An Emporia native is one of three finalists for a position on the Kansas Supreme Court.
Kristen Wheeler graduated from Emporia High in 1999 and then graduated from the University of Kansas before obtaining her law degree from Washburn School of Law in 2006. She served in private practice with Robinson Law Firm and also Morris, Laing, Evans, Brock and Kennedy. In 2018, she left private practice to be the law clerk for US District Judge Thomas Marten.
Wheeler, the daughter of Lyon County Administrative Judge Merlin Wheeler, joins 12th Judicial District Judge Kim Cudney and Kansas Court of Appeals Judge Melissa Taylor Standridge as finalists after Justice Carol Beier announced her retirement.
Candidates for the Supreme Court need to be at least 30 years old and a lawyer in Kansas for at least 10 years. The Supreme Court Nominating Commission forwards names of potential candidates based on reviews of their experience, educational background, ethics, temperament, community service, impartiality and respect of colleagues.
