Bench-Bar Committee

The Bench-Bar Committee is responsible for communicating concerns and advancing the professional relationship between the members of the bar and the judges of Douglas County, Kansas. The Committee is comprised of the District Judges, DCBA President, Young Lawyers Section President, and additional members who each serve staggered terms, a new member being appointed each year by the DCBA President. The Committee members are:

  • Meryl Carver-Allmond, President of the Douglas County Bar Association

  • Suzanne Valdez, District Attorney

  • Jessica Glendening, Chief Public Defender, 7th Judicial District

  • Sherri Loveland, Ethics Chair

  • Erin Levy, Young Lawyers Section President

  • Shon Qualseth (term expires March 31, 2025)

  • Brandy Nichols-Brajkovic (term expires March 31, 2025)

  • Kate Simpson (term expires March 31, 2026)

Law Library Trustees

The mission of the Douglas County Law Library is to provide legal and law-related resources through a law library, focused on a Kansas practice, conveniently located in the Judicial Center for use by the bar, bench and public. There are three attorney-members:

  • Rob Bruer, DCBA Vice President

  • Mike Jilka (term expires March 31, 2025)

  • Erin Levy (term expires March 31, 2026)

Young Lawyers Section

Pursuant to the Bylaws of the DCBA, the Young Lawyers Section consists of members who have practiced law in Douglas County for less than five years or who are less than 36 years of age. The Section is governed by the Young Lawyers Section Bylaws. The Young Lawyers are charged with responsibility for ongoing public relations, culminating in the annual Law Day activities. The principal feature of Law Day is the Law Day Luncheon, as well as investigation of nominees and selection of the recipient of the Liberty Bell Award for outstanding public service. For more information, contact the President of the Young Lawyers Section. The 2024-2025 YLS President is Erin Levy.

Women Attorneys Group

Douglas County Women Attorneys is an informal group that was formed for the purpose of social and professional networking. The group is affiliated with the Kansas Women Attorneys Association District J. There are no dues and no membership requirements. 

Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program (KALAP)

The Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program (KALAP) was established by the Kansas Supreme Court to provide peer intervention, counseling, and rehabilitation of attorneys, judges, and law students whose professional performance may be impaired because of physical or mental illness, substance abuse or emotional distress. If you, or someone you know needs help, click HERE to learn more about KALAP.