At Kennedy Berkley, we pride ourselves on having some of the most experienced and dedicated attorneys in Kansas - Bob Frederick exemplifies that dedication. Based out of our Garden City, Kansas office, Bob brings over two decades of judicial experience to his role, having served as the 25th Judicial District Chief Judge. Since joining our firm in 2021, Bob has been a key figure in our mediation and arbitration practice, particularly for business clients, agribusinesses, and the diverse community in Southwest Kansas.
What sets Bob apart is his dedication to the community of Garden City, Kansas and the surrounding areas. Born and raised in Hugoton, Kansas, Bob has a strong connection to the values and needs of the local community. Growing up as the son of a medical doctor, Bob witnessed firsthand the importance of serving one’s community—a value that has driven his legal career. His deep roots in Southwest Kansas make him uniquely qualified to understand and serve the businesses and families in this region. Bob’s commitment to the people of Southwest Kansas shines through in every case he handles, from commercial disputes to complex real estate matters.
Bob’s legal journey is rooted in his connection to Kansas and his passion for giving back. After earning his law degree from Washburn University School of Law in 1975, Bob embarked on a legal career that led him to become the 25th Judicial District Chief Judge, serving more than 20 years on the bench. During his judicial tenure, he presided over cases involving real estate, oil and gas, commercial disputes, and more, developing a reputation for fairness, diligence, and integrity. Today, Bob’s experience as a judge informs his approach to mediation and arbitration, where he helps businesses and individuals resolve disputes efficiently while avoiding costly litigation.
Beyond his work in the courtroom and with his clients, Bob is heavily involved in shaping the future of Kansas law. Since December 2006, Bob has served as a member of the Family Law Advisory Committee to the Kansas Judicial Council. This committee monitors developments in family law and conducts vital studies to ensure Kansas families are protected and served by the law. Bob’s involvement on this committee demonstrates his commitment to ensuring that the legal system works for the people of Kansas, especially those dealing with family-related legal challenges.
In addition to his work on the Family Law Advisory Committee, Bob has held the esteemed position as the elected lawyer representative to the Kansas Supreme Court Nominating Commission for the 1st Judicial District since 2022. This distinguished nine-member commission is responsible for nominating candidates to the Kansas Supreme Court, playing a crucial role in ensuring that only the most qualified and ethical individuals are appointed to the highest court in the state. Bob’s election to this prestigious role underscores the respect he commands within the legal community and reflects his unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of justice in Kansas.
Bob’s influence and dedication to his profession also extends to the Kansas Supreme Court Judicial Ethics Advisory Panel. As one of only five attorneys and retired judges on this impactful panel, Bob provides essential guidance to judges seeking opinions on ethical issues and the compliance of their conduct with the Kansas Code of Judicial Conduct. This role allows Bob to continue shaping the integrity of the judicial system, ensuring that Kansas courts operate with transparency and uphold the principles of justice.
At Kennedy Berkley, we are incredibly proud to have Bob Frederick on our team. His commitment to service, not just to his clients but to the broader legal and local communities, sets him apart as a legal professional. His work in Garden City strengthens our firm’s ties to Southwest Kansas, and his experience, dedication, and leadership provide an invaluable resource to our clients. Whether guiding businesses through mediation or helping to shape the future of law, Bob Frederick remains a pillar of the Kansas legal community, and we are honored to have him as part of Kennedy Berkley.