By Scout Nelson
The Kansas Farm Bureau Legal Foundation is working hard to strengthen the legal scene in rural Kansas. They've recently given grants to three budding attorneys, making sure legal knowledge is available in the countryside of the state.
This year's beneficiaries include William McClendon, Lindsay McQuinn, and Jon Zimmerman. Each of them is on track to receive up to $16,500. This generous aid aims to ease their educational costs as they kickstart their legal careers in rural Kansas sectors.
Wendee Grady, leading the Legal Foundation, voiced her enthusiasm. She emphasized the necessity for robust legal counsel for farmers and ranchers, particularly as their operations grow in intricacy.
A snapshot of these young attorneys: McClendon, an Oklahoma City University School of Law alumnus, has set up shop in Greenwood County. McQuinn, a product of The University of Kansas School of Law, is collaborating with Hampton and Royce in Saline County. Lastly, Zimmerman, having graduated from the University of Tulsa College of Law, is forging his path in Crawford County.
The KFB Legal Foundation selects up to three law students near graduation each year based on their genuine desire to serve rural Kansas, understanding of agricultural legal challenges, academic achievements, and financial need, excluding certain counties like Douglas and Johnson.
The financial aid is staggered into three parts. On clearing the bar exam and initiating their practice in a rural region, they receive $5,500. Following this, two more installments come their way, contingent on their consistent practice over two years in these rural zones.
So far, the impact is noticeable. Aided attorneys are making a mark both in private and public sectors across six Kansas counties. Cumulatively, they can avail up to $99,000 via the Rural Law Practice Grant initiative.
For those eyeing this opportunity, the window is open. The Legal Foundation is welcoming applications for their next grant cycle until Nov. 1.
All details and the application process are available HERE.
Photo Credit: Kansas Farm Bureau
Categories: Kansas, Business