Supreme Court appoints law professor to Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program Board

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed Janet Thompson Jackson to the Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program Board.

Jackson, Topeka, is a professor of law and directs the Small Business and Nonprofit Law Clinic at Washburn University School of Law. She also is a certified wellness coach. She will serve a four-year term on the board from July 1 to June 30, 2025.

Jackson succeeds Sarah Sweet-McKinnon, a Hutchinson lawyer, whose term expires June 30.

The Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program is a source of confidential help for lawyers with alcohol, drug abuse, or mental health issues. It also works with other offices that oversee the practice of law in Kansas. A lawyer can be directed to seek its services by the Office of the Disciplinary Administrator if the lawyer is involved in a discipline case.

The Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program provides services designed to fit the needs of lawyers and bar associations, including:

• referrals for assessments, evaluations, therapy, or treatment;

• short-term counseling sessions with a licensed counselor;

• peer mentoring and support, modified interventions, and resiliency groups;

• help with diversion and probation plans required by the disciplinary administrator or with monitoring contracts required by the Supreme Court's attorney admissions office;

• guidance in closing a law office; and

• legal education programs for local and specialty bar associations or law firms.

Other members of the Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program Board are:

• Amy Elliott, chair, Overland Park;

• Bryan Smith, vice chair, Topeka;

• Justin Barrett, Colby;

• Jeb Benfer, Topeka;

• Lara Blake Bors, Garden City;

• Ben Burgess Jr., Wichita;

• Chris Garcia, Wichita;

• Emily Hartz, Lawrence;

• District Judge Michael Hoelscher, Wichita;

• Brian Leininger, Overland Park;

• Lauren Reinhold, Topeka; and

• Cal Williams, Salina.