TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court has selected Kevin Berens to be chief judge of the 15th judicial district that includes Cheyenne, Logan, Sheridan, Sherman, Rawlins, Thomas, and Wallace counties.
Berens was elected district judge November 9 for a term that begins January 9. His term as chief judge will begin the same day. He succeeds Chief Judge Glenn Schiffner, who will retire when his term as district judge ends January 9.
"We appreciate that Kevin is willing to take on the additional duties of chief judge as soon he's sworn in as district judge," said Chief Justice Lawton Nuss. "We look forward to his contributions leading the 15th judicial district and managing its administrative functions."
Each of Kansas' 31 judicial districts has a chief judge who, in addition to his or her judicial responsibilities, has general control over case assignments within the district, as well as general supervisory authority over the administrative and clerical functions of the court.
Berens said he looks forward to his new roles with the Kansas judicial branch.
"I'm honored by the confidence placed in me by the Supreme Court," Berens said. "I will do my best to ensure the effective administration of justice in our district for the benefit of our communities."
Berens currently is the Thomas County Attorney and the City Attorney for Bird City. He previously served as Cheyenne County Attorney and Assistant Cheyenne County Attorney. He also practiced law in Kansas and Colorado. Prior to receiving his law degree, he worked as an accountant.
Berens graduated from Fort Hays State University and from the Washburn University School of Law. While in law school, he was a staff writer for the Washburn Law Journal and clerked for judges of the 3rd judicial district.
Berens was appointed to the Kansas Sentencing Commission in 2011. He is a member of the Northwest Kansas Bar Association, Kansas Bar Association, Kansas County and District Attorney Association, and the American Bar Association. He serves on the Best Practices Committee for the Kansas County & District Attorney Association.