Press Release - Kennedy Berkley Law Firm Opens New Office in Hays

Salina-based law firm opens office in Hays to better serve their western Kansas clients.

Kennedy Berkley Yarnevich & Williamson, Chartered, a full service, Salina-based law firm representing banks, businesses and individuals in Kansas for over 50 years has opened a new office in Hays, Kansas.

The new Hays office is located on the first floor of the Emprise Bank Building at 1200 Main Street, Suite 102, Hays, Kansas 67601.  The local office telephone number is (785) 623-4110.

The firm is pleased to announce the addition of two new attorneys located in the Hays office: Leslie A. Hess and Blake A. Bittel.

Leslie Hess joins the firm from her private practice in Hays with over 25 years of legal experience.  She is originally from Oakley and is a graduate of Kansas State University and Washburn School of Law.  She has been licensed to practice in Kansas since 1985.  Her practice includes real estate law, civil litigation, domestic relations and estate planning and probate.

Blake Bittel joins the firm with 13 years of litigation experience.  He was born and raised in Ellis, Kansas.  He is a graduate of Fort Hays State University and Oklahoma CIty University School of Law.  He will continue to focus on all aspects of litigation, including insurance, personal injury, domestic, criminal and commercial law.

The firm was formed in 1961 and, in the early years, gained prominence for its general business and banking practices. The firm's banking and business practices are now stronger than ever.  Over the years, the firm has expanded its reach to include representation in all types of trial and appellate matters in state and federal courts.  The opening of the Hays office brings the total number of attorneys at the firm to 11.  This new location, and the experience Leslie Hess and Blake Bittel bring to the table give the firm a broad reach across western Kansas.

"Our goal with opening this new office in Hays is to better serve the legal needs of our clients in the Hays area and western Kansas region," said Jim Angell, Co-Managing Partner of the firm.  "We look forward to Leslie and Blake's skill and leadership in this new location and to the opportunity we will have to work closely with the banks, businesses and individuals throughout the region."