Sebelius appoints Judge Lee Johnson to Supreme Court

Citing his service on the Kansas Court of Appeals and experience in private practice, Governor Kathleen Sebelius today appointed Lee Alan Johnson of Topeka to the Kansas Supreme Court.

“Judge Johnson brings solid experience, both in private practice and in service to this state as a member of the Court of Appeals. He has demonstrated the sense of justice and fairness that Kansans expect from members of the state’s highest court. His experience in the courtroom and on the bench will serve him and the people of Kansas well,” said Sebelius.

Johnson, 59, has 26 years of legal experience.  Currently, he is the second position judge on the Kansas Court of Appeals. From 1980 until his appointment to the appellate court in 2001, Johnson worked as an attorney in private practice, as well as serving as city attorney to Caldwell and Argonia, and providing legal counsel to the Hospital District No. 1 in Sumner County.

Johnson is a member of the Kansas Bar Association and the Sumner County Bar Association.

Johnson received his law degree from Washburn University School of Law in 1980, after receiving his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas in 1969.  Johnson also served as Mayor of Caldwell from 1976 to 1977.

Judge Johnson and his wife, Donna, have two children, Jordan, Overland Park and Jennifer, Emporia.

Unlike presidential appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court, in which the President can choose any eligible individual to serve subject to Senate confirmation, under rules put in place by Kansas voters in 1958, governors are given a list of three individuals from which to choose.

These individuals are selected by a nonpartisan nominating commission made up of nine members. Four are members of the public appointed by the governor, while the other five are elected by members of the Kansas Bar. To ensure all parts of Kansas are represented, each congressional district is represented by at least two members.

The nominating commission can only nominate individuals who apply for the position in question. From the individuals who apply, the commission nominates three finalists, with the governor selecting from those finalists.  After their appointment, justices are subject to a retention vote by the people of Kansas every six years.

Johnson replaces Justice Donald Allegrucci who is retiring from the bench.

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