Wichita Bar Association

05/02/2024

Courtroom Victory by Wichita Attorney Jess Hoeme Is Televised Nationally This Week
On A&E Network Series, Accused: Guilty or Innocent?

WHAT and WHEN:
A courtroom victory won by Joseph, Hollander & Craft attorney Jess Hoeme is the subject of this week’s true-crime series, Accused: Guilty or Innocent?, to be broadcast nationally on the A&E Network Thursday, May 2, at 8 pm, and streaming the following day. See the trailer for this episode, “Murderous Mother or Protective Parent?”

A London-based film crew followed Hoeme for three weeks during the summer of 2023 as he worked through pre-trial preparation and courtroom strategy, using Kansas’ Stand Your Ground defense to win dismissal of a charge of second-degree manslaughter and save his client from a possible 41-year prison sentence.

WHO:
Jess Hoeme is a criminal defense attorney representing clients accused of murder, domestic violence, DUI, and white-collar crimes. His experience includes five years as a prosecutor — four as Mitchell County Attorney, followed by a term as the lead narcotics prosecutor for the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office.

The client, Wellington resident Ashley Pearson, was a frequent victim of domestic violence by her boyfriend and accused of fatally stabbing him in 2018 in a bid to defend herself and her child. The pre-trial hearing for Kansas vs. Ashley Pearson took place Aug. 8, 2023, in Sumner County District Court and was televised live by Court TV.

WHY IT’S SIGNFICANT:
Hoeme and Pearson allowed A&E full access to their pre-trial strategy sessions because they wanted to send a clear message to other victims of domestic violence: If you’re in an abusive relationship, you have to get out before the situation ends with tragic consequences.

ABOUT THE SHOW:
“Accused: Guilty or Innocent?” follows the inside stories of people who find their freedom is on the line as they face trial for serious crimes they are alleged to have committed. Each episode follows the accused person’s journey through the planning of their legal defense, the trial and, ultimately, awaiting the judge’s decision or jury verdict.

12/20/2023

Happy Holidays from the Wichita Bar Association!

05/10/2023

The Wichita Bar Association awarded McDonald Tinker Director Stacy Ortega the President’s Award to honor her years of outstanding service to the Wichita legal community. Congratulations Stacy!

05/10/2023

The Wichita Bar Association awarded McDonald Tinker Director Kate Olson the Benson-Batt Award to honor her years of organizing law-related events for local students. Congratulations Kate!

05/10/2023

Congratulations to MP Attorney, Samantha Woods, on receiving the President’s Award at the Wichita Bar Association’s Law Day Luncheon!

05/10/2023

GWM is proud of our attorney Richard Samaniego for his receipt of the Wichita Bar Association President’s Award.

This award recognizes the successful accomplishment of a law-related project or service where the recipient’s work substantially exceeds that which is normally expected. The recipients also must demonstrate high ethical standards and hold the respect of his/her peers.

Richard received the award for his efforts as Chair of the WBA Legislative Committee and for being the voice of the WBA before the Kansas Legislature.

Congratulations Richard!

05/10/2023

Retired Foulston attorney Cyd Gilman was honored with the Wichita Bar Association’s highest honor – the Lifetime Achievement Award – at the May 9 WBA luncheon. Gilman, shown with WBA president-elect Scott Hill (left) and president Aaron Breitenbach, was recognized for sustained superior performance, accomplishments bringing credit to the profession, and exemplary ethical standards. Congratulations, Cyd!

01/20/2023

A Naturalization Ceremony took place today (Friday, January 20th) where 163 new citizens from 45 countries took the oath. Randy Rathbun (Depew Gillen) was the soloist and Joni Franklin (Franklin Law) provided the keynote address to the new citizens.

11/01/2022

THE WICHITA BAR ASSOCIATION HONORS OUR VETERANS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND YOUR SACRIFICE.

THE WBA AND SCLL WILL BE CLOSED ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, IN OBSERVANCE OF VETERANS DAY.

If you are a veteran and would like to be recognized, please contact Lupita Reyes at [email protected] and she will add this information to your profile.

10/04/2022

"Together, we are the WBA"

Thank you for being a member of the Wichita Bar Association. Because of you, we are better, stronger, and wiser as legal professionals. Our goal this year is to strengthen our togetherness through committee meetings, monthly luncheons, social events, educational opportunities via CLEs, and celebrating each other's successes whenever we can.

Click on the link and watch this clip of our various experiences as members of the Bar. I hope it reminds you of why you joined. If you haven't renewed your membership, I hope it encourages you to return to the WBA as an active member.

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller

Aaron Breitenbach, WBA President

Together, We Are the WBA

07/01/2022