As the newest judge in Lyon and Chase Counties, Emporia attorney Jeffry Larson has a lot to look forward to.
This morning, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius appointed Larson, 45, who has been practicing law since 1987. He will replace District Court Judge John O. Sanderson, who retires next month.
“Jeff Larson has a range of experience in private practice including domestic and family law, criminal defense, adoption, and general civil practice as well as serving as an assistant county attorney,” Sebelius said in a news release. “His broad experience will help him deal with the array of cases district court judges handle.”
Larson, who is a partner at Miller & Larson, said this morning he is excited about the opportunity to be the next judge.
“Obviously, I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Larson said. “I’m happy that the governor had confidence in me. It’s something that I never really thought I’d have the opportunity to do when I was in law school.”
Larson said he started giving the concept thought when some colleagues at the bar association began talking to him about it.
“I started giving it some thought here and opportunity came and here we are,” he said.
Larson said his partner, Monte Miller, will be taking over the law practice. If the client load gets to be too big, some clients may be moved to other practices.
Larson is a member of the Emporia Community Foundation, has served as chair of the Citizens for the Independent Judiciary Finance Council and is a member of the Emporia Bar Association.
Larson received his juris doctorate from Washburn University School of Law in 1986 after receiving his bachelor’s degree from Emporia State University in 1984. Larson and his wife, Amy, have two daughters, Hilary and Abby.