Joel G. Amend

Joel Amend was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas. He attended the University of Kansas where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business with an emphasis in Finance. Mr. Amend received several scholarships and recognitions for his leadership and academic achievements. He then went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Washburn University School of Law. During his time at Washburn, Mr. Amend served on the executive board of Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity and worked as a research assistant. Mr. Amend graduated from Washburn University School of Law in 2024 with Dean’s Honors and joined Fleeson Gooing in September of that year.

Jason R. Bock

Jason Bock received his Bachelor’s of Business Administration degree in Finance, magna cum laude, from Fort Hays State University in 2007. He studied law at the University of Kansas School of Law, concentrating in the areas of probate, estate planning, taxation and business law. His affiliation with Fleeson Gooing began during law school, taking part in the firm’s summer associate program. Mr. Bock began his practice with the firm full-time in 2010 and has been an member since 2017.

Adam R. Burrus

Adam Burrus was born in Wichita, Kansas, in 1983. He attended Saint Louis University where he double-majored in Finance and Economics and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration (cum laude) in 2006. He received his Juris Doctor from Washburn University School of Law in 2009, earning a Certificate in Business and Transactional Law (with distinction).

Mr. Burrus joined Fleeson Gooing in 2009 and became a member of the firm in 2016. He represents businesses and individual clients in every facet of the legal process, including arbitration, mediation, and litigation.

Ronald L. Campbell

Ron Campbell grew up on a farm near Scott City, Kansas. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas and his law degree from Southern Methodist University. He practices primarily in the area of litigation, focusing on personal injury, products liability, business and construction disputes. He is author of the “Prompt Payment Acts” chapter of the Kansas Bar Association Construction Law Handbook.

Mr. Campbell is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America in the areas of Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation and Construction Law Litigation.

Mr. Campbell has argued cases in the Kansas Court of Appeals, the Kansas Supreme Court, and the Eighth and Tenth Circuits of the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Michael P. Cannady

Mike Cannady grew up in Augusta, Kansas. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Wichita State University, graduating magna cum laude, in 1985, and his Juris Doctor, with honors, from Washburn University School of Law in 1988. In 1995, Mr. Cannady received a Master of Laws degree in Taxation from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

T. Chet Compton

Chet Compton was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas. He obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas and his juris doctor from Washburn University School of Law. Between college and law school, Mr. Compton spent two years working in the Office of the Governor of the State of Kansas.

While at Washburn, Mr. Compton served as Managing Editor of the Washburn Law Journal. He also served as a term-clerk for the Honorable Eric F. Melgren, District Judge for the United States District Court for the District of Kansas. Mr. Compton graduated from Washburn with honors.

Amy D. DeWald

Amy DeWald was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Kansas in 2013. While at KU, Ms. DeWald received the President’s Award for Educational Achievement and was an Annual Linkugel Competition Speech Competition finalist.

After graduation, Ms. DeWald worked as a District Representative for the Fourth Congressional District of Kansas. Ms. DeWald began law school at the Washburn University School of Law in 2015. While attending law school she was named a Washburn Law Dawson Scholar. Ms. DeWald graduated from law school in May of 2018, earning her juris doctorate with Dean’s Honors, and joined Fleeson Gooing in September of 2018.

Emily K. Elving

A Wichita native, Emily Elving earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Criminal Justice from Wichita State University. Ms. Elving graduated first in her class from Washburn University School of Law in the spring of 2021. She was a law clerk for Fleeson Gooing during the summer of 2019 and joined the firm as an associate attorney in August of 2021.

During her time in law school, Ms. Elving served as the Managing Editor for Volume 60 of the Washburn Law Journal and authored a published Note, Biometrics in Employment Guidance “BEG”: Best Practices for Employers Begging to Use Biometrics in the Workplace, 60 Washburn L.J. 313 (2021).

John R. Gerdes

John Gerdes joined the firm in 1991 and he currently serves on its executive committee.  Mr. Gerdes practices primarily in the areas of taxation, partnerships, corporations, business law and estate planning.  He is licensed to practice in Kansas and Missouri.

Mr. Gerdes received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Benedictine College in 1982 and his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Washburn University in 1990. He went on to earn his Master of Laws degree in Taxation from the University of Florida in 1991.

Roarke R. Gordon

Roarke Gordon practices primarily in the areas of corporate business law and real estate. He regularly assists clients in the sale and purchase of businesses, including asset and stock transactions, the formation of entities, and contract negotiation and drafting. A significant portion of his practice concerns retail, restaurant, and office leasing transactions, from both the landlord and tenant perspectives. He also has extensive experience in transactions involving franchise relationships. Mr. Gordon’s litigation practice primarily involves contract and other business related issues, such as disputes involving fiduciary duties and business torts.

Thomas D. Kitch

Tom Kitch was born in Wichita, Kansas, on February 15, 1944. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University in 1966 and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Chicago in 1969. Mr. Kitch was a member of the Board of Editors of the University of Chicago Law Review from 1967 to 1969. He was admitted to the Kansas bar and joined Fleeson, Gooing, Coulson & Kitch in 1969.

Mr. Kitch practices primarily in Civil Litigation, Complex Business Litigation, Banking, and Commercial and Corporate law.

Hayley A. Koontz

Hayley Koontz was raised in Benton, Kansas. She did her undergraduate studies at the University of Kansas, where she was a member of the Honors Program. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics, with Highest Distinction, and graduated with Departmental Honors in Economics in the Spring of 2021. She returned to KU for law school that fall.

During law school, Ms. Koontz served as Vice President of her chapter of Christian Legal Society, participated in two moot court competitions, and was a Staff Editor and later a Comment Editor for the Kansas Law Review. Ms. Koontz spent her last semester of law school in the Washington, D.C. area, where she was an intern for the Interior Board of Land Appeals.

Thomas J. Lasater

Tom Lasater was born in Monte Vista, Colorado, and raised in Dodge City, Kansas. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in economics from West Texas State University, graduating magna cum laude, in 1979. While at West Texas State, Mr. Lasater was a two-year letterman in football and a member of the 1977 Missouri Valley Conference championship team. He received his Juris Doctor Degree from George Washington University in 1982. He was admitted to the Kansas bar and joined Fleeson, Gooing, Coulson & Kitch in 1982. He is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee.

Nathaniel T. Martens

Nathaniel Martens is a civil litigator with nearly equal experience representing plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal court. Mr. Martens has represented clients in cases involving disputes over property damage; construction defects or workmanship; non-compete agreements; commercial and residential real estate leases; personal injuries, and intellectual property, among others. His experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants provides valuable perspective to clients.

Ryan K. Meyer

Ryan Meyer practices primarily in the area of Civil Litigation. He has experience assisting both plaintiffs and defendants in a wide variety of areas, including Commercial Litigation, Employment Law, Insurance Law, and Construction Law, in both state and federal courts.  Mr. Meyer is listed as a Rising Star in the Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers publication.

Mr. Meyer was born in El Dorado, Kansas. He attended Wichita State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. He was a member of the president’s honor roll throughout college. Mr. Meyer received his Juris Doctorate, magna cum laude, from Washburn University School of Law in May 2010.

Kent A. Meyerhoff

Kent Meyerhoff grew up on a farm near Palmer, Kansas. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wichita State University, graduating magna cum laude in 1991, and his Juris Doctor, with distinction, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1994.

While at the University of Nebraska, Mr. Meyerhoff was executive editor of the Nebraska Law Review and was elected to the Nebraska chapter of the Order of the Coif. Mr. Meyerhoff was admitted to the Kansas bar and joined Fleeson, Gooing, Coulson & Kitch in 1994. He is currently a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and serves as head of the Trusts and Estates Practice Group.

Charles E. Millsap

Chuck Millsap’s practice is concentrated in complex business and commercial litigation matters. Mr. Millsap has significant experience assisting clients in the construction, financial services, and insurance industries, and has been successful as well in litigating corporate, environmental, civil rights, intellectual property, and healthcare-related disputes in both federal and state court. He has also represented parties in significant corporate transactions, including deals for the purchase and sale of radio stations, aircraft part manufacturing operations, building industry operations, and other ventures.

John W. Ralston

Born and raised in Wichita, John Ralston graduated at the top of his class from Washburn University School of Law in the spring of 2022. He previously graduated summa cum laude from Friends University where he earned his Bachelor’s degree. After working for two years as a law clerk for the Honorable Eric F. Melgren of the United States District Court for the District of Kansas, Mr. Ralston joined Fleeson Gooing in September of 2024.

Calvin D. Rider

Calvin Rider’s practice is devoted to Education and School Law; Business and Corporate Law (including the formation of corporations and other entities, asset and stock purchase, and sale agreements, mergers, and acquisitions); Estate Planning and Probate; and Real Estate Law. Mr. Rider is a frequent speaker on education and business topics at seminars sponsored by community and professional organizations.

Mr. Rider was born in Hays, Kansas. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Fort Hays State University. In 1985, Mr. Rider received his Juris Doctor degree from Washburn University. He is admitted to appear in the state and federal courts of Kansas, as well as the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.

Chandler E. Schmidt

Chandler Schmidt is a registered patent attorney experienced in building intellectual property (IP) portfolios for individual entrepreneurs, small to large manufacturers, and academic institutions. He also helps clients enforce IP rights, negotiate licensing agreements, navigate IP risks, and perform due diligence for mergers and acquisitions.

Mr. Schmidt attended the University of Kansas where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He then received his Juris Doctor from Washburn University School of Law in 2017 where he received Dean’s Honors. After working for a time in the Kansas City area, he joined Fleeson Gooing in 2026.

David G. Seely

David Seely joined Fleeson, Gooing, Coulson & Kitch in 1984 after serving for two years (1982–84) as a law clerk to Hon. Earl E. O’Connor, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. Mr. Seely regards this as a unique learning experience that has been invaluable to his work in litigation.

Mr. Seely’s practice is focused on Civil Litigation. Much of this work in recent years has focused on complex litigation and class actions involving oil and gas. Mr. Seely has also handled litigation in state and federal courts on behalf of a variety of individual and institutional clients spanning a wide range of practice areas, including RICO, business litigation, civil rights, employment, insurance defense, personal injury, and church issues.

John R. Sill

John Sill has called Wichita his home since 2001. He attended Wichita State University where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 2008. Furthering his background in business, Mr. Sill obtained his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Kansas in 2011. He then went on to receive his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law in 2014.

While in law school, Mr. Sill served as Managing Editor for the Journal of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, received honors for Pro Bono/Public Service and was named to the UMKC-School of Law Dean’s List.

Matthew B. Sondergard

Matthew Sondergard was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas. He attended Kansas State University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and a minor in Business in 2015. Mr. Sondergard then went on to receive his Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas School of Law in 2018, where he earned a Certificate in Business and Commercial Law.

While attending the University of Kansas School of Law, Mr. Sondergard served as an editor of the Kansas Law Review and authored Blaines Beware: Trinity Lutheran and the Changing Landscape of State No-Funding Provisions, 66 U. Kan. L. Rev. 753 (2018). Mr. Sondergard was admitted to the Kansas bar in 2019 and joined Fleeson Gooing in November of 2020.

Stephen M. Stark

Steve Stark was born and raised in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University in 1979, majoring in industrial administration. He received his Juris Doctor degree, with honors, from the University of Iowa in 1983 and served as an editor of the Iowa Law School’s Journal of Corporation Law from 1982 to 1983. Mr. Stark joined Fleeson, Going, Coulson & Kitch in 1983 and was admitted to the Kansas Bar in 1984.

Gregory J. Stucky

Since graduating from law school and joining Fleeson, Gooing, Coulson & Kitch in 1977, Greg Stucky has practiced primarily in the areas of natural resources law, principally in Oil and Gas, as well as in Class Action Litigation. This dual specialization has allowed him to participate as counsel for royalty owner classes in significant litigation, much of which has broken new legal ground in his areas of specialization.

Megan L. Townsley

Born and raised in the Wichita area, Megan L. Townsley attended the University of Kansas where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Journalism with a Minor in Psychology. She received her Juris Doctor from Washburn University School of Law in 2015.

In law school, Ms. Townsley authored a published Note, Is There Any Body Out There? A call for a New Body of Law to Protect Individual Ownership Interests in Tissue Samples Used in Medical Research, 54 Washburn L.J. 101 (2015), and received the John F. Kuether Memorial Faculty Award for “Best Note.” Additionally, she served as the Research Editor for Volume 54 of the Washburn Law Journal. After practicing in the area of criminal defense for several years, Ms. Townsley joined Fleeson Gooing in April of 2022.

William L. Townsley III

Bill Townsley was born in Great Bend, Kansas. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas in 1985 and his Juris Doctor, with honors, from Washburn University in 1989. While at Washburn, he served as the Managing Editor of the Washburn Law Journal, was a member of the national moot court team, and was inducted into the Order of the Barristers. He was admitted to the Kansas bar and joined Fleeson, Gooing in 1989.

William P. Tretbar

Bill Tretbar received his undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona in 1976 and his law degree from the University of Kansas in 1980. He has practiced as part of Fleeson, Gooing, Coulson & Kitch ever since.

Mr. Tretbar leads the firm’s Employment Law Practice Group, and represents employers and employees in court and before administrative agencies in a variety of settings. He is also experienced in counseling individuals and corporate fiduciaries in disputes involving estates and trusts, newspapers and broadcasters with respect to media law issues, and businesses and individuals in many other types of commercial, civil rights, and injury litigation.