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Posted on: Jul 13, 2026

Kansas Attorney William E. H. Quick Releases Interactive Game Book
Inspired by U.S. Flag Etiquette and Civic Dialogue

LEAWOOD, KS — Long recognized within the Kansas legal community for his leadership, scholarship, and service, attorney William E. H. Quick of Leawood, Kansas, a respected member of the Kansas Bar Association, announces the release of a new interactive game book published by Quick Gaming titled Flag Code Violation!.

Known among colleagues for his thoughtful engagement in corporate governance, statutory interpretation, and legal education, Mr. Quick brings his longstanding interest in law, symbols, and civic systems into a creative, non-legal format designed for families, friends, and road trip companions.

Flag Code Violation! is an experiential learning game inspired by U.S. flag etiquette and the broader cultural and civic meaning of American symbols. Designed to spark conversation, humor, and friendly debate, the game invites participants to identify perceived “Flag Code Violations” in everyday life—from highway travel and public events to retail settings and sporting venues.

The game encourages players to defend their interpretations, challenge one another’s reasoning, and engage in lighthearted but thought-provoking discussion. While grounded in themes of flags, civic symbols, and public norms, the book is not intended as legal advice and explicitly functions as a satirical and educational game experience.

“This game has been field-tested over more than a decade of family road trips, errands, sporting events, and travel,” Quick said. “It is easy to learn, challenging to master, and designed to spark both laughter and conversation.”

Rather than offering legal analysis, the book uses humor and real-world observation to encourage critical thinking and dialogue about how rules, traditions, and symbols are interpreted in everyday life. Players sharpen reasoning skills as they debate whether a “Flag Code Violation!” has occurred and defend their positions in friendly competition.

The book includes a dedicated section for recording outcomes in a “Record of Renown™,” documenting each session’s “Prized Patriot™” winner and creating a lasting record of gameplay for families and groups. The format is designed for portability and spontaneous play, making it ideal for travel and on-the-go entertainment.

Published under Quick Gaming, Flag Code Violation! draws on themes of hobbies and games, political humor and satire, travel and road trips, civic symbolism, and experiential learning. It is intended to foster engagement, curiosity, and shared enjoyment among participants.

Additional information and a link to the book is available at:  https://flagcodeviolation.com/

About the Author
William E. H. Quick of Leawood, Kansas, is a respected attorney and member of the Kansas Bar Association. He is the creator of Flag Code Violation!, an interactive game designed to encourage discussion, observation, and critical thinking through the lens of U.S. flag etiquette and civic symbolism.

WEQ credentials - bio - resume - vitae

About Quick Gaming
Quick Gaming publishes experiential, discussion-based games designed for families and groups, encouraging engagement, humor, and interactive learning.

Additional information and a link to the book is available at:  https://flagcodeviolation.com/

 

Posted on: Jun 12, 2026

Foulston Siefkin LLP Expands Recognition of Lawyers;
Adds Energy & Natural Resources Ranking from Chambers USA


Wichita, KAN. – Foulston Siefkin LLP and its attorneys have expanded their top-tier rankings in the London-based Chambers USA 2026 Guide, adding recognition for two more attorneys and the practice area of energy and natural resources. Chambers and Partners, one of the most well-known lawyer-ranking organizations globally, evaluates top lawyers and law firms across the globe using independent research. Law firms and individual lawyers are reviewed on the quality of legal ability, recognized client service, caliber of bench, understanding of legal issues’ effect on the client’s business, diligence, cost-effectiveness, and other qualities most valued by clients.

In the 2026 Guide, Foulston received the most Band 1 firm rankings in the state of Kansas, consistent with past years. This includes a new Band 1 ranking in Energy and Natural Resources, a practice area added in 2026. The firm received the highest ranking for seven practice areas: Corporate/M&A, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation, Energy & Natural Resources, Labor & Employment, Litigation: General Commercial, Real Estate, and Tax. Foulston earned a Band 2 ranking in the practice area of Intellectual Property. Chambers researchers also again singled out real estate and renewable energy lawyer Trish Voth as a “Star Individual” based on the exceptional recommendations references gave her during the research process, as they did in 2025.

In the 2026 publication, the following 32 Foulston attorneys were recognized in Kansas in the following practice areas:
• Corporate/M&A
o Trent R. Byquist
o Harvey R. Sorensen
o William R. Wood, II

• Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
o Douglas L. Hanisch
o Charles E. McClellan
• Energy & Natural Resources
o Trish Voth Blankenship
o James P. Zakoura

• Intellectual Property
o William P. Matthews

• Labor & Employment
o Donald D. Berner
o Boyd A. Byers
o Tara Eberline
o Forrest T. Rhodes, Jr.
o Teresa L. Shulda

• Litigation: General Commercial
o James M. Armstrong
o Gary L. Ayers
o Holly A. Dyer
o Jay F. Fowler
o Jeffery A. Jordan
o Scott C. Nehrbass
o James D. Oliver
o David E. Rogers
o Tony F. Rupp
o Kyle J. Steadman
o Shannon D. Wead

• Litigation: Mediators
o Kyle J. Steadman

• Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
o Gary L. Ayers
o Clayton J. Kaiser

• Real Estate
o Trish Voth Blankenship
o Joshua T. Hill
o Wesley J. Kimmel
o Robert Smith
o William R. Wood, II

• Tax
o Stanley G. Andeel
o Kevin J. Arnel
o Christopher M. Hurst
o Andrew J. Nolan

Chambers USA’s research methods consist of interviews with and feedback from clients and other lawyers in the market, assessment of the firm’s recent work, and independent research by the editors. View the firm’s rankings in full at https://chambers.com/law-firm/foulston-siefkin-llp-usa-5:65437.

As the largest law firm based in Kansas, with offices in Kansas City, Topeka, and Wichita, Foulston Siefkin LLP provides legal and government affairs services to a broad range of clients — from large national and international corporations to closely held businesses and individuals. Foulston’s lawyers are consistently recognized as among the leading lawyers in the United States. For more than 100 years, Foulston’s lawyers have provided counsel in a wide range of practice areas, including civil and complex litigation, tax, business matters, employment and labor, and healthcare. For more information, contact Tammy Allen, chief marketing officer, at 316.291.9572, tallen@foulston.com; or visit www.foulston.com.

Posted on: May 14, 2026

Foulston Named by Vault Among Nation’s “Top 150 Under 150” Law Firms

Overland Park, Topeka, Wichita, KAN. – Foulston Siefkin LLP has been recognized as one of the top 150 law firms with fewer than 150 lawyers in the U.S. by Vault Law, a career and research resource for legal professionals. Vault bases its ranking on data from legal publications, industry awards, and published rankings. Foulston is the only Kansas-based firm included in the Vault Top 150. The firm has nearly 90 lawyers across offices in Overland Park, Topeka, and Wichita.

Foulston managing partner David Rogers said, “We appreciate the recognition of our work and remain focused on delivering excellent legal advice and top-notch client service. A law firm is only as good as its lawyers and staff, and we’re very fortunate to have built a culture that draws great people.”

The firm is highly ranked through multiple lawyer-recognition organizations, such as Chambers and Partners, Best Lawyers® and Best Law Firms®, and Benchmark Litigation, and a number of Foulston lawyers have been elected as members of selective organizations based on their experience and career achievements. These organizations include the American College of Trial Lawyers, the American College of Tax Counsel, the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers, the American College of Construction Lawyers, the American College of Environmental Lawyers, and the Litigation Counsel of America.

As the largest law firm based in Kansas, with offices in Kansas City, Topeka, and Wichita, Foulston Siefkin LLP provides legal services to a broad range of clients — from large national and international corporations to small businesses and individuals. Foulston’s lawyers are consistently recognized as among the leading lawyers in the United States. For more than 100 years, Foulston’s lawyers have provided counsel in a wide range of practice areas, including civil and complex litigation, tax, business matters, employment and labor, and healthcare. For more information, contact Tammy Allen, chief marketing officer, at 316.291.9572, tallen@foulston.com; or visit www.foulston.com.

Posted on: Apr 3, 2026

District Judge David Hauber to retire from 10th Judicial District

TOPEKA—District Court Judge David Hauber will retire April 1 after serving 18 years in the 10th Judicial District, which is Johnson County.

Hauber has served as a district judge since 2008 after working 25 years in a private law practice. He said his many years as an attorney led to his interest to become a judge.

“I have always been intrigued by the many facets of civil law, and I wanted to serve in a role where my experience in it would benefit the public and the legal community,” he said.

Hauber earned a journalism degree from the University of Kansas. He was editor of the Baldwin Ledger and then a reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal before he earned a law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law.

Hauber advises anyone interested in becoming a judge to view the role as contributing to public good.

“As a judge you must challenge the lawyers appearing in front of you to believe that a fair resolution is the best resolution,” he said. “A plaintiff or defendant may not get the verdict they hoped for, but they should leave the courthouse feeling they’ve been treated fairly and in accordance with the law.”

Posted on: Apr 3, 2026

Douglas County District Judge Sally Pokorny to retire

Douglas County District Judge Sally Pokorny has announced her retirement, to take effect April 10, 2026. (Contributed photo)

Douglas County District Judge Sally Pokorny has announced her plans to retire next month after nearly 50 years of legal service. Pokorny worked as both a defense attorney and a prosecutor, in private practice and in public service, before Gov. Kathleen Sebelius appointed her as a judge and she took the bench in 2009, according to a Friday news release.

"I have been fortunate to spend my career in service to the law and to the people of Kansas,” Pokorny said in the release. “Serving as a district court judge has been the greatest honor of my professional life, and I am especially proud of the relationships built with colleagues, attorneys, and those I was privileged to mentor along the way.”

Pokorny was the first judge in Kansas to establish a behavioral health court. The specialized court emphasizes “accountability, treatment, and dignity for individuals with serious mental health challenges.”

“The program reflected her belief that effective justice requires both structure and compassion, and it has served as a model for problem-solving courts across the state and for 10 years has positively impacted countless lives,” according to the release.

Pokorny graduated magna cum laude from Washburn University in 1975 and received her law degree with honors from Washburn in 1978, according to the release. 

She began her career as an assistant district attorney in Shawnee County, and she continued as a criminal and family law attorney. She was the first woman elected as county attorney in Independence, Kansas and Montgomery County, according to the release. She then moved to Douglas County and was of counsel in the Law Offices of  David J. Brown.

In addition to involvement with the Kansas Bar, its foundation and the Douglas County Hugh Means Inn of Court, Pokorny was a charter member of the Kansas Women Attorneys Association and co-founded the Lawrence Women Attorneys monthly networking group with Kathy Kirk, according to the release.

“Judge Pokorny’s career is a remarkable testament to integrity, intellect, and heart,” Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Eric Rosen said in the release. “As a colleague, I have long respected her thoughtful, well-reasoned approach to the law and her unwavering commitment to fairness. As a friend, I have appreciated her straightforward, candid manner and the sense of humor she brought to even the most challenging days throughout her career and especially on the bench.”

Pokorny’s retirement will be effective Friday, April 10. A public farewell ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. that day at the historic courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St.

“Judge Pokorny would like to thank the people of Douglas County who voted to retain her four times, to the members of the Nominating Committee who sent her name to the Governor and to Governor Kathleen Sebelius who appointed her to the bench,” according to the release.

State statute lays out the process to determine who will fill the vacancy when a judge retires. According to the Kansas Judicial Branch, “State statute requires a nominating commission to accept nominations, interview nominees, and forward names of finalists to the governor, who appoints a replacement.”

Posted on: Mar 25, 2026

Jason Maxwell Appointed New Municipal Court Judge

City Manager Jacob Wood has appointed Jason Maxwell as the new Municipal Judge. 

Mr. Maxwell will bring 30 years of law experience to Salina. He is currently the Municipal Court Judge and Treatment Court Judge in Liberal, Kansas. He has also served as a Municipal Judge on a part-time basis for the cities of Sublette and Satanta, Kansas, and Hooker, Oklahoma. Other experience includes being the County Counselor for Haskell County, Kansas, along with managing a private practice serving Kansas and Oklahoma clients. He received a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science from Oklahoma State University prior to earning a Juris Doctor from University of Oklahoma College of Law. Mr. Maxwell is a member of the Kansas Bar Association, Oklahoma Bar Association, and Seward-Haskell County Bar Association. He has been an active member and has held leadership roles in the Kansas Municipal Judges Association and has served on numerous professional committees. His wife, Lara, will be joining him in the relocation to Salina.

City Manager Wood states, "Jason’s demonstrated leadership and law experience will be an asset for Salina’s Municipal Court. We were fortunate to have several strong applicants for this role, but his background and approach made him a great fit for this position. We’re excited to have him join our community.”

Mr. Maxwell succeeds Brenda Stoss, who is retiring after 22 years of service. Mr. Maxwell will begin the role within the next month.

 

Posted on: Mar 4, 2026

Stormont Vail Health names new senior vice president and chief legal officer

Stormont Vail Health has named Jay Howard as the new senior vice president, chief legal officer for the regional integrated health care system that includes acute care hospitals in Topeka and Junction City, and multiple primary and specialty care centers and clinics across eastern Kansas. He was to begin March 1. Howard has more than 30 years of legal experience, with all of that time devoted to health care law representing hospitals and health systems. He has been with Polsinelli PC since 1998, serving as an equity shareholder in the firm’s health law department since 2000. Prior to that, Howard worked as an associate for Shook Hardy & Bacon, LLP. He is admitted to practice law in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Howard received his LL.M. in health care from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and his law degree from Washburn University School of Law. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas.

Posted on: Mar 4, 2026

Henson, Hutton, Mudrick, Gragson & Vogelsberg welcomes new associate

The law firm of Henson, Hutton, Mudrick, Gragson & Vogelsberg welcomed a new associate, Harrison DeVaughn. Harrison recently graduated from Washburn University School of Law and will be practicing civil litigation, corporate, employment and domestic law. He brings a strong work ethic and competitive experience to the firm, as a former collegiate track athlete from Baker University, and through his diverse work experience.

Posted on: Jan 22, 2026

Firm Update: New Attorney Joins Kennedy Berkley

At Kennedy Berkley Attorneys at Law, we believe great attorneys are shaped not only by their education, but by their experiences, values, and commitment to the communities they serve. That belief is exactly why we’re excited to introduce Matt Odom, the newest attorney to join our team in Hays.

Matt’s story spans several states and is deeply rooted in service. Both he and his father served in the military, and Matt’s parents emphasized the importance of community involvement, responsibility, and respect for others from an early age. Those values stayed with Matt as his family moved throughout the country, eventually bringing him to Kansas, where he attended Hays High School before joining the U.S. Army.

After his military service, Matt continued his education at Fort Hays State University and later earned his law degree from the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Despite his experiences beyond Kansas, Matt always knew where he wanted to build his life and career. In 2019, he returned to Hays, drawn by the strength of the community and a desire to serve families in a region where legal resources — particularly in domestic relations — are in short supply.

Matt’s path to Kennedy Berkley began organically. Early in his career, he had professional interactions with Blake Bittel, a respected attorney at Kennedy Berkley in Hays whose practice includes family law, civil litigation, trust and estate litigation, and mediation. Blake also previously served as a Kansas district judge, giving him unique insight into the courtroom and legal process. Matt first met Blake as opposing counsel and later ran into him around town in Hays. Those encounters, along with Blake’s professionalism and approach to the practice of law, ultimately led to Matt’s introduction to the firm and its collaborative, client-centered culture — an approach that immediately resonated with him.

Before joining Kennedy Berkley, Matt worked as a staff attorney with Kansas Legal Services, where he was driven by a belief that legal knowledge should be used to help people navigate difficult seasons of life. That same mindset now shapes his domestic relations practice.

“Family law is emotional,” Matt shares. “There’s rarely a clear winner. People go through court, relive painful experiences, and then still have to go home and continue living their lives.” For Matt, the most important part of this work is building trust, respecting family relationships, and helping clients move forward with dignity and clarity — particularly when dividing financial assets and making decisions that affect their future.

In a community like Hays, where word of mouth matters and the need for domestic relations attorneys continues to grow, Matt is committed to being a steady, reliable presence for clients navigating some of life’s hardest moments.

Outside the courtroom, Matt is a devoted father to his 15-year-old daughter and values intentional parenting and quality time together. He enjoys being outdoors, camping, off-roading, working with his hands, and exploring interests like cars and science — passions that reflect both his curiosity and grounded nature.

We’re proud to welcome Matt Odom to Kennedy Berkley and grateful for the care, integrity, and community focus he brings to our firm. If you see him around Hays, don’t hesitate to say hello — chances are he’ll be just as interested in getting to know you as he is in serving our community.

Meet Matt Odom

 

Posted on: Jan 15, 2026

Lawton R. Nuss, former chief justice of the Kansas Supreme Court, has been appointed to the executive committee of the Alliance of Former Chief Justices.  This national organization of former chief justices of state supreme courts was created to speak out for judicial independence and the rule of law.  


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