Chief Judge Richard M. (Dick) Smith to retire January 12

TOPEKA—Chief Judge Richard “Dick” Smith announced he is retiring January 12 after serving nearly 27 years on the bench in the 6th judicial district.

“It has been an honor and privilege to be entrusted with the position of district judge and to serve the people of Kansas, particularly those in the 6th judicial district,” Smith said. “I’ve been blessed with tremendous support from the Supreme Court, my fellow judges and my support staff throughout these 27 years, which has made it a joy to serve the people of my district.”

Smith said he plans to pursue service work according to his faith and to continue to be active in his local church and community after he retires.

“Justice and the needy can be served in many ways beyond the judicial system,” Smith said. “I hope to approach my service with the same vigor I tried to demonstrate in my role as judge.”

Smith was appointed district court judge in February 1987 by then-Gov. Mike Hayden. In his time on the bench, he has had assignments in criminal, domestic, civil, probate, and juvenile cases, and he has also fulfilled administrative duties as chief judge. He had the privilege of sitting regularly on the benches of Linn, Miami and Bourbon counties.

Smith served on the Judicial Performance Commission, Criminal Code Recodification Commission, Judicial Needs Assessment Committee, and Kansas Bar Association Legislative Committee. Smith served as president, treasurer, secretary and legislative chair of the Kansas District Judge’s Association and chair and vice-chair of the Kansas Sentencing Commission.

Smith is a lifelong Kansan whose childhood hometown was El Dorado. He practiced law in Topeka and Mound City before taking the bench.