Sedgwick County District Judge Warren Wilbert to retire

TOPEKA—Sedgwick County District Judge Warren Wilbert will retire January 11, 2019, after 24 years on the bench.

Wilbert currently is the presiding judge in the civil department of the 18th Judicial District, which is composed of Sedgwick County. He also oversees the district's drug court.

"I have enjoyed presiding over complex cases including medical negligence, first-degree premeditated murder and capital murder cases," Wilbert said. "The intellectual stimulation provided by the various trials allowed me to become a student of the law again, which was much different from the demands of private practice. There was nothing more satisfying than to preside over a case that was tried by well-prepared lawyers."

Wilbert said he will miss working with judicial branch employees.

"I have admired their dedication to public service and their desire to provide the public with access to justice," he said.

Wilbert was appointed district judge in 1995. After earning a bachelor's degree at Washburn University and graduating from the Washburn University School of Law, he was in private practice for more than 18 years, the last seven as a solo practitioner.

In the 18th Judicial District, Wilbert also has served in the family law and criminal departments. He was presiding judge of the criminal department from 2011 to 2013. Wilbert served on the executive committee of the Kansas District Judges Association from 2001 to 2012 and was KDJA president for 2010-11.

He said he looks forward to spending more time with family and grandchildren, traveling with his wife, and golfing.

"I plan to take motorcycle trips with my brother, who lives in Montana," he added. "In addition, I’m sure there will be many opportunities to volunteer at my church."