Attorney News

Holly A. Dyer

Holly Dyer, a partner attorney at Foulston Siefkin, was elected to The Wichita Bar Association Board of Governors to serve a term through 2010. The Wichita Bar Association is governed by a Board of Governors that meets monthly to set policy and review issues affecting the legal profession. The WBA is committed to providing member and community services that promote learning, respect and appreciation of the law and the administration of justice.

Amy S. Lemley

Foulston Siefkin LLP partner Amy S. Lemley has been inducted as a Fellow of The American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL), one of the premier professional organizations composed of pre-eminent trial lawyers from the U.S. and Canada, at its 58th annual meeting in Toronto, Canada. Founded in 1950, the College is composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States and Canada. Fellowship in the College is limited to the top one percent of the total lawyer population of any state or province. Fellowship status is extended by invitation only, after careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality. Lawyers must have a minimum of 15 years trial experience before they can be considered for Fellowship.

“We are very proud that this premier professional trial organization has recognized Amy as one of the best trial attorneys in America. Induction into the American College of Trial Lawyers is considered one of the most significant achievements in a legal career,” said Douglas Stanley, Foulston Siefkin’s Managing Partner. "Amy has the additional honor of being the first woman attorney in Kansas to be inducted as a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL).” Stanley added, “Amy has carried on a tradition for legal excellence within the Foulston Siefkin firm. George Powers, a former managing partner of Foulston Siefkin, was the first attorney in Kansas to be named a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers." Lemley is the ninth fellow named to the college from Foulston Siefkin, joining her partners Mikel Stout, Jay Fowler, and Darrell Warta; retired partner Robert Howard; special counsel Jack Focht; and deceased partners, Robert Foulston, Robert M. Siefkin and George Powers.

Amy Lemley received her J.D. from University of Texas and B.A. from Texas Tech University, and was admitted to both the Texas Bar and the Kansas Bar in 1982. Ms. Lemley is the practice group leader for the firm’s general litigation group. Her practice focuses primarily on complex litigation for both plaintiffs and defendants. She was also selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America (medical malpractice law; personal injury litigation) and was selected as one of the Top 50 Female Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers in 2005. “I personally know about half of the 55 Kansas members of the ACTL,” she said. “Joining the college is both humbling and exciting for me. The Fellows are passionate, talented trial lawyers and it is my greatest desire to live up to the standard they set for all of us.”

The American College of Trial Lawyers is an honorary association comprised of experienced trial lawyers in the United States and Canada who have mastered the art of advocacy and adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct and professionalism. The College is dedicated to furthering the administration of justice and improving the ethics and standards of the trial profession. The College’s Fellowship represents all branches of trial practice, enabling the organization to speak with a balanced voice on important issues affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice. For more information on the American College of Trial Lawyers, visit www.actl.com .

Harvey R. Sorensen

Harvey R. Sorensen, a partner attorney at Foulston Siefkin serving in the Wichita office, was named Corporate Lawyer of the Year, by “The Best Lawyers in America”®.

Best Lawyers is one of the preeminent national legal referral guides for the legal profession in the U.S. Best Lawyers compiles lists of outstanding attorneys by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys in which thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. The lawyers being honored as “Lawyers of the Year” were selected because, during the past two surveys, they received particularly high ratings from most of their peers.

Sorensen has been listed in Best Lawyers since 1993.

Mikel L. Stout

Mikel L. Stout, a Wichita partner attorney at Foulston Siefkin, was named Bet-the-Company Litigator of the Year by “The Best Lawyers in America”®.

Best Lawyers is one of the preeminent national legal referral guides for the legal profession in the U.S. Best Lawyers compiles lists of outstanding attorneys by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys in which thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. The lawyers being honored as “Lawyers of the Year” were selected because, during the past two surveys, they received particularly high ratings from most of their peers.

Stout has been listed in Best Lawyers since 1987.

Stephen M. Kerwick

On May 8, 2009, Wichita attorney Stephen M. Kerwick, of Foulston Siefkin LLP was inducted into the Litigation Counsel of America at the LCA’s Spring Conference and Induction of Fellows in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Fellows are selected based upon excellence and accomplishment in litigation, both at the trial and appellate levels, and superior ethical reputation.

The Litigation Counsel of America is a trial lawyer honorary society composed of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. Fellowship in the LCA is highly selective and by invitation only. Fellows are selected based upon excellence and accomplishment in litigation, both at the trial and appellate levels, and superior ethical reputation. The LCA is aggressively diverse in its composition. Established as a trial and appellate lawyer honorary society reflecting the American bar in the twenty-first century, the LCA represents the best in law among its membership.

Jay F. Fowler

Jay Fowler, a partner in Foulston Siefkin's Wichita office, was recently elected to a four year term on the Kansas Supreme Court Nominating Commission by attorneys and peers of the Fourth Congressional District. The Nominating Commission consists of an attorney elected from each congressional district, a non-lawyer appointed by the governor from each congressional district, and a chairman elected by attorneys statewide. The Commission is responsible for nominating and submitting to the Governor candidates to be considered for vacancies on the Kansas Supreme Court and Kansas Court of Appeals.

R. Douglas Reagan

R. Douglas Reagan, a partner attorney at Foulston Siefkin in the Overland Park office, was named Attorney of the Year in the area of Corporate Law by “The Best Lawyers in America,”® the oldest and one of the most respected peer-review publications in the legal profession. The lawyers being honored as “Lawyers of the Year” were selected because, during the past two surveys, they received particularly high ratings from most of their peers. Reagan has been listed in Best Lawyers since 2003.

Charles P. Efflandt

Charles Efflandt, a partner of Foulston Siefkin LLP, and the firm’s Environmental and Natural Resources Law Practice Group Leader, has been named a Charter Fellow and elected a Founding Regent of the American College of Environmental Lawyers. Mr. Efflandt is one of only 22 attorneys from across the United States (and the only Kansas lawyer) named as Charter Fellows of the American College of Environmental Lawyers. “Some of the best known and most experienced environmental lawyers from across the nation are coming together to form this new college, the first of its kind in environmental law,” said Rick Glick, newly-elected president of ACOEL and an environmental attorney in the Portland, Oregon office of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. “Forming the College will allow us to build a strong fellowship, share best practices and continue to strengthen this thriving practice area.” Membership in ACOEL is by election only, and eligibility is limited to those who are recognized as leaders in their field and have predominantly practiced environmental law for 15 years or longer.

More information, including the latest national and local environmental legal news, is posted on the ACOEL’s website at www.acoel.org.

Mr. Efflandt’s practice encompasses environmental litigation, regulatory enforcement and compliance matters and environmental issues related to business acquisitions and property transactions.

Andrew J. Focht

Jack Focht, Special Counsel with Foulston Siefkin, has been awarded the 2009 Wichita Bar Association's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Issaku Yamaashi

Issaku Yamaashi has become a Partner with the firm. Mr. Yamaashi practices in the Overland Park office, focusing his practice on general business, real estate, health care, securities and mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Yamaashi received a J.D. from University of Kansas School of Law and a B.A. from the University of Chicago. Mr. Yamaashi is licensed to practice in Kansas and Illinois.

Kyle J. Steadman

Kyle J. Steadman has become a Partner with the firm. Mr. Steadman practices in the Wichita office in commercial and complex litigation, professional malpractice and insurance defense. Mr. Steadman received a J.D. from the Washburn University School of Law and B.A. from Washburn University. Mr. Steadman is licensed to practice in Kansas.

Marta Fisher Linenberger

Marta Fisher Linenberger, special counsel at Foulston Siefkin LLP, was appointed to the E-Health Advisory Council by the Kansas Health Policy Authority on Thursday, July 17. The Council stemmed from Governor Kathleen Sebelius’ request to provide guidance on policy issues associated with Health Information Technology (HIT) and Health Information Exchange (HIE). KHPA appointed seven Kansans to the 14-member Council. Governor Sebelius appointed the remaining members.
The central task of the E-Health Advisory Council will be to act in advisory capacity to the Governor and KHPA and investigate options to provide recommendations to influence the state’s purchasing power in promotion of the use of HIT. The Council will also make recommendations regarding policy issues related to HIT.
Linenberger has experience in health law, including liability prevention and patient care issues, bioethics, privacy, EMTALA, and medical liability litigation.

Jeffrey B. Hurt

Foulston Siefkin LLP, the largest law firm in Kansas, is pleased to announce that Jeffrey B. Hurt has joined the firm as Special Counsel. Mr. Hurt practices in the Wichita office and focuses his practice on employment and labor law. “We feel very fortunate to have him now as a part of our team”, said Doug Stanley, Managing Partner for Foulston Siefkin. “Foulston Siefkin has grown through its ability to attract attorneys like Jeff, who is one of the leading employment lawyers in Kansas. Jeff’s skill and experience in working with businesses throughout Kansas gives Foulston Siefkin another resource to provide our clients excellent legal services promptly and efficiently.”

Jeffrey Hurt graduated from Washburn University School of Law in 1989. He is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (“SPHR”) with more than 19 years experience in a broad range of employment, traditional labor and human resource related matters. Jeffrey Hurt can be contacted at 316.291.9566 or jhurt@foulston.com .

Joshua T. Hill

Joshua T. Hill has joined the firm as an Associate in the Overland Park office, practicing in the areas of Employment & Labor and General Business. Mr. Hill received a J.D., Order of the Coif, and a B.A., Highest Distinction, from the University of Kansas. Mr. Hill can be reached at 913.253.2139 or jhill@foulston.com.

Matthew W. Bish

Matthew W. Bish has joined the firm as an Associate in the Wichita office, practicing in the area of Estate Planning & Probate. Mr. Bish received a J.D., Magna Cum Laude, and a B.A., Magna Cum Laude, from Washburn University. Mr. Bish can be contacted at 316.291.9729 or mbish@foulston.com.

Bradley D. Serafine

Bradley D. Serafine has joined the firm as an Associate in the Wichita office, practicing in the area of Commercial & Complex Litigation. Mr. Serafine received a J.D. from the University of Kansas and a B.A. from Brigham Young University. Mr. Serafine can be reached at 316.291.9777 or bserafine@foulston.com.

Johnathan A. Rhodes

Johnathan A. Rhodes has joined the firm as an Associate in the Topeka office, practicing in the area of Health Care. Mr. Rhodes received a J.D., Cum Laude, from Washburn University and a MBA and B.S. from the University of Phoenix. Mr. Rhodes can be contacted at 785.354.9414 or jrhodes@foulston.com.

Eric M. Pauly

Eric M. Pauly has joined the firm as an Associate in the Wichita office, practicing in the area of Taxation. Mr. Pauly received a LL.M. Taxation from New York University, a J.D., Magna Cum Laude, from Washburn University and a B.S., Cum Laude, from Colorado State University. Mr. Pauly can be contacted at 316.291.9793 or epauly@foulston.com.

Jeremy L. Graber

Jeremy L. Graber has joined the firm as an Associate in the Topeka office, practicing in the areas of Insurance Regulatory, Employee Benefits & ERISA, and General Business. Mr. Graber received a J.D., Order of the Coif, and a B.S. from the University of Kansas. Mr. Graber can be contacted at 785.354.9412 or jgraber@foulston.com.

Justan R. Shinkle

Justan R. Shinkle has joined the firm as an Associate in the Wichita office, practicing in the area of Health Care. Mr. Shinkle received a J.D. and a B.B.A. from Washburn University. Mr. Shinkle can be contacted at 316.291.9794 or jshinkle@foulston.com.