Chief Justice Luckert selects Marisa Bayless to fill special counsel position

TOPEKA—Chief Justice Marla Luckert selected Marisa Bayless to fill the special counsel to the chief justice position formerly held by Shawn Jurgensen, who left the branch September 8 to take on a new role with the Council of State Governments in Lexington, Kentucky.  

Bayless began her new duties October 17. 

"While serving as deputy special counsel the last two years, Marisa showed exceptional skill in matters involving the legislative process," said Chief Justice Marla Luckert. “She’s also well-versed on the concerns and successes in our state courts, so she is well-prepared to step into this new role.”    

As special counsel, Bayless’ responsibilities will include serving as liaison for the chief justice, the Supreme Court, and the judicial branch in matters before the Kansas Legislature. This includes monitoring bills and arranging for subject matter expert testimony, making sure courts are informed when bills pass that change how cases are processed, and answering legislator inquiries. 

"I'm honored to serve in this new capacity, and I appreciate the faith shown in me by Chief Justice Luckert and the Supreme Court,” Bayless said. “I look forward to representing the judicial branch’s interests as the state Legislature considers policy that may impact our courts and how we deliver justice to the people of Kansas.” 

Bayless joined the judicial branch in September 2021 as deputy special counsel to the chief justice. Prior to that, she was a legislative analyst for the Kansas Legislative Research Department.  

She is a 2017 graduate from the University of Kansas School of Law. She has a degree in political science with minors in English and criminal justice from Wichita State University.  

Bayless lives in Lawrence with her husband and daughter.