Assistant U.S. District Attorney honored for outstanding service to continuing legal education in Kansas

TOPEKA—Jared Maag, Topeka, is the 2022 recipient of the Robert L. Gernon Award presented by the Kansas Continuing Legal Education Board.

Maag is an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas.

He was nominated by the Women Attorneys Association of Topeka. In their nomination letter, they highlighted the importance of Maag’s continuing education programs.

“Maag’s presentation is often a favorite in the Topeka area, as it is an entertaining and easy way for attorneys to stay up to speed on the U.S. Supreme Court decisions and their impact,” the Women Attorneys Association of Topeka wrote in their nomination letter. “Considering the length and import of many U.S. Supreme Court decisions, getting a concise breakdown of the most recent decisions allows attorneys to know what decisions may affect their area of practice, as well as generally staying up to speed on the status of important constitutional issues.”

Maag said he believes continuing legal education is one of the most important parts of being a practitioner.

“Our profession demands that we be able to advocate with a full understanding of the law that is relevant to the subject at hand,” Maag said. “It is vital that we are provided a wide array of continuing legal education topics that will address emerging issues in the law as well as topics that impact our daily lives as attorneys, namely, mental health and wellness concerns.”

He began presenting continuing legal education programs over a decade ago to share his love of the U.S. Supreme Court.

“I love the tradition of the court, the history, the stories, and the justices who have served the institution,” Maag said. “Being able to provide others with yearly updates on what is happening at the court is something I look forward to with almost childish glee.” 

Established in 2005, the Gernon Award recognizes individuals or organizations demonstrating a unique commitment to legal education for lawyers in Kansas and for providing outstanding service to continuing legal education.

The award’s namesake, Justice Robert Gernon, served on the Kansas Supreme Court from 2003 until his death in 2005. Prior to that, he served on the Kansas Court of Appeals from 1988 to 2003. He worked to improve the training, education, and professionalism of attorneys in Kansas and across the nation.

Maag said receiving this award was very meaningful to him. He had the honor of arguing in front of Gernon when he served as deputy solicitor general, and Gernon corresponded with him while he was deployed on active duty. Maag recalls having wonderful conversations about international issues and what Maag observed during his tour of duty.

“It is hard to put into words how meaningful those conversations were,” said Maag. “It eased my time away from family and friends.”

Maag served as a judge advocate for the U.S. Army and Kansas National Guard for nine years, including one year as judge advocate for the joint military affairs team in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He graduated from Air Command and Staff College, Air War College, The American University School of International Service, and Washburn University School of Law. After graduating from law school, he served as deputy solicitor general for 14 years. He currently serves as senior judge advocate for the Kansas National Guard, staff judge advocate for the Kansas Air National Guard, adjunct professor of law at Washburn University School of Law, and assistant U.S. attorney.

Maag is a past president of the Sam A. Crow Inn of Court and a member of the American Bar Association, Kansas Bar Association, and Topeka Bar Association.  

Past award recipients are:

• 2021: Chief Judge Karen Arnold-Burger, Kansas Court of Appeals

• 2019: Laura Shaneyfelt, Lawrence

• 2018: Stephen Angermeyer, Pittsburg

• 2017: David E. Pierce, Topeka

• 2016: Foulston Siefkin law firm, Wichita, Topeka, and Kansas City

• 2015: Jan Hamilton, Topeka

• 2014: Steve Obermeier, Olathe

• 2013: Robert Collins, Wichita

• 2012: Cynthia Grimes, Lenexa

• 2011: J. Nick Badgerow, Overland Park

• 2010: Jack Scott McInteer, Wichita

• 2009: Mira Mdivani, Overland Park

• 2008: Sheila Reynolds, Topeka

• 2007: District Judge Robert J. Schmisseur, 30th Judicial District

• 2006: Philip Bowman, Wichita