TOPEKA—Chief Justice Lawton Nuss selected Shawn Jurgensen to fill the special counsel to the chief justice position formerly held by Helen Pedigo, who retired June 16 after six and a half years in the position.
Jurgensen will begin his new duties September 11.
"Shawn is bright, attentive, and enthusiastic," Nuss said. "He can track the smallest detail yet not lose sight of the big picture, which will help him succeed in this critical role."
As special counsel, Jurgensen's 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 that I was selected for this position," Jurgensen said. "I look forward to serving our courts and to working with our state Legislature as they consider policy that may impact the judicial branch and the delivery of justice to the people of Kansas."
Currently, Jurgensen is a staff attorney in the Office of Judicial Administration, a position he's held since December 2016. Previously, he was a partner in Williamson & Jurgensen, LLP, a law firm specializing in bankruptcy law, and Jurgensen Zook, PA, a general practice law firm.
He is a 2008 graduate of the Washburn University School of Law, where he was the recipient of the John K. Kleinheksel Prize in Oral Advocacy and he was inducted into the Order of Barristers, both in 2008. The Topeka Bar Association awarded him the Pro Bono Legal Services Award in 2010.
He lives in Topeka with his wife and two sons.