Patrick
Kansas Supreme Court Justice Larkin Walsh has stepped into her new role not by political design or personal ambition, but through a steadfast commitment to people and public service.
During her formal swearing-in ceremony, Walsh emphasized her dedication to delivering the type of judicial leadership “all Kansans deserve,” grounded in fairness, humility, and adherence to the law.
Justice Walsh’s Vision for the Court
A Promise of Impartiality
In her first remarks as the newest member of the Kansas Supreme Court, Walsh underscored her obligation to faithfully interpret and apply the law with clarity, independence, and a deep awareness of how each ruling affects individuals and the historical record. She stressed that public opinion or political influence would not sway her judicial decisions.
She stated that each case brings unique facts and deserves a careful, unbiased analysis, echoing her belief that humility must accompany judicial power.
A Critical Moment for the Judiciary
Speaking before nearly 200 guests gathered at the Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka, Walsh acknowledged the challenging environment surrounding today’s judiciary.
She noted that although she is joining the court at a pivotal moment, courts have always played a crucial role in maintaining democracy, making the responsibility timeless.
The Swearing-In Ceremony
Introductions and Support
Former Justice Carol Beier and Walsh’s husband, Matt Walsh, introduced her to the court. Afterward, acting Chief Justice Eric Rosen administered the oath. Walsh’s four children helped her put on the robe previously worn by Justice Beier, symbolizing continuity and legacy.
Walsh’s Legal Roots
Walsh’s connection to Beier dates back to her early career when she applied to be Beier’s research attorney after graduating from the University of Kansas School of Law in 2004.
Beier recalled initially doubting the glowing recommendation she received about Walsh, only to later discover she had hired an exceptionally skilled legal mind.
Beier praised Walsh’s maturity, intellect, and readiness, comparing her early legal brilliance to the mythological Athena—“fully formed” from the start.
Professional Background and Experience
Years in Private Practice
Before joining the court, Walsh spent more than 12 years in private practice, specializing in civil rights, workers’ rights, consumer protection, and complex class-action litigation. She served as senior counsel at Stueve Siegel Hanson and resides in Leawood.
Work on High-Profile Cases
Walsh was involved in multiple sensitive and impactful cases, including:
- Sexual abuse class-action litigation involving Ohio State University, where hundreds of male athletes were abused by Richard Strauss. The matter reached the U.S. Supreme Court but was not taken up for review.
- A Kansas federal case representing female patients whose medical files—including images and body measurements—were accessed for nearly two years by a KU physical therapist who had never treated them. Walsh withdrew from this case in August.
She stepped away from the Ohio case earlier, in January 2024.
Academic and Professional Service
Walsh graduated from Southern Methodist University with degrees in English and art before attending KU Law. Her career also includes:
- Clerking for U.S. District Judge Carlos Murguia
- Two terms on the Kansas Board of Law Examiners
- Twenty years of involvement with the Kansas Bar Association’s Annual Survey of Law, progressing from co-chair to editor, a position she still holds.
Judicial Selection and Future Retention
Appointment and Evaluation
Walsh was appointed in August by Democratic Governor Laura Kelly, who selected her from three finalists. Walsh described the selection process as rigorous and transparent, acknowledging recent political debate about Kansas’ merit-based judicial selection system.
In August 2026, voters will decide whether to replace this system with popular elections.
Retention Requirements
By Kansas law, new justices face a retention vote after one year, followed by subsequent votes every six years to remain on the bench.
Family Support and Personal Values
During the ceremony, Walsh’s family—along with former colleagues, friends, lawmakers, and former justices—celebrated her achievement. Her husband Matt highlighted her outstanding abilities as a mother, attorney, and now Supreme Court justice.
Beier and Matt both praised her for her empathy, humility, dignity, and optimism, noting that she fully understands the demands and responsibilities of judicial service.
Justice Larkin Walsh’s arrival on the Kansas Supreme Court represents a powerful blend of experience, integrity, and compassion.
With a long record of legal excellence and community-centered service, she steps into her role at a crucial moment for the judiciary.
Her commitment to fairness, rigorous legal reasoning, and humility positions her as a justice ready to uphold the values and protections essential to Kansas democracy.