, many communications and practices in the world. Edmonds & Palmer L.L.P. news companies. Jeff rey W. Schemmel, ’79, Elwood’s legal experience includes Atlanta, is founder and president extensive work in health care law. 1977 Jeff rey C. Joy, ’77, of College Sports Solutions Irvine, Calif., was recognized in (CSS), a leading full-service 1974 John T. Bird, ’74, Hays, the 2015 edition of Best Lawyers provider of collegiate athletic Kan., who 40 years ago began in America. consulting, strategies, and a practice with his friend Bob solutions to universities, Glassman and is now senior intercollegiate conferences, and collegiate organizations. (cont. on page 30) washburnlaw.edu/alumni/classactions
Class Actions 29 CLASS ACTIONS
1980 Douglas D. Depew, ’80, 1983 Patricia A. Gilman, ’83, 1987 Associate Dean Jalen Neodesha, Kan., was appointed by Wichita, has joined Hinkle Law Lowry, ’87, Topeka, was awarded Governor Sam Brownback to the Firm LLC as a member. the “Achieving Excellence Award” K-12 Student Performance and from Washburn University’s Vice Effi ciency Commission. 1984 W. Th omas Gilman, President of Student Life Denise ’84, Wichita, has joined Hinkle Ottinger. Th is award recognizes 1981 Jerome A. Gorman, ’81, Law Firm LLC as a member. people at Washburn University Kansas City, Kan., received the Laura L. Ice, ’84, Wichita, has who demonstrate excellence in lifetime achievement award from been awarded the Howard C. working with individual students, the Kansas County and District Kline award by the Wichita Bar student groups, or organizations. Attorney’s Association. Association. She also received the Lt. Col. Bryan T. Wheeler, ’87, Professionalism Award from the Annapolis, Md., was formerly the 1982 Ronald J. Caron, ’82, KBA at its annual meeting. Department of Defense associate Manchester, N.H., has joined the Gary A. Norton, ’84, Des general counsel at TRICARE Devine Millimet Law Firm as part Moines, Iowa, was selected by his Management Activity. Wheeler is of its litigation practice group. peers for inclusion in Th e Best now deputy general counsel of the He also focuses on real estate and Lawyers in America 2015. Defense Health Agency, a 12,500 construction litigation, and labor Frank M. Ojile, ’84, Wichita, plus organization that provides and employment-related matters was named Outstanding Adjunct healthcare services for 9.6 for individuals and businesses. Professor of the Year at Wichita million benefi ciaries. He is a member of the New State University. Hampshire Bar Association and 1988 Th omas R. Merkel, is admitted to the U. S. District 1985 Th e Honorable Nancy ’88, Rosemount, Minn., retired Court for the District of L. Moritz, ’85, Topeka, has January 30, 2015, aft er 14 years New Hampshire. been appointed to the 10th U.S. with Hennepin County, Minn., Philip S. Milone, ’82, Garden Circuit Court of Appeals. Th e serving fi rst as an inspector within City, N.Y., was named a “Top Court, based in Denver, reviews the Sheriff ’s Offi ce and since Family Law Attorney” in New legal cases from Kansas, Colorado, 2007 as director of community York, by New York Magazine, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, corrections and rehabilitation April 2014. He has been an active and Wyoming. (See page 12.) (DOCCR). With 925 employees matrimonial and family law and a budget of $100 million, the practitioner in New York City 1986 Gregory G. Meredith, DOCCR is responsible for the and Long Island for more than ’86, Hutchinson, Kan., has been supervision of 27,000 off enders 30 years. Milone also is serving named vice president of Compliance each day. his third four-year term as justice and Ethics at Hutchinson Regional of the Village of Stewart Manor, Healthcare System. 1989 Natalie Camacho Long Island, N.Y. Randall W. Schroer, ’86, Mendoza, ’89, Boise, Idaho, has Terri A. Roberts, ’82, Topeka, Kansas City, Mo., previously of been selected to chair the Dean’s has been appointed to the Tower counsel with Morrow Willnauer Advisory Council for Concordia Mental Health Foundation Board Klosterman Church, LLC, is a University School of Law in of Directors. Roberts is executive member (partner) with the fi rm. Boise. She has served on the director of the American Holistic Th e Honorable Rene S. Young, Council since 2009 and chairs the Nurses Association. Previously, ’86, Salina, Kan., became chief Diversity Task Force. Mendoza she served 23 years as executive judge of the 28th Judicial District was also appointed to serve on the director of the Kansas State for a two-year period that started University’s Council of Trustees. Nurses Association. January 1, 2015. Young has been She was selected by the Idaho a Saline County District Court Business Review for 2014 Leaders judge since 2006.
30 SPRING 2015 | WASHBURNLAW.EDU Class Actions CLASS ACTIONS in Law, one of 22 attorneys Judicial District court that serves Topeka, received the Topeka recognized. Th is is the second Anderson, Coff ey, Franklin, and Bar Association’s Honorable E. year of the program. Factors Osage counties. Newton Vickers Professionalism considered for the selection Award. included professionalism, 1992 Brent A. Mitchell, ’92, Th e Honorable Teresa L. leadership, experience, and Wichita, was recognized by Th e Watson, ’94, Topeka, has been commitment of substantial time Wichita Business Journal and Best appointed as the newest judge to community and national Lawyers as one of the Wichita- on the Shawnee County District organizations to benefi t others. area lawyers of the year at an event Court bench. Marcos Mendoza, ’89, Austin, on September 29, 2014. Texas, graduated from the 1996 Joseph E. Donovan, ’96, University of Connecticut 1993 Samantha M. Musso, ’93, Washington, D.C., has joined School of Law with an LL.M. in Fairfax, Va., serving as Virginia Stradley Ronon as a partner in Insurance Law, with honors, and director of the Military Spouse JD its Washington, D.C., offi ce. was profi led in the spring edition Network, led the eff ort to adopt a Donovan has nearly 20 years of Insurance Litigation Magazine. rule for military spouse attorney of experience representing admission in the Commonwealth. utility companies in complex 1991 M. Kristine Savage, ’91, Th e Supreme Court of Virginia regulatory advocacy, litigation, Topeka, is listed in Th e Best adopted Rule 1A:8 eff ective and transactional support. Lawyers in America 2015 among July 1, 2014, enabling qualifi ed Th roughout his career, Donovan the country’s most distinguished attorneys relocating to Virginia has repeatedly appeared before attorneys. Savage is honored in due to their service-member energy regulatory agencies on two areas: Criminal Defense: spouse’s military orders to seek behalf of his clients, including Non-White-Collar and Criminal admission to the Virginia bar the Federal Energy Regulatory Defense: White Collar. She without examination. Virginia Commission (FERC); practices family law and is became the seventh state to adopt Department of Justice; Federal certifi ed by the Kansas Supreme such a licensing rule. Musso, a Communications Commission; Court to perform mediation military spouse of 24 years herself, and more than 30 diff erent state in domestic cases. She also has has experienced nine relocations public utility commissions. extensive experience in complex and is admitted to practice in While at Exelon, one of the federal and state criminal cases, three jurisdictions. She is an estate nation’s largest integrated energy including appeals. Before joining planning attorney with M. H. companies, he directed FERC and the fi rm in 1999, she was chief of Lawrence, P.C. in Fairfax, Va. state regulatory advocacy matters the Northeast Kansas Confl icts in the New England, New York, Offi ce, and served as an assistant 1994 Steve Gorny, ’94, and southeast regions. Donovan appellate defender and public Kansas City, Mo., established also created and implemented defender in Shawnee County. Th e Gorny Law Firm, LC, litigation and outreach strategies Curtis S. Sneden, ’91, Topeka, on the Country Club Plaza. related to state utility commission is vice president of government He represents individuals and FERC proceedings and Offi ce relations for the Greater Topeka and businesses harmed by the of Enforcement investigations, Chamber of Commerce. Sneden carelessness of others. and was responsible for overseeing has served as the Chamber’s Luis O. Rodriguez, ’94, and implementing compliance volunteer vice chairman of Charlottesville, Va., was promoted and risk mitigation strategies. government relations since 2012. to the rank of colonel with Th e Honorable Douglas P. the U.S. Army Judge Advocate 1997 Clint J. Westhoff , ’97, Witteman, ’91, Burlington, Kan., General’s Corps, fall 2013. Dallas, is a newly appointed has been appointed to the Fourth Douglas T. Shima, ’94, partner to the fi rm of Goranson,
(cont. on page 32) washburnlaw.edu/alumni/classactions
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Bain, Larsen, Greenwald, new State District Court judge in Development and Pro Bono Maultsby & Murphy PLLC. the Eighteenth Judicial District director at Arizona Summit in Kansas. Law School. 1998 David A. Bohm, ’98, Stephen L. Martino, ’02, Laura K. Castillo, ’04, Hobbs, Cary, N.C., assistant executive Baltimore, was named “Regulator N.M., was appointed by Governor director of the North Carolina of the Year for the Americas.” Th e Susana Martinez to a newly Bar Association since 2008, International Masters of Gaming created district court judgeship was honored at the 2014 Law cited the 67 percent increase in southeastern New Mexico. annual meeting of the National in the state’s lottery and gaming Castillo has operated her own Association of Bar Executives in revenues during Martino’s four- law practice in Hobbs since 2010, Boston as a recipient of the Peer year tenure as one of the reasons previously worked in a private law Excellence Award. he was awarded the distinction. fi rm in the community, and was Todd D. Powell, ’98, Hays, Kan., an assistant district attorney. is a partner with Glassman Bird 2003 Amanda J. Kiefer, ’03, Clinton M. Goos, ’04, Denver, Brown & Powell, LLP. His areas Topeka, FHL Bank, assistant joined Beatty & Wozniak in Sept. of practice include government vice president, assistant general 2014 as an associate practicing in law, labor/employment, business/ counsel & director of minority transactional/corporate law. transactional, appellate practice, and women inclusion, was named administrative law, and as a 2014 “20 Under 40” honoree 2005 Zachary J. Anshutz, ’05, personal injury. by Th e Jayhawk Area Council Overbrook, Kan., is director of Boy Scouts. She also received of regulatory aff airs and chief 1999 Kevin J. Cook, ’99, the Woman of Achievement compliance offi cer at Advisors Topeka, has been elected Award at the Women’s Initiative Excel. He was previously assistant chairman of the Shawnee Recognition Reception, organized commissioner of insurance for the County Commission. by Go Topeka’s Entrepreneurial State of Kansas. Gregory D. Hill, ’99, Greenwood and Minority Business Melissa A. Bleser, ’05, Denver, Village, Colo., was named Development Council. is partner at Kutak Rock LLP. executive director of the Colorado Glen C. McBeth, ’03, Topeka, Bleser focuses on corporate and Dental Association. was named a Washburn University partnership tax matters and is School of Law Adjunct Professor experienced in working with 2000 Gregory A. Schwartz, of the Year in 2013-14. a wide range of sophisticated ’00, Hays, Kan., and Carol M. Th e Honorable Timothy L. corporate and real estate Park have opened a new law fi rm, Dupree ’03, Kansas City, Kan., clients. She advises on matters Schwartz & Park, L.L.P. was elected as Wyandotte County ranging from fundraising, to district court judge. mergers and acquisitions, to 2001 Th e Honorable William James A. Th ompson, ’03, reorganizations. Her work W. Carter, ’01, Caruthersville, Wichita, is now with Malone, encompasses structuring Mo., is an associate judge for Dwire & Th ompson, LLC. transactions to minimize federal the 34th Judicial Circuit Court, Andrew D. Wimmer, ’03, and state income and sales/use Pemiscot County, Division 2. Overland Park, Kan., was taxes; negotiating deal terms; appointed to the Kansas State performing due diligence; and 2002 Th e Honorable Adam Board of Indigents’ Defense draft ing stock and asset purchase J. Espinosa, ’02, Denver, has Services. agreements, management been appointed as a judge to the contracts, buy-sell agreements, Denver County Court. 2004 Teri C. Adam, ’04, shareholder agreements and Th e Honorable Michael Phoenix, has been promoted to ancillary documents, including Hoelscher, ’02, Wichita, is the assistant director of Professional confi dentiality and employment agreements.
32 SPRING 2015 | WASHBURNLAW.EDU Class Actions CLASS ACTIONS
Vincent M. Cox, ’05, Topeka, is Division Outstanding Military Aaron Sauerwein, ’09, Wichita, the 2014-15 KBA YLS Board of Service Award recipients. is an attorney at the Kansas Directors ABA liaison. Daniel M. Westhoff , ’07, Department of Transportation. Justin L. Ferrell, ‘05, Concordia, Broomfi eld, Colo., has formed the Kan., is the 2014-15 KBA YLS fi rm of Danielsen Westhoff , PC. 2010 Ashley M. Barton, ’10, Board of Directors president-elect. Kansas City, Mo., is an assistant Jeff rey N. Lowe, ’05, Wichita, 2008 Jason T. Farley, ’08, city attorney for the City of Kansas has successfully achieved board Des Moines, Iowa, was named City in the litigation department. certifi cation as a family trial to the Master Builders of Iowa Daniel S. Heinz, ’10, Topeka, advocate. (MBI) MB EYE on the Future is an associate with Riling, Jason N. Miller, ’05, Gilbert, leadership program. Th e program Burkhead, & Nitcher, Chtd., in Ariz., has been named a partner at is MBI’s leadership development Lawrence, Kan. Carpenter, Hazlewood, Delgado program, designed to prepare Jennifer N. Horchem, ’10, & Bolen, PLC. participants for leadership within Wichita, is associate general Kimberly A. Vining, ’05, their companies, the construction counsel at Slawson Companies. Wichita, has been elected 2014- industry in Iowa, and the MBI. Kahlea M. Porter, ’10, Topeka, is 2015 president of the Wichita Farley is a member of Whitfi eld & now with the Kansas Department Women Attorney’s Association. Eddy, P.L.C. and has been selected for Aging and Disability Services. by his peers for inclusion in Great Robert M. Weaver, ’10, Utrecht, 2006 Jessica L. Carrerata, ’06, Plains Super Lawyers 2014. the Netherlands, is an adjunct Dallas, is senior planner at Frontier R. Scott Gordon, ’08, Topeka, lecturer at the University of Investment Management Company. has been promoted to general Amsterdam. Weaver is also with Ryan Gering, ’06, Wichita, has counsel of the Kansas State Weaver & Henderson On Point been named a partner at Hulnick, Department of Education, where Legal, focusing on European/ Stang & Gering P.A. he has worked as an attorney IV Dutch immigration and free Jason T. Gray, ’06, Washington, since 2012. movement, European Union, D.C., was elected shareholder Dutch administrative, and at Duncan, Weinberg, Genzer, 2009 Clayton I. Kerbs, ’09, entrepreneurial/legal persons law. & Pembroke, P.C. He practices Dodge City, Kan., is a 2014-15 utility law and energy regulation. KBA YLS Board of Directors 2011 Shawn P. Yancy, ’11, Mary K. Hanisch, ’06, Chicago, social chair. Topeka, is the 2014-15 KBA YLS is assistant director of the business Matt Koupal, ’09, Topeka, Board of Directors mock trial chair. law clinic at Loyola University has been promoted to assistant Chicago School of Law. vice president, assistant general 2012 Brandon M. Barros, ’12, Angel R. Zimmerman, ’06, counsel, and director of China Lake, Calif., is a contract Topeka, is the new vice chair for compliance with FHL Bank. specialist with the U.S. Navy - the international women in the Christine M. Larson, ’09, NAVAIR - NAWCWD. law committee for J. Reuben Liberal, Kan., has become a Lisa M. Brown, ’12, Topeka, Clark Law Society. shareholder in Sharp McQueen, has joined Goodell, Stratton, P.A. She has been with the fi rm Edmonds & Palmer. She 2007 Kristen C. Kellems, ’07, the past fi ve years. Her practice practices primarily in the area Provo, Utah, is an adjunct professor emphasizes family and civil law, of civil litigation. at Brigham Young University. along with general practice. B.J. Harden, ’12, Topeka, is the Captain Michael J. Scaletty, ’07, Johnathon A. Rhodes, ’09, Kansas State Treasurer’s director Chapman, Kan., was chosen by Denver, is senior corporate of the Unclaimed Property Offi ce. the American Bar Association counsel - health care regulatory Joslyn M. Kusiak, ’12, as one of 2014’s Young Lawyer at DaVita. Independence, Kan., is the 2014-
(cont. on page 34) washburnlaw.edu/alumni/classactions
Class Actions 33 CLASS ACTIONS
15 KBA YLS Board of Directors preparing tax returns and fi nancial NEW ONLINE DIRECTORY secretary/treasurer. statements, and providing general Asel T. Mukeyeva, ’12, Kansas accounting services. City, Mo., has joined Husch Washburn Law Alumni Services is Blackwell. Mukeyeva focuses her pleased to announce the launch of the practice primarily on corporate Online Alumni Directory. tax and tax controversy matters.
Initially, we are off ering access to all 2013 Jill R. Gillett, ’13, REMEMBERING Washburn Law alumni. Aft er July 1, Fredonia, Kan., is a 2014-15 KBA PROFESSOR DAVID S. 2015, the online directory will only be YLS Board of Directors social chair. DALE, SR. Matthew W. Parker, ’13, Omaha, available to Washburn Law Alumni Neb., is the Americans with Association members. Disabilities Act coordinator for the Nebraska Department of To register and access the directory, Correctional Services. go to: givetowashburn.org/ William E. Paulson, ’13, Ottawa, lawalumnidirectory. Click on “new user Kan., has accepted a commission registration.” Th ere will be a waiting into the United States Air Force 1975 Kaw period of up to two days, but once Judge Advocate General’s Corps (yearbook) approved, you will have instant access to as a fi rst lieutenant to be stationed David Shelby Dale, Sr., Lakewood, the directory. at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Colo., passed away on February Walton Beach, Fla. 21, 2014, at age 80. From 1970 to We encourage everyone to check out Timothy R. Sipe, ’13, Lawrence, 1977, he taught environmental, Kan., is an associate attorney the directory. Please join or renew your property, and oil and gas law at at Hamilton, Laughlin, Barker, membership for continued access! Washburn Law. Some of David’s Johnson & Jones. law students would later teach Jonathan D. Weishaar, ’13, his son, John J. (Jack) Dale, who Topeka, has joined Ralston, Pope graduated from Washburn Law & Diehl LLC. in 1997. YOUR LIFETIME E-MAIL 2014 Michael J. Baxter, ’14, ADDRESS IS WAITING Prior to teaching, he practiced Hays, Kan., has joined the Jeter oil and gas law at Vinson & FOR YOU Law Firm. Elkins. He returned to practice Julianne N. Burton, ’14, as an “oil man” in the 1980s, fi rst We are pleased to provide our alumni Newton, Kan., has joined with Conoco in Houston, then with free lifetime e-mail addresses. Cornerstone Law, LLC. with Milestone Petroleum and Your account has already been Taylor B. Concannon, ’14, Meridian Oil, in Denver. He created. Contact the Alumni Offi ce at Kansas City, Mo., has joined retired in 1996. Husch Blackwell’s Business 785.670.1011 or [email protected] Litigation group. To honor his work as an attorney, to obtain your username and password. Christopher M. Ray, ’14, Kansas Access this account at: donations can be made to City, Mo., is an associate at B.L. Washburn University School of washburnlaw.edu/alumni/email. Harrison Law. Law Scholarship Funds. Patrick Salyer, ’14, Salina, Kan., is an associate with the fi rm of Kennedy & Coe, LLC. He will be
34 SPRING 2015 | WASHBURNLAW.EDU Class Actions Dean’s Circle Dinner 2014 Hilton President Kansas City
Th e annual Dean’s Circle Dinner and cocktail reception was held September 27, 2014, at the Hilton President Kansas City. Supporters of the Law School, including alumni, faculty, and friends, enjoyed a wonderful evening of conversation and entertainment. Attendees heard updates on the law school from Dean Th omas Romig and Sabrina Standifer, ’99, Washburn University School of Law Alumni Association president. Other speakers were Tabitha Chapman, JD candidate ’14, and Washburn Student Bar Association president, and Chris Staley,
JD candidate ’14, and Washburn Law Journal editor- 1 in-chief. Aft er dinner and the program, attendees danced and listened to live music.
Members of the Dean’s Circle give $1,000 or more annually to Washburn University School of Law. Th ey are invited to the Dean’s Circle Dinner and receive special invitations for premier events and programs throughout the year. For more information about how to become a member of the Dean’s Circle, please call 785.670.4483.
2 3 9th Annual Alumni Golf Tournament and Ethics CLE
Th e 9th Annual Washburn Law Alumni Association Golf Tournament and Ethics CLE were held on September 26, 2014, at the Alvamar Golf Course in Lawrence, Kan. Stan Hazlett, Kansas State Disciplinary administrator, presented the CLE.
Th ere were 22 hole sponsors, seven student sponsors, and a total of 59 golfers. Th e golf committee chair was John Jurcyk, ’84, Fairway, Kan. 4 5
First place winners were Ron Beal, ’83; Mark Lazzo, [1] Michelle Slinkard, ‘03, and Duston Slinkard, ’03 [2] Bill ’86; Matt Lazzo; and Rocky Wiechman. Th e team Bunten, ’56 [3] Christina Collins-Apperson, ’97 [4] Chris Staley, JD candidate, ’15 [5] Tabitha Chapman, JD candidate, ’15 of Jeff Harris, ’09; Kevin Mechtley, ’09; Cory Gallagher, ’09; and Chris Conroy, ’98, won second place. Th e third place winners were Jeff Jones, ’81; Eric Johnson, ’78; Gary Laughlin,’71; and Tim Sipe, ’13.
Alumni Events 35 Student Perspectives 1 What activity at Washburn Law is helping you become practice ready? 2 Which course has been the most intriguing for you and why? 3 Describe your dream job. 4 What current legal issue in the news do you follow closely and why?
Lindsey Michael Adeel Debenham Kitowski Syed 1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Topeka Marysville, Kan. Wichita,
1 I think the activity that has 1 Washburn Law is helping 1 In Advanced Oil and Gas made me most practice ready me become practice ready by Law, I was required to draft isn't necessarily an activity but creating an atmosphere where increasingly complex contract rather the memo and briefs we I can interact with faculty provisions. Washburn Law write for the legal writing class. and other students to develop also provides a number of In practice, we will spend a large important oral and written extracurricular opportunities, portion of time working on legal skills that I will use upon such as Moot Court Council and writing, so these writings will graduation. In the Veterans Trial Advocacy Competitions. make us that much more prepared Legal Assistance Clinic, I was Th e combined eff ect of in-class for when we are draft ing our own able to interact with local work and participating in client documents. veterans, listen to their needs, extracurricular activities has and determine if we could helped me become practice ready. 2 I think the most intriguing assist them in writing a will, course so far has been living will, and/or durable 2 I have found the study of Oil and Constitutional Law because power of attorney. Gas Law to be most intriguing it always starts an interesting because it combines the complex debate in class. 2 I have been intrigued by concepts and application of every course I have taken at principles that are taught in the 3 My dream job would probably Washburn Law. Each course very fi rst year of Law School. It is include being a judge, but has taught me a diff erent aspect the one fi eld where I am able to until that day arrives I would of law. I found Decedents’ apply concepts from every course really like to be doing criminal Estates and Trusts particularly I have taken at Washburn Law. prosecution. interesting because I think being able to give clients peace 3 My dream job is to work as an 4 I’ve been trying to keep up of mind on personal aff airs is in-house counsel, preferably for an with news on the Brownback very rewarding. oil and gas company. administration’s eff orts to modify the way we appoint 3 My dream job in law 4 I have been following ethical judges from a merit system to encompasses my interest in issues faced by attorneys for an elective or federal system of Decedents’ Estates and Trust. I quite some time. As a soon-to-be appointment. Th is is a directly would fi nd it rewarding to use attorney, it is not only important relevant topic for those of us the skills and knowledge I have to know the “dos and don’ts ” but going into law. Th e way judges gained through my studies at also to learn about creative and are appointed could impact Washburn Law to help clients ethical ways to practice law, and the decisions made by judges plan and prepare for the future advocate zealously for clients, yet because of the political pressure and put their personal aff airs fulfi ll all of our obligations to our placed upon them. in order. chosen profession.
36 SPRING 2015 | WASHBURNLAW.EDU StudentAlumni Perspectives News Washburn Law alumni, you are encouraged to identify prospective law students, visit with them about a career in law, and tout your alma mater. When they apply to Washburn Law, they will receive an application fee waiver upon mentioning your name to an admissions representative.
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Upcoming Events
MAY 2015 16 School of Law Commencement – 6:30 p.m. 27 Houston alumni event – noon lunch downtown and evening reception in suburbs
JULY 2015 14 Denver alumni event – 6-8 p.m. 16 KWAA Conference, Washburn Law Reception Ol’ Stuga in Lindsborg
AUGUST 2015 5 St. Louis alumni event – 6-8 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 2015 16 Topeka alumni event – noon
OCTOBER 2015 7 Kansas City alumni event – 6-8 p.m. 21 Atlanta alumni event - 6-8 p.m.
All events on Washburn University campus unless noted otherwise.
washburnlaw.edu/events