| TOPEKA—Judge Lori Bolton Fleming will be sworn in as judge on the Kansas Court of Appeals at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, before an invited audience in the Supreme Court courtroom in the Kansas Judicial Center, Topeka.
Chief Judge Sarah Warner, Kansas Court of Appeals, will preside over the ceremony. Fleming will be introduced by Chief Judge Kurtis Loy, 11th Judicial District, Chief Judge Dan Creitz, 31st Judicial District, and her husband, Kyle Fleming, attorney.
“We look forward to welcoming Judge Bolton Fleming’s family and friends as she takes her judicial oath and formally joins the Court of Appeals,” Warner said. “This ceremony will be an excellent occasion to celebrate her accomplishments and to reflect on the importance of having fair and impartial judges like her on the appellate bench.”
Fleming’s addition to the court shifts its makeup to nine women and five men. It was previously eight women and six men before Judge Henry Green Jr. retired in March.
The public can access a live webcast of the ceremony on the Kansas Court of Appeals YouTube channel at YouTube.com/KansasCourtofAppeals.
Career in education before law
Fleming began her career as an educator. She earned a bachelor of music education degree and teaching certification in music and English from Pittsburg State University. She taught elementary school music and reading before teaching high school English and coaching debate and forensics.
Fleming said teaching emphasized the power of words in educating the public about the judicial system.
“As an educator, I understand the importance of clear communication, and I keep that in mind in my writing,” she said. “I believe that our government belongs to the people, and as judges it is important that we communicate what we do and why we do it directly to the people we serve.”
Transition to career in law
Fleming earned her law degree from Washburn University School of Law in 2001, where she was editor in chief of the Washburn Law Journal. She began her legal career as an assistant Crawford County attorney before entering private practice. She later taught courses at Pittsburg State University and was director of its legal clinic.
“As an attorney, I have a well-rounded background, including criminal, civil, domestic, juvenile, probate, adoption, and others,” she said. “I have significant experience in the courtroom, as well as in research and writing, that I believe will benefit the court.”
Fleming was appointed district judge in the 11th Judicial District by Gov. Sam Brownback in 2012. She was appointed chief judge by the Supreme Court in 2021.
Fleming said serving in the district court prepared her for the Court of Appeals, both in hearing cases and court administration.
“The cases considered by the Court of Appeals originate in district court,” she said. “As a judge, I have handed all types of cases, and as a chief judge, I was often involved in working on issues to improve our legal system, such as access to justice, rural justice issues, and cybersecurity and technology improvements.”
Joining Court of Appeals
Fleming was appointed to the Court of Appeals by Gov. Laura Kelly to fill a vacancy created when Judge Henry Green Jr. retired March 3. Her appointment was confirmed by the Kansas Senate in March.
Fleming said she looks forward to serving Kansans through prompt review of the large volume of cases the court hears each session.
“It is easy to forget that behind each case are real people waiting for a decision so they can move forward with their lives,” she said. “We owe it to Kansans to make well-researched, timely decisions.”
Retention elections
After a new judge serves one year on the court, they must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the judge serves a four-year term. |
