Supreme Court appoints two members to Kansas Board for Discipline of Attorneys

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed two members to complete unexpired terms on the Kansas Board for Discipline of Attorneys.

Rebecca Faurot, Scott City, will complete the unexpired term of Stanley DeFries, Topeka. She will serve through June 30.

Thomas Hammond II, Overland Park, will complete the unexpired term of Court of Appeals Judge Sarah Warner, Lenexa. He will serve through June 30, 2022.

The Office of the Disciplinary Administrator works under the direction of the Supreme Court. The disciplinary administrator reviews and investigates misconduct complaints filed against attorneys. The office also presents cases to the Kansas Board for Discipline of Attorneys, recommends discipline to the Supreme Court in serious matters, and provides education and resources to Kansas attorneys to prevent misconduct.

John Gatz, Colby, chairs the board, and Derrick Roberson, Manhattan, is vice chair. They serve on the review committee, along with at-large member Leslie Miller, Lawrence. The committee reviews all cases docketed for investigation and issues reports on case dispositions. Disposition can be dismissal (with or without a letter of caution), diversion, informal admonition, or formal charges. 

Board members are attorneys from across the state. They meet in three-person panels to conduct hearings. Each panel includes two board members and one at-large attorney. Panels hear cases after the review committee has found probable cause that an attorney has violated the Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct and that published discipline is warranted. 

Other members of the board are:

• Gregory Bauer, Great Bend;

• Stephen Cavanaugh, Topeka;

• Jeffrey Chubb, Independence;

• Shaye Downing, Lawrence;

• John Duma, Olathe;

• Glenn Kerbs, Dodge City;

• John Larson, Shawnee;

• Terry Mann, Wichita;

• Kathryn Marsh, Leawood;

• Mira Mdivani, Overland Park;

• Stacy Ortega, Wichita;

• James Rankin, Topeka;

• Lee Smithyman, Overland Park;

• Kala Spigarelli, Pittsburg;

• Gaye Tibbets, Wichita; and

• Darcy Williamson, Topeka.