District Magistrate judge Brian Grace to retire after 18 years of service

TOPEKA—District Magistrate judge Brian Grace will retire October 1 from the 12th Judicial District after serving 18 years as a magistrate judge.

Grace was appointed district magistrate judge in 2003. The 12th Judicial District is composed of Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Republic, and Washington counties.

“I appreciate having had the opportunity to serve the people of Kansas in this capacity,” Grace said. “Through their tax dollars, Kansan’s foot the bill for our court system. They are entitled to courts that handle cases fairly, promptly and courteously. I have endeavored to carry out this principle during my time on the bench.”

One of the things he will miss most are his co-workers.

“The heart of the judicial branch is the fine people who make it work,” Grace said. “It has been an honor to be counted among them.”

Grace graduated from the University of Kansas and the University of Kansas School of Law. Prior to being named judge in 2003, he served as Republic County Attorney for six years.
Grace and his wife, Anne, plan to spend more time with family and to carve out more time for hobbies, such as disc golf and kayaking, during retirement.

District magistrate judges in the 12th Judicial District are appointed through a merit selection process. State statute requires a nominating commission to accept nominations, interview nominees, and appoint a replacement. After serving one year in office, the new magistrate judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term