FHSU Political Science
Assistant Professor of Political Science and Director of Pre-Law/Legal Studies at Fort Hays State University Wendy Rohleder-Sook was named a member of the Kansas Rural Justice Initiative Committee. The committee was created by Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert on Dec. 1 to address the issue of lack of attorney representation in rural counties in Kansas. Today, there are counties in Kansas — Wichita and Hodgeman — that have zero attorneys and others that only have one. With her knowledge and experience, Rohleder-Sook will engage with the 35 members of the committee to collaborate on possible solutions to this issue.
“It’s a great honor to have the opportunity to brainstorm and develop possible solutions with an amazing group around the state in the legal profession and other areas,” Rohleder said. “Everyone should have access to legal representation and the opportunity to develop a face-to-face relationship with an attorney.”
The committee members consist of individuals from diverse backgrounds: branches of state government, the legal and business communities, law schools and special interest organizations. Upon the conclusion of the 18-month period, the committee will submit initial recommendations to the Kansas Supreme Court with efforts to increase legal representation in rural Kansas.