Members In The News

Litigation Attorneys Jeremy Koehler and Sarah Otto Elected to Partnership at Foulston Siefkin LLP

WICHITA, Kan., OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Foulston Siefkin LLP’s partners elected two associate attorneys to join their ranks as partners effective Jan. 1, 2026. Jeremy Koehler and Sarah Otto are members of the firm’s litigation practice group, with Jeremy based in Wichita, and Sarah in the firm’s Overland Park office. 

Jeremy Koehler represents clients in complex litigation matters before state, federal, and appellate courts. He handles a broad range of litigation, including creditors' rights and bankruptcy, foreclosure actions, real estate disputes, contractual disputes with suppliers, and protecting clients from improper use of trade secrets and unfair competition.

Jeremy attended Washburn University School of Law, where he was editor-in-chief of the Washburn Law Journal and graduated summa cum laude with his Juris Doctor. He is a graduate of Bethany College, where he was student body president and earned a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice magna cum laude. Jeremy entered law school after working for approximately three years in law enforcement and corrections. He is a past president of the Wichita Bar Association Young Lawyers Section and current chair of the PBS Kansas Board of Trustees.

Sarah Otto’s practice focuses on commercial litigation and employment disputes. She represents businesses and governmental entities in complex breach of contract proceedings in state, federal, and appellate courts. Sarah also defends employers in workplace litigation and advises business owners, general counsel, and human resource professionals on employment-related issues, including retaliation, discrimination, and harassment claims.

Sarah graduated Order of the Coif with her Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas School of Law, where she participated in national moot court competitions and served as associate editor of the Kansas Law Review. Previously, she earned a Bachelor of Science cum laude in history and political science from Kansas State University, where she competed nationally in collegiate policy debate. She graduated from the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce’s Shawnee Tomorrow Leadership Program in 2025. Sarah is a lecturing professor at KU, where she teaches a law school moot court course that focuses on appellate advocacy.

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.

Litigation Attorneys Jeremy Koehler and Sarah Otto Elected to Partnership at Foulston Siefkin LLP

WICHITA, Kan., OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Foulston Siefkin LLP’s partners elected two associate attorneys to join their ranks as partners effective Jan. 1, 2026. Jeremy Koehler and Sarah Otto are members of the firm’s litigation practice group, with Jeremy based in Wichita, and Sarah in the firm’s Overland Park office.

Jeremy Koehler represents clients in complex litigation matters before state, federal, and appellate courts. He handles a broad range of litigation, including creditors' rights and bankruptcy, foreclosure actions, real estate disputes, contractual disputes with suppliers, and protecting clients from improper use of trade secrets and unfair competition.

Jeremy attended Washburn University School of Law, where he was editor-in-chief of the Washburn Law Journal and graduated summa cum laude with his Juris Doctor. He is a graduate of Bethany College, where he was student body president and earned a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice magna cum laude. Jeremy entered law school after working for approximately three years in law enforcement and corrections. He is a past president of the Wichita Bar Association Young Lawyers Section and current chair of the PBS Kansas Board of Trustees.

Sarah Otto’s practice focuses on commercial litigation and employment disputes. She represents businesses and governmental entities in complex breach of contract proceedings in state, federal, and appellate courts. Sarah also defends employers in workplace litigation and advises business owners, general counsel, and human resource professionals on employment-related issues, including retaliation, discrimination, and harassment claims.

Sarah graduated Order of the Coif with her Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas School of Law, where she participated in national moot court competitions and served as associate editor of the Kansas Law Review. Previously, she earned a Bachelor of Science cum laude in history and political science from Kansas State University, where she competed nationally in collegiate policy debate. She graduated from the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce’s Shawnee Tomorrow Leadership Program in 2025. Sarah is a lecturing professor at KU, where she teaches a law school moot court course that focuses on appellate advocacy.

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.

Foulston Partner C. Edward Watson, II,
Elected President of National Government Affairs Law Firm Network

WICHITA, Kan. – C. Edward (Eddie) Watson, II, a Foulston Siefkin LLP partner with more than three decades of government affairs and public policy experience, was inducted as board president of State Law Resources (SLR) for the 2025-2026 year. State Law Resources is an association of law firms with strong government affairs practices. Member firms are located in all 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Belgium.

Eddie leads Foulston’s government affairs and public policy team, which helps advocate and build strategic relationships for clients with local, state, and federal governments, elected officials, and agencies. Before joining Foulston, Eddie served as a regional governmental affairs attorney for AT&T in Chicago.

Eddie’s law practice also includes real estate and employment law, and he frequently works with faith-based organizations as outside general counsel. Eddie is a past president of the Wichita Bar Association and a member of the Client Protection Fund Commission appointed by the Kansas Supreme Court. Deeply engaged in community service, Eddie is the current president of both the Kansas African American Museum board and the Kansas Appleseed board. He was recently named to the Wichita Business Journal’s Diversity and Inclusion Hall of Fame and is a pastor for St. James Church of God in Christ in Arkansas City.

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 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.

Baker Sterchi Welcomes Natalie Frank in St. Louis

Kansas City, MO –  Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC is pleased to announce that Natalie Frank has joined the firm’s St. Louis office as an associate. Frank focuses her practice on defending healthcare providers in medical malpractice litigation, and has experience representing physicians, hospitals and other healthcare professionals in state and federal courts.

Her practice spans all phases of litigation, and she has contributed to successful outcomes through motion practice and participation on trial teams. She also represents clients in state licensing board investigations in Missouri and Kansas.

She is a member of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, the Federal Bar Association, the Kansas Bar Association, the Missouri Bar Association and the Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers. Her community involvement includes service as a chapter advisor for the UMKC chapter of Chi Omega Fraternity and as a member of the UMKC School of Humanities and Social Sciences Alumni Board.

Frank earned her law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She is licensed to practice in Missouri and Kansas.

About Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC

Founded in 1982, Baker Sterchi is a civil defense litigation and trial law firm with offices in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin. The firm provides comprehensive legal services across a broad range of practice areas, including commercial and business litigation, construction, employment and labor, insurance coverage and defense, law enforcement and civil rights, government liability, medical malpractice, premises liability, product liability, professional and management liability, trial practice and consulting, and transportation litigation. With a team of attorneys who bring decades of courtroom experience, Baker Sterchi is widely recognized for its trial skills and commitment to client service. For more information, visit www.bakersterchi.com.

Foulston Litigation Practice and 21 Attorneys Named to Benchmark Litigation US 2026

Wichita, KAN. – Foulston attorneys and the firm’s litigation practice have been named in Benchmark Litigation’s US 2026 rankings. Since 2008, the organization conducts research through extensive interviews with litigators, dispute-resolution specialists, and clients, in addition to examination of recent casework and professional peer and practitioner feedback, to identify leading litigation law firms and lawyers across most of the globe, including the US, Canada, Europe, China, and the Asia-Pacific region.

In this year’s release of the Benchmark Litigation 2026 rankings, Foulston is listed as one of three “highly recommended” firms in Kansas. The following 21 attorneys were ranked in this publication’s United States (National), Kansas, or Labor and Employment - Midwest jurisdictions:

• James M. Armstrong, Litigation Star
• Gary L. Ayers, Litigation Star
• Daniel J. Buller, Litigation Star
• Boyd A. Byers, Litigation Star
• Jeff P. DeGraffenreid, Litigation Star
• Holly A. Dyer, Litigation Star
• Tara Eberline, Litigation Star
• Jay F. Fowler, Litigation Star
• Wyatt A. Hoch, Litigation Star
• Jeffery A. Jordan, Litigation Star
• Scott C. Nehrbass, Litigation Star
• Michael J. Norton, Litigation Star
• Forrest T. Rhodes, Jr., Litigation Star
• David E. Rogers, Litigation Star
• Tony F. Rupp, Litigation Star
• Teresa L. Shulda, Litigation Star
• Kyle J. Steadman, Litigation Star
• Matthew D. Stromberg, Future Star
• Shannon D. Wead, Litigation Star
• Craig W. West, Litigation Star
• Rachel N. Wetta, Litigation Star

To learn more about Benchmark Litigation, visit www.benchmarklitigation.com.

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 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.

Kansas District Judges Association elects officers

TOPEKA—The Kansas District Judges Association recently elected its officers for 2026 during an annual statewide conference for judges.

District Judge Bradley Ambrosier was elected president of the organization, which is open to all state district court judges. He serves in the 26th Judicial District, which is composed of Grant, Haskell, Morton, Seward, Stanton, and Stevens counties.

Ambrosier is a native of Hill City and has served as a district judge since 2009. He was chief judge from 2009 to 2021. He graduated from Kansas State University and earned his law degree from Washburn University School of Law.

"To be placed in a position of responsibility by one's peers instills an enormous feeling of gratitude and honor,” he said. “The association has enjoyed a long line of effective leaders, and I will do my best to continue that lofty tradition."

Ambrosier succeeds District Judge Cheryl Rios, who serves in the 3rd Judicial District, which is Shawnee County.

Other officers elected were:

• District Judge Grant Bannister, president-elect. He serves in the 21st Judicial District, which is composed of Clay and Riley counties.
• District Judge Amy Hanley, secretary. She serves in the 7th Judicial District, which is Douglas County.
• District Judge Delia York, secretary. She serves in the 29th Judicial District, which is Wyandotte County.

Harp selected as the 2025 Charles Dorsey Award recipient

Marilyn Harp received the 2025 Charles Dorsey Award from the National Legal Aid and Defender Association. This award honors an individual who has provided extraordinary and dedicated leadership to both the equal justice community and to organizations that promote access to justice for low-income people. This award is for a leader of a national or statewide organization in civil legal aid. The award is given every other year.

The Charles Dorsey award celebrates the accomplishments of the longtime executive director of the Legal Aid Bureau of Maryland, whose many national leadership roles included service as chair of the Project Advisory Group and as a member of the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defendants.

Brenda Cameron to become chief judge in 10th Judicial District

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court has appointed District Judge Brenda Cameron as chief judge of the 10th Judicial District effective January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027.

She will succeed Chief Judge Charles Droege whose term expires December 31, 2025. The 10th Judicial District is Johnson County.

“We appreciate Judge Cameron taking on the responsibilities of chief judge to provide leadership continuity for the 10th Judicial District,” Acting Chief Justice Eric Rosen said. “We also thank Chief Judge Droege for his leadership and great service to the courts during his years in that role.”

Cameron has served as a district judge in Johnson County since 2002. 

“I am honored to have been chosen to serve as chief judge for the 10th Judicial District,” Cameron said. “I look forward to the challenge and appreciate the opportunity.”

Cameron graduated from the University of Kansas and the University of Kansas School of Law.

She is a native Kansan and past president of the Kansas District Judges Association. She currently serves on the Commission on Judicial Conduct and is a past chairperson. She serves on the Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board and is a past president. She has served on the Rules Review Committee, Judicial Education Advisory Committee, and Specialty Court Committee.

She is a member of the American Bar Association, Kansas Bar Association, Johnson County Bar Association, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, American Judges Association, National Association of Women Judges, National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, Earl E. O’Connor American Inn of Court, and is a past chair and current silver fellow of the Johnson County Bar Foundation.

Chief judge role 

Each of Kansas' 31 judicial districts has a chief judge who, in addition to their judicial responsibilities, has general control over case assignments within the district, as well as general supervisory authority over the administrative and clerical functions of the court.

Michael Llamas to become chief judge in 9th Judicial District

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court has appointed District Judge Michael Llamas as chief judge of the 9th Judicial District effective January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027.

He will succeed Chief Judge Marilyn Wilder whose term expires December 31, 2025. The 9th Judicial District is composed of Harvey and McPherson counties.

“We appreciate Judge Llamas taking on the responsibilities of chief judge to provide leadership continuity for the 9th Judicial District,” Acting Chief Justice Eric Rosen said. “We also thank Chief Judge Wilder for her leadership and great service to the courts during her years in that role.”

Llamas has served as a district judge in the 9th Judicial District since 2022.

“I am honored for this opportunity to serve as chief judge,” he said. “I look forward to this new challenge and will do my best to serve the 9th Judicial District.”

Llamas is a native of Newton and graduated from Wichita State University and the University of Kansas School of Law. After law school he was in private practice then served as assistant Harvey County attorney. He has also been a city prosecutor for Hesston and a municipal court judge in Burrton, Walton, and Florence.

Llamas is a member of the Kansas District Judges Association and the Harvey County Bar Association.

Chief judge role 
 
Each of Kansas' 31 judicial districts has a chief judge who, in addition to their judicial responsibilities, has general control over case assignments within the district, as well as general supervisory authority over the administrative and clerical functions of the court. 

Mark Simpson to become chief judge in 7th Judicial District

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court has appointed District Judge Mark Simpson as chief judge of the 7th Judicial District effective January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027.

He will succeed Chief Judge James McCabria whose term expires December 31, 2025. The 7th Judicial District is Douglas County.

“We appreciate Judge Simpson taking on the responsibilities of chief judge to provide leadership continuity for the 7th Judicial District,” Acting Chief Justice Eric Rosen said. “We also thank Chief Judge McCabria for his leadership and great service to the courts during his years in that role.”

Simpson has served as a district judge in the 7th Judicial District since 2019. He presides over the Douglas County Drug Court and handles Chapter 60 civil cases, criminal probation violations, and involuntary treatment for mental illness cases.

“I’m honored to serve as chief judge and pleased to continue working alongside the dedicated professionals at the Douglas County District Court,” Simpson said.

Simpson earned his law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law in 2008. After law school, he joined the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office where he was an assistant district attorney and senior assistant district attorney.

Chief judge role 
 
Each of Kansas' 31 judicial districts has a chief judge who, in addition to their judicial responsibilities, has general control over case assignments within the district, as well as general supervisory authority over the administrative and clerical functions of the court.