Supreme Court appoints Peter Johnston to Kansas Board of Law Examiners

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court announced today that it has appointed Peter Scott Johnston of Salina to the Kansas Board of Law Examiners for a five-year term that starts July 1, 2016.

"I have known Mr. Johnston nearly 20 years, and he will make a terrific addition to this hard-working board that ensures applicants who want to be licensed attorneys in Kansas meet the qualifications established by the Supreme Court," said Chief Justice Lawton Nuss. "We appreciate his commitment to his profession and we look forward to his contributions."

Johnston will replace Kenneth L. Cole, an attorney from Russell, who has served on the board since 2005 and has reached the maximum term of service permitted by Court rule.

In addition to Johnston's appointment, the court announced that it reappointed Carol M. Park to serve another five-year term starting July 1. Park is with Schwartz & Park LLP of Hays.

The court also announced that Donald N. Peterson II will begin serving July 1 as vice chair. Peterson has served on the board since 2009 and is with Withers, Gough, Pike, Pfaff & Peterson LLC of Wichita.

The 10-member Kansas Board of Law Examiners is composed of judges and lawyers. It manages and grades a twice-yearly bar examination and conducts hearings on applicants' character and fitness to practice law. It also makes recommendations to the Supreme Court on policies and procedures related to bar admission.