Today Governor Laura Kelly appointed Amy Cline to fill the vacancy created by retired Judge G. Joseph Pierron Jr. Cline currently resides in Wichita and practices at Triplett Woolf Garretson, LLC law firm.
“Ms. Cline has worked diligently representing homeowners, consumers, farmers, workers and small businesses across Kansas,” Governor Kelly said. “She will bring her breadth of experience to the Court of Appeals where I am certain she will be a fair and open-minded jurist.”
Cline has spent her career arguing a wide variety of cases including, consumer protection, construction, employment, personal injury and business disputes and has presented to both the Kansas Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals. She’s also devoted her time to serving the community through the Girl Scouts of the Kansas Heartland and the Wichita Salvation Army, leading various bar associations, and participating in women’s legal groups.
She attended Wichita State University where she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in political science and went on to receive her law degree from the University of Kansas in 2000. After law school, Cline practiced law in Wichita with Fleeson, Gooing, Coulson & Kitch, LLC, representing clients in civil litigation in both state and federal courts. In 2004, she began work with Triplett Woolf Garretson, LLC, where she became a partner just four years later.
“I thank Governor Kelly for the opportunity to serve Kansas and the rule of law on the Court of Appeals, I’m honored to work with its distinguished jurists,” Cline said.
Cline’s appointment is subject to Senate confirmation and her materials are being forwarded to the Senate. Before 2013, Court of Appeals judges were not subject to Senate confirmation and were selected by the governor from a group of finalists named by the Supreme Court Nominating Commission. Because Governor Kelly favors that merit-based selection process, she tasked a committee of knowledgeable lawyers and non-lawyers with recommending finalists for the Court of Appeals vacancy.
The nominating committee forwarded three candidates for Governor Kelly’s consideration, including Cline and Wichita attorneys Diane H. Sorensen and Marcia Wood.
“Diane Sorensen and Marcia Wood are incredibly qualified attorneys and devoted community servants,” Kelly said. “I appreciate their commitment to Kansas and feel proud knowing that such capable legal minds are working for the betterment of our state.”
The Governor and Cline are eager to work with the Senate to ensure a smooth, efficient confirmation process.