January 2022 - Bar-o-Meter Lite : simplebooklet.com

What influenced you to become an advocate? I wasdrawn to it by watching people do it. I was impressed bytheir motivation for it and by the challenge involved.This column is about one of the people who influencedme—not a lawyer, but a remarkable advocatenonetheless. It’s about my mother, Peg Vines, whopassed away over Thanksgiving weekend at age 94.Some of you in the WBA knew Peg—because you hadbeen involved in some of her causes or organizations orlocal political campaigns, or just as a friend. Maybe shewas an inspiration to you, too. Peg gave birth to seven children in ten years—"the lostdecade" as she called it—and soon after she was leadingthe family on her own. Whenever one of us neededsomeone to stand up for them she took up their cause—with the school system, the medical system, neighbors,and even our church. We watched as she blendedadvocacy and persistence with good humor. She was a creative and energetic person who lovedworking with words. She was able to take that passion tothe marketplace, where she made a career in advertisingand public relations. It was primarily the domain of menat the time, so she had many opportunities to advocatefor the women entering the field. As her children grew, she was able to become moreinvolved in community issues. Women’s rights and theposition of women in society became the primary focusof her advocacy. In the 1970s, she was appointed to theWichita Commission on the Status of Women, where sheadvocated for changes in local public policy. She had aheart for families in distress, and was part of a smallgroup that started the YWCA’s Women’s Crisis Center(now the Wichita Family Crisis Center)—an emergencyshelter for women and their young children. As wastypical for Peg, her work on behalf of these families wasboth on the board and on frequent overnight volunteershifts. Peg never merely put her name on a list as asupporter—she was an engine. As the women’s movement gained more tractionaround the country and the world, Peg attended severalnational and international women’s conferences. Shewas inspired by the leaders of the movement to becomeeven more of an advocate for change here in Wichita.She learned that many women’s issues had their basis inour laws. So she became politically active as a precinctchairwoman and a dedicated volunteer for local andstate races with limited funds. She provided strategicadvice, wrote and produced campaign materials, madefundraising appeals, and organized mailer stuffingparties in her basement. As her son, I got to witness at close range both the hardwork involved in her advocacy and the satisfaction itbrought her. When I decided to become a lawyer, shewas proud to know that the family would eventuallyinclude a professional advocate. My mother found a role model in Eleanor Roosevelt. Idon’t believe they ever met, but Peg saw in Eleanor awoman who used her abilities and life circumstances toadvocate for women and civil rights to make the world abetter place. For years, Peg presented portrayals ofEleanor for community groups—in a suit right out of the1940’s—including for the Wichita Women AttorneysAssociation. I leave you with this photo of Peg, withEleanor taped in, that hung on her refrigerator for years.I think it captures some of the spirit and energy of thisremarkable advocate.M o n t e V i n e sF R O M T H E P R E S I D E N TA Remarkable Advocate If you did not see her obituary in the Wichita Eagle,here is a link to it: Peg Vines Obituary.BAR-O-METER LITE - JANUARY 2022PAGE 2

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Holiday Celebrations with the Wichita BarBy: Marcia Wood Dozens of Wichita area lawyers celebrated the season in style, as the WBA hosted its monthly meeting with ahappy hour at the Candle Club on December 8. Delicious food, festive beverages, and lively conversation wereenjoyed by all. The Christian Legal Society gathered for dinner and fellowship at Flint Hills Country Club the evening ofDecember 15. And of course, it wouldn’t be the holiday season without the Wichita Young Lawyers Section getting theirfestive on, while helping the community. Their Christmas Party at the Salvation Army was held the evening ofThursday, December 2, complete with Santa (a/k/a Chet Compton) handing out gifts and a donation to theSalvation Army’s family shelter.C. Edward Watson, II, Lori Gardner, Virdena Gilkey, and Bruce SwensonMonte Vines, Hon. Gwynne E. Birzer,and Hon. Kevin O'ConnorMichael Whalen, Bruce Swenson, Matthew Flesher,and Bill TownsleyJohn Johnson, Unknown, Mitch Spencer, Nanette Kalcik,and Hon. Ben BurgessWBA Holiday Party at the Candle ClubChristian Legal Society Ann and Calvin Rider Shannon Kelly and Ken Bogedain Joni Franklin and Aaron BreitenbachBAR-O-METER LITE - JANUARY 2022PAGE 3

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Quentin Aker Brooke and Timothy Aziere Bever Dye Foundation Mert and Connie Buckley Robin and Philip Burnside Adam Burris Christine Campbell Ron Campbell Karlee CanadayT. Chet & Amanda Compton Greg Drumright and Cameron Michaud Matthew Flesher and Amber Norris Jack Focht and Gloria Farha Flentje Franklin Law Office, P.A. Virdena Gilkey Jennifer L. Goheen Hon. Sean Hatfield Karl Hesse Matthew and Patty Hesse Scott and Jennifer Hill Hinkle Law Firm LLC Hite, Fanning & Honeyman L.L.P. Hon. Michael Hoelscher Hutton & Hutton Law Firm, LLC Richard and Rachel James Michael G. Jones Jeff Kennedy Audrey and Jeremy Koehler Tom Lasater Margaret Lyons Jennifer Magana Jay and Terry Mann Andrew and Amanda Marino Bill and Carolyn Matthews Roger E. McClellan McConnell Law Firm, P.A. Brian K. McLeod Hon. Eric Melgren and Denise Melgren Ryan and Keri Meyer Kent and Michelle Meyerhoff Charles and Eleanor Millsap Monnat and Spurrier, Chartered David MorrisThank you to everyone who donated to the 2021 Young LawyersSection to benefit The Salvation Army Emergency Lodge Andrew Nolan Christopher Omlid Riley Pankratz Linda S. Parks Penner Lowe Law Group, LLC Kathleen R. Reeves, LLC Retzlaff Law Firm LLC Forrest and Tiffany Rhodes Calvin and Ann Rider David Rogers Kelly J. Rundell Steve Rupert Stephanie Scheck Joseph Schremmer David and Debra Seely Brooks Severson Teresa Shulda Jay Sizemore Stanford and Crista Smith Drew Steadman Stinson Lasswell & Wilson, L.C. Mike L. Stout Bruce A. Swenson Gaye Tibbets and Ron Sylvester William and Karen Townsley Triplett Woolf Garretson, LLC Monte and Kimberly Vines Kimberly Vining Lyndon W. Vix James A. Walker Darrell and Diane Warta Craig and Jill West Dennis P. Wetta Rachel Wetta Robert D. Wiechman, Jr. Richard A. and Margaret J. Wieland Jackie N. Williams Brian and Marcia Wood Young, Bogle, McCausland, Wells & Blanchard, P.A. Cash donations contributed by WBA membersT o t a l d o n a t i o n s r e c e i v e d : $ 1 1 , 8 5 0 . 0 0BAR-O-METER LITE - JANUARY 2022PAGE 5

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Kansas has over 200,000 suspended driver’s licenses. It is estimated that over 50,000 of those suspensionsare out of Wichita. Rarely though does a suspended license mean someone isn’t driving. Individuals who needto get to work or take kids to daycare have few affordable options for transportation in Wichita. In 2021, the legislature made changes to the driver’s license laws enabling individuals to apply for restrictedlicenses and ask to have fines, fees, and costs waived or reduced upon a showing of manifest hardship. Aprevious clinic planned for the summer of 2020 was cancelled by COVID. With the new statutory changes, aclinic was needed in the community. Kansas Legal Services, the WBA Pro Bono Committee, and the City of Wichita met biweekly through the fall toplan an in-person clinic for December 1st. Applicants applied online or by phone through Kansas LegalServices’ intake process. Over 250 applications were run through the city for a fine check and passed on to theKansas Department of Revenue for a driver’s solutions review. Anyone who does these cases is familiar with the driver’s solutions help desk and the amount of one’s lifethat they spend on hold with their office, so KDOR agreeing to run over 250 applicants was quite the gift. Senator Gail Finney greeted volunteers at the recent driver’s license clinic at The Center, a community centerlocated at 11th and Minnesota in Wichita. Over 150 applicants attended with 50 walk-in applicants. Over 30attorneys volunteered (including most of the Wichita Kansas Legal Services office and the Wichita PublicDefender’s office). There are plans to do this again in the future, so let the pro bono committee know you’re interested! Driver's License ClinicBy: Christine CampbellBAR-O-METER LITE - JANUARY 2022PAGE 6

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Skyler O'Hara ProfileBy: Jennifer Hill In September 2021, the United States District Court for the District of Kansas turned court management over to a familiar face but someone new to the role of Clerk. Skyler O’Hara, 2003 graduate of the University of Kansas School of Law, has worked for the federal courts since her graduation. Initially, Ms. O’Hara served as a law clerk to Senior Judge Wesley E. Brown in Wichita until 2006. She credits her time with Judge Brown as one of the highlights of her career. In 2006, she transferred to the Kansas City division to manage the district’s human resources department and assist in the management of financial operations, procurement, information technology, and space and facilities. The clerk’s office has approximately 70 staff members between the three divisional offices in Wichita, Topeka and Kansas City. That includes docket clerks, courtroom deputies, court reporters, jury clerks, HR, IT, finance staff and managers. The Clerk’s Office supports approximately 15 judges, 45 law clerks (staff attorneys) and 20 interns. The Clerk reports to the Chief Judge and manages the non-judicial operational and administrative functions of the Court including records management, juror utilization, budget development and implementation, criminal debt restitution, financial operations, information technology, statistical analysis and reporting, human resources, disaster recovery, and space and facilities. As Ms. O’Hara takes over, her administration has some unique challenges. The Clerk’s Office has had a sizeable turnover in staff in recent years due to employee retirements. They are also experiencing significant decreases in annual congressional appropriations. In response, they are examining their operations with fresh perspectives to identify budgetary efficiencies through technological and procedural innovations to ensure they continue to deliver of a high level of service to the bench, the bar, and the public. Additionally, the Kansas City Clerk’s Office has been displaced since the office space was destroyed in a January 2021 electrical fire. The KC employees hope to move back in by summer 2022 after fire remediation and build-back efforts are completed. During the pandemic, Congress temporarily authorizedthe federal courts to hold remote hearings in criminalcases to a much greater extent than had ever been donebefore. Out of necessity, the entire judicial systemlearned new technologies and processes practicallyovernight to ensure the wheels of justice kept movingeven as much of the world slowed down. Ms. O’Haraanticipates that the Court will continue to use remotecommunication tools more often than it did pre-pandemic because they are a valuable tool in the judicialtool kit to accommodate any number of variables that canarise in cases. Ms. O’Hara notes the Court is very appreciative ofattorneys that volunteer to serve on the Bench BarCommittee, Magistrate Selection Committees, RulesCommittees, and the many other opportunities that arisefor the bench and the bar to collaborate. She also saysthe Court is extremely grateful for attorneys that offertheir time and expertise to assist civil litigants needinghelp to navigate the federal courts but are unable toafford an attorney. The dedication of our bar to ensuringequal access to justice, upholding high standards ofprofessionalism, and engaging in collaborative effortswith both the court and other attorneys are all things thatmake the District of Kansas a special place to practicelaw. When Ms. O’Hara isn’t running our court system during apandemic, in a burned-out office, managing 70 employeesand all of those judges, she can be found with herhusband and two boys at tennis and soccer matches. Ifshe by chance isn’t at a youth sporting event, you can findSkyler working on one of her many home improvementprojects, reading, or traveling.BAR-O-METER LITE - JANUARY 2022PAGE 8

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It is a non-profit organization that provides service dogs to military veterans that suffer from post-traumaticstress, traumatic brain injury and physical disabilities. The organization pairs the veteran with the dog andprovides training through a 1-2 year process for the dog to address each veteran’s specific needs. We also doeducation to the community about service dogs and veteran issues.1.What is Midwest Battle Buddies?2. What is your role in the organization?I am the Chair of the Board of Directors and also serve as legal counsel.3. Why and how did you get involved with Midwest Battle Buddies?I wanted to make a Christmas donation to a worthy organization and heard the President being interviewed onthe radio. When I donated, I indicated I wanted to volunteer (thinking something simple like I could wash dogsor help transport veterans). However, the group actually needed pro-bono legal assistance with their Boardformation, Bylaws and policies and I quickly became deeply involved and swayed by the President’s passion forthe cause. That was in 2016 and I have been Chair of the Board ever since. We have a very small, but activeand passionate board; we are always in need of more members.4. Where can people go to learn more?www.midwestbattlebuddies.org to donate. If you are interested in Board member opportunities or volunteering:midwestbattlebuddies@gmail.com5. How can other lawyers help?Look into joining our Board or become a volunteer to assist with fundraising and events. Donate to support thecosts of training the dogs that require specialized training to assist the veterans in meaningful ways. Reach outto any veteran you know to see if they are struggling or need support and contact our group to see if we orother veteran resources can assist. Lawyers Giving BackMichelle Watson andMidwest Battle BuddiesChip Neumann, President of Midwest BattleBuddies; Tom Sanders, Vice Chair of MidwestBattle Buddies; and Michelle WatsonThe Bar-o-Meter is reviving its traditional Lawyers Giving Back stories into a monthly series using the 5-questionformat seen here. The series will highlight local charities, community organizations, and projects that are not"household names." If you know of an organization that more WBA members should get acquainted with, pleasecontact Amanda Marino, Marcia Wood, or Robin Burnside. Our second featured lawyer is Michelle Watson(Gibson Watson Marino LLC) telling us about Midwest Battle Buddies. BAR-O-METER LITE - JANUARY 2022PAGE 9

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Condolences go out to...Congratulations are in order...WBA members giving back...WBA members gettingtogether...Make the most of your WBAmembership!GET INVOLVEDGET INVOLVEDGET INVOLVEDAmy Lemley (Foulston) was honored bythe Wichita Business Journal as a womanwho leads honoree. Eric Namee (Hinkle)and Harvey Sorensen (Foulston) wererecipients of the 2021 Wichita BusinessJournal Executives of the Year award. Gary Patterson (Patterson Legal)definitely gets the award for the bestugly Christmas sweater. Gary......whoknew????? Erica Lopez (St. FrancisMinistries) placed 3rd in doubles at the2021 Margaritaville USA PickleballNational Championship in California. Hearsayb y G a b b y T a t t l e rfriends, family members and fellowassociates of Mark Bennett Hutton whopassed on December 29, 2021.Condolences to the family, friends, andfellow associates of Richard C "Dick"Hite who passed on December 16, 2021.Shannon and Carl Kelly (Kelly Law)hosted their annual Christmas party forattorneys, judges, and court staff. McDonald Tinker kicked off their holidayseason by teaming up with HumanKindMinistries to help those who are strugglingwith poverty and homelessness. The firmdonated socks and winter gloves and made150 sack lunches for the homeless. SaraZafar (Franklin Law) sang the NationalAnthem at the most recent NaturalizationCeremony. Also participating in theceremony were the Honorable GwynneBirzer and Bach Hang (Sedgwick CountyErica LopezGary and Ann PattersonKelly Law's Christmas PartySara Zafar Aaron BreitenbachMegan MonsourTraveling attorneys...Jeff DeGraffenreid (Foulston)traveled to Las Vegas to cheer on theShockers and attended a Raidersgame. Rachael Pirner (Triplett Woolf)went north to Sioux Falls, SouthDakota to watch swimming trials. JaySizemore (Bull Attorneys) took hisfamily to a Chief’s game. DavidMorgan (Law Office of StephenBlaylock) went mountain biking in LasVegas. Michelle Moe Witte (MartinPringle) ventured to the big apple toenjoy all that New York City has tooffer. Gary Owens (Sedgwick CountyConflicts Office) and Holly Dyer(Foulston) did some hiking in Arizonaand climbed to the top of Dixie Peak.Pam Saenz (Hite Fanning) traveled toHonduras to visit family members. Kelly and Jeff DeGraffenreid Jay SizemorePaul and Michelle WitteGary Owens and Holly DyerCounty Public Defender’s Office).Lyndon Vix (Fleeson Gooing ) sang inthe Tabor College Messiahperformance. Bull Attorneys gaveaway 350 turkeys and hams to theGarden City Community. Penner LoweLaw Group supported Wichita’s LittlestHeroes this holiday season. Each childreceived a cape which provides braveryfor the kids during their scarymoments in the hospital or medicalappointments. Patterson Legal Groupparticipated in the Ugly Sweater 5KRun and Little Dashers Run supportingthe local Ronald McDonald HouseCharity. Patterson Legal Group alsomatched all contributions made at thisevent. Hinkle Law adopted andpurchased gifts for 50 angels from theSalvation Army-Wichita/SedgwickCounty's Angel Tree. AaronBreitenbach (District Attorney'sOffice) got up early to supply theparticipants in the ArthritisFoundation’s Jingle Bell Run atExploration Place with lots of sugarfrom his car full of Krispy Kremedonuts. Martin Pringle kept to itsholiday tradition of sponsoring achild’s wish through the Make-a-WishFoundation. Gary Austerman (KlendaMitchell) supported the Shockers at ateam welcome party at the CandleClub. Kurt Harper (Depew Gillen)celebrated the 50th anniversary of theCheney Door Company. Jan Dorancreated costumes and performed inthe Wichita production of theNutcracker. Kristen Wheeler (KansasBoard of Tax Appeals) danced in theproduction. Megan Monsour (Hinkle)spoke with elementary students inMulvane about her career as anadoption attorney. Welcome new members...Christopher Coons, Coons and CrumpOn the move and changes...Sarah Foster has joined the Knopp LawGroup; Trent Wetta is now with HinkleLaw Firm.And new student members...Notre Dame Law School: Michael Vinson.BAR-O-METER LITE - JANUARY 2022PAGE 11

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JANUARY 2022FEBRUARY 2022WBA Events CalendarAll committees meet at the WBA at Noon unless otherwise noted.M/3 SCLL and WBA Closed in Observance of New Year’s Day Real Estate & Business Law Committee Meeting (Cancelled)Medical-Legal Committee Meeting (Cancelled) T/4 Estate Planning & Probate Committee Meeting (Cancelled)Professional Diversity Committee Meeting (Cancelled)Service to the Bar Committee Meeting (Cancelled)M/5 Civil Practice Committee Meeting (Cancelled)Lawyers Assistance Committee Meeting (Cancelled)Th/6 Bar-o-Meter Committee Meeting M/10 Legislative Committee MeetingTechnology Committee MeetingT/11 January Bar Luncheon Guest speaker: Danielle M. Hall, Executive Director,Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program - click here to viewthe flyer W/12 Family Law Committee Meeting via Zoom 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.Th/13 Bankruptcy Committee MeetingExecutive Committee Meeting Summer Intern Committee MeetingYoung Lawyers Section Meeting (TBD)F/14 Inn of Court Executive Committee MeetingM/17 SCLL & WBA Closed in Observance of Martin Luther King Jr. DayT/18 Building Management Committee MeetingW/19 Fee Dispute Committee MeetingMentoring Committee MeetingTh/20 Board of Governors MeetingEthics Committee Meeting at 3:00 p.m.T/1 Estate Planning & Probate Committee MeetingProfessional Diversity Committee Meeting Service to the Bar Committee Meeting via ZoomSenior Lawyers Section (TBD)W/2 Civil Practice Committee MeetingLawyers Assistance Committee Meeting 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.Th/3 Bar-o-Meter Committee Meeting M/7 Real Estate & Business Law Committee Meeting Medical-Legal Committee MeetingT/8February Bar LuncheonGuest speaker: TBAW/9 Family Law Committee Meeting via Zoom 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.Th/10 Bankruptcy Committee MeetingExecutive Committee Meeting via ZoomSummer Intern Committee MeetingYoung Lawyers Section Meeting (TBD)F/11 Inn of Court Executive Committee Meeting via ZoomM/24 Legislative Committee MeetingT/25 Continuing Legal Education Committee MeetingW/26 Criminal Practice Committee MeetingTh/27 Juvenile Law Committee MeetingBAR-O-METER LITE - JANUARY 2022PAGE 12

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JOB OPPORTUNITYOFFICE SPACEClassified AdvertisingNeed an Estate Administrator? I have a legaland accounting background and experience. CallSara Dwyer 316/250-1501.Monnat & Spurrier, Chartered - CriminalDefense Trial Lawyers - Interested in working ata firm that handles many high-profile criminal jurytrials ripped from the headlines? Monnat &Spurrier, Chartered, is seeking associate attorneyswho will be involved in the frequent preparationand trial of criminal cases throughout the stateand elsewhere. Salaries commensurate withabilities and experience ($50,000 to $100,000+).Apply by sending resume (and writing sample, ifavailable) to receptionroom@monnat.com.Kice Industries, based in Wichita, KS, seeks tohire an in-house attorney who will focus oncontracts between customers and suppliers. Theposition will be part-time with flexible hours andthe ability to work from home if desired. Theposition will report to the CEO, andresponsibilities can grow as knowledge of thecompany’s business expands. For moreinformation on the company, please visitwww.kice.com. Please contact drewkice@kice.comwith questions.REFERRALS ACCEPTEDTHE LAW OFFICE OF SEAN M. DWYER handles alltypes of employment litigation for plaintiffs anddefendants, including discrimination, sexualharassment, wrongful termination matters, andfederal employee civil service or discriminationclaims. Please call 316/689-4268.SANTO LAW OFFICE, P.A. handles copyrights,trademarks, trade secrets, business/corporatelaw, and civil litigation. Please call 316/689-4245or visit www.santolaw.com for more information.Convenient east side location.SHARED OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE at 2121 W.Maple; use of copy machine, internet andconference room. Davis & Jack, L.L.C. ContactKenneth Jack at 316/945-8521.OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE at the Sedgwick CountyLaw Center, 225 N. Market, Suite 300, 2985 SF (7offices, open work area, break room, storage area,conference room, and reception area). Contact:Marty Moody, JP Weigand, at 316-292-3942 oremail: mmoody@weigand.com.Submissions are limited to Wichita Bar Association members, individuals who have recently graduated from law school, and3rd year law students. The charge to run an ad for up to one month is $10 for the first 30 words and .30 per word after that.Please contact Robin Burnside at 316-263-2251, ext 108 or RBurnside@wichitabar.org if interested in placing an ad.BAR-O-METER LITE - JANUARY 2022PAGE 13

January 2022 - Bar-o-Meter Lite

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