Supreme Court reappoints four attorneys to Kansas Board for Discipline of Attorneys

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court reappointed four attorneys to four-year terms on the Kansas Board for Discipline of Attorneys.

Their terms began July 1 and end June 30, 2024.

Reappointed were:

• John Gatz, Colby;

• Stacy Ortega, Wichita;

• James Rankin, Topeka; and

• Lee Smithyman, Overland Park.

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

Gatz chairs the board, and Derrick Roberson, Manhattan, is vice chair. They serve on the review committee, along with at-large member Leslie Miller, Lawrence. They review all cases docketed for investigation and issue reports on the disposition of the cases, which may be dismissal (with or without a letter of caution), diversion, informal admonition, or institution of formal charges.  

Members of the board—made up of attorneys from across the state—meet in three-person panels, which include two board members and one at-large attorney, to conduct hearings in cases where 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;

• S. Lucky DeFries, Topeka;

• Shaye Downing, Lawrence;

• John Duma, Olathe;

• Glenn Kerbs, Dodge City;

• John Larson, Shawnee;

• Terry Mann, Wichita;

• Kathryn Marsh, Leawood;

• Mira Mdivani, Overland Park;

• Kala Spigarelli, Pittsburg;

• Gaye Tibbets, Wichita; and

• Darcy Williamson, Topeka.