The 2026 Bench-Bar Conference, organized by the Johnson County Bar Association, is scheduled for April 8, 2026, at Fiorella's Event Space in Overland Park, Kansas. This full-day event offers Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programming, professional insights, and meaningful discussions, bringing together members of the Johnson County judiciary and legal community.
The conference features a diverse agenda, including a Judicial Mediation Panel with Judges Kevin Moriarty, Paul Gurney, and Jackie Rokusek, who will provide practical guidance on mediations in family law, civil, and criminal cases. An ethics session titled "Talkin’ ’Bout Our Generations: Ethics in a Multigenerational Practice" will explore how generational differences among attorneys influence various aspects of legal practice. Breakout sessions will cover topics such as trust accounts in Kansas, recent developments in Kansas criminal law, elder abuse identification and prevention, and bankruptcy law for general practitioners.
Attendees will have opportunities to engage directly with judges and practitioners across multiple practice areas, participate in interactive panels driven by questions submitted by bar members, and gain practical strategies for navigating ethical challenges. The event also includes a presentation by Justice Ventures International on securing justice for victims of human trafficking and other injustices through legal advocacy and collaboration.
This conference is ideal for attorneys, judges, and legal professionals seeking to stay current on legal updates, enhance their professional skills, and network with peers in the Johnson County legal community.
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Speakers(18)
Brant McCoy
Co-presented on elder abuse, discussing steps attorneys can take to protect clients.
Chance Berndt
Co-presented the Kansas Criminal Law Update, discussing key developments in criminal law.
Danielle Atchison
Delivered the welcome remarks at the 2026 Bench-Bar Conference.
Gayle Larkin
Presented on ethics in a multigenerational practice, exploring generational differences among attorneys.
Hon. Catherine Triplett
Judge
Participated in the District Court Judicial Panel, discussing practice in Johnson County courts.
Hon. Chris Jayaram
Judge
Participated in the District Court Judicial Panel, offering perspectives on civil court practice.
Hon. Erica Schoenig
Judge
Participated in the District Court Judicial Panel, providing insights on criminal court practice.
Hon. Jackie Rokusek
Judge
Participated in the Judicial Mediation Panel, discussing mediations in criminal cases.
Hon. Kevin Moriarty
Judge
Participated in the Judicial Mediation Panel, providing guidance on mediations in family law cases.
Hon. Paul Gurney
Judge
Participated in the Judicial Mediation Panel, offering insights on mediations in civil cases.
Hon. Robert Berger
Judge at United States Bankruptcy Court
Provided an overview of bankruptcy law for general practitioners, emphasizing effects on civil and family law matters.
Hon. Thomas Sutherland
Judge
Participated in the District Court Judicial Panel, sharing insights on practicing in family, criminal, and civil courts.
Jeff Pankratz
Justice Ventures International
Presented on securing justice for victims of human trafficking through legal advocacy.
Kathleen J. Selzler Lippert, J.D.
Led a session on Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct governing attorney fees and client property.
Lisa Williams-McCallum
Discussed the Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program, including confidential support services for legal professionals.
Marion Stern
Co-presented on elder abuse, providing practical guidance on law practice strategies to prevent abuse.
Sheena Foye
Co-presented the Kansas Criminal Law Update, reviewing recent changes in criminal statutes and case law.
Steve Howe
Johnson County District Attorney
Presented on elder abuse, focusing on identification, prevention, and protection strategies.
Event Details
- Date
- June 17-20, 2026
- 4 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Boca Raton, United States
- Fiorella's Event Space
- Audience
- Attorneys, judges, and legal professionals
- CLE Credits
- CLE accreditation pending
- Attendees
- 115 registered guests