Patrick
Marla Luckert, the Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court, confirmed Friday that she will step down from her leadership role at the start of the new year and retire shortly thereafter.
The announcement follows a stroke she suffered in October, which led her to temporarily step back from public duties.
In a video message, Luckert described the decision as deeply difficult. While emphasizing that she is recovering, she acknowledged that she can no longer meet the full demands required of the chief justice role.
Timeline for Resignation and Successor
Luckert said she will resign as chief justice on January 2 and fully retire in late January or early February. As the court’s most senior justice, Eric Rosen, who has been serving as interim chief justice during her medical leave, will officially assume the position on January 2.
Impact on Court Appointments and Future Changes
Luckert’s departure allows Democratic Governor Laura Kelly to make her fifth appointment to the Kansas Supreme Court before her term concludes in 2026. State law will also require Justices Dan Biles and Rosen to retire after completing the terms in which they turn 75.
The court has already seen significant turnover. Justice Evelyn Wilson retired in July after being diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease, and her successor, Larkin Walsh, joined the bench in November.
Looking ahead, Kansas voters will face a major decision in August 2026: whether to replace the current merit-based nomination and gubernatorial appointment system with direct elections for Supreme Court justices.
A Trailblazing Career in Kansas Judiciary
At age 70, Luckert also announced she is resigning from three national judicial committees. Her legal career has been marked by several historic firsts. Before joining the Supreme Court, she served as a district judge in Shawnee County, becoming the first woman in Kansas to hold the position of chief district judge.
She has often spoken about her motivation to inspire future generations, particularly young girls in rural communities, to see themselves represented in leadership roles.
Education and Path to the Bench
Born in Goodland, Kansas, Luckert earned both her undergraduate and law degrees from Washburn University. After working in private practice, she was appointed to the district court by Governor Joan Finney.
In 2003, Governor Bill Graves appointed her to the Kansas Supreme Court, where she has served for 22 years. She became chief justice in 2019 following the retirement of Lawton Nuss.
Leadership Legacy and Judicial Reform
Reflecting on her tenure, Luckert said serving as chief justice gave her a close view of the integrity and compassion that guide Kansas courts. She praised judges and court staff for making principled decisions, treating people with dignity during vulnerable moments, and adapting to change with resilience.
Rosen, in a statement, described Luckert’s time on the bench as challenging yet transformative. He credited her with strengthening relationships across state government and positioning the judicial system to better face future demands.
Luckert also highlighted collaboration among Kansas’ executive, legislative, and judicial branches, noting progress toward a court system that is more accessible, efficient, and responsive—particularly in cases involving mental health issues and children in state care.
Marla Luckert’s resignation marks the end of a historic chapter for the Kansas Supreme Court. Her career broke barriers, strengthened institutional cooperation, and modernized judicial operations across the state.
As leadership transitions and voters prepare to weigh potential reforms, her legacy leaves a durable foundation focused on accessible justice, integrity, and public trust.