Meet our Judges

Kendra  S Lewison 

Judge Lewison practiced law for 24 years prior to her appointment as District Judge in 2019.  She is a 1992 graduate of Kansas State University and a 1995 graduate of the University of Kansas School of Law.  She practiced in the Kansas City area until 2009 when she moved back to Manhattan, and was working as an Assistant Riley County Attorney from 2010 until her appointment to the bench.  She has served on the boards of several community organizations.  Judge Lewison is married and has two children.

Grant D Bannister

(Chief Judge)

Legal Education:

• Juris Doctorate University of Kansas Law School.
• Graduate of the National Judicial College.
• Graduate of the National Center for State Courts Judicial Branch Leadership Academy.
• Presenter of various continuing legal/judicial education programs.

Career History:

• Partner in private law firm covering civil, domestic and criminal defense law in Manhattan, Kansas.
• Admitted to practice law State Courts of Kansas.
• Admitted to practice law in the U.S. Supreme Court and Federal Courts within Kansas.
• District Court Judge in 2016.
• Chief Judge of the 21st Judicial District in 2019.

Judicial Activities:

• Special Appointment as member of the Kansas Supreme Court in case of Building Erection Services v. Walton Construction Co. Inc., No. 117, 839.
• Supreme Court appointed as Chairperson of Statewide Records Committee.
• Supreme Court appointed as Committee Member of weighted caseload study.
• As Chief Judge, 21st judicial district first adopters of Odyssey case management;
• As Chief Judge, 21st judicial district first adopters of PFA/PFS portal.
• Trustee Riley County Law Library.
• Executive Board Kansas District Judges Association.

Activities prior to judiciary:

• Adjunct faculty at Kansas State University teaching business ethics.
• Graduate of Leadership Kansas 2010 ("best class ever")
• Graduate of Flint Hills Leadership Program
• Manhattan Citizens Academy
• Executive Board Chair of Habitat for Humanity
• Executive Board Chair of Boy Scouts Konza District 
• Executive Board of Boy Scouts Coronado Council
• Executive Board of Hospice Foundation
• Trustee of Greater Manhattan Community Foundation
• Executive Board of Solar Kiwanis
• United Way Allocations Committee
• President of Riley County Bar Association
• Kansas Bar Association.
  • Agriculture Law Section Officer
• Member of State disciplinary complaints investigations

Personal Interest:

• Coaching numerous youth teams and activities
• Competing in marathons, half marathons and road races
• Track competitions: National Senior Olympics; Sunflower State; USATF
• United Methodist Church - Numerous laity positions

Recognitions:

• Truman Scholar National Finalist
• University Rhodes Scholar Nominee
• University Outstanding Graduate

Jeremy M. Larchick

Jeremy Larchick is a graduate of Tulane University Law School.  He is a retired Army veteran and currently resides in Manhattan.  He and his wife Gretchen have been married for twenty years and have four children.