Meet James Angell- Trusted Legal Advisor for Agribusiness, Banking, and Estate Planning in Kansas

From Farrowing Sheds to the Boardroom: Meet James R. Angell, Managing Partner at Kennedy Berkley

Before James R. Angell ever stepped foot in a boardroom, he was working on multiple farms in the Downs, Kansas area and cleaning farrowing sheds on his family’s hog operation. That hard work built a foundation of discipline, resilience, and dedication that defined his career as an attorney.

Today, Jim is the Managing Partner of Kennedy Berkley, P.A., and a recognized leader in farm and ranch estate planning, banking and financial institutions, and representing companies large and small across Kansas and beyond. But the road from rural roots to regional authority wasn’t paved overnight. His story is one of mentorship, perseverance, and a deep commitment to serving others—especially those who make a living off the land.

A Legacy of Mentorship and Midwest Values

Jim’s professional journey began with a local banker and mentor, Bill Berkley, who saw potential in him long before law school applications or business deals ever came into the picture. Bill took Jim under his wing—encouraging him to pursue college, guiding him toward law school, and eventually encouraging him to interview with his “uncle Bob’s” firm  Kennedy Berkley, P.A..

Jim was starting his third year in Washburn University School of Law when Bill called with the potential job opportunity. He was planning to pursue an advanced legal degree in tax law, but the firm had a better idea: “We have a spot here at the firm. Come join us.” Jim said yes—and has never looked back.

He started at the bottom. Became a partner in just three years. And within five years, he was named Co-Managing Partner—a testament not just to ambition, but to his loyalty, leadership, and dedication to the firm.

Expertise Where It Matters Most

Jim’s practice spans three critical sectors in the Midwest: agriculture, banking, and general business. His ability to seamlessly navigate these areas, with a deep focus on ag-related enterprises, makes him an essential partner to his clients.

In estate and succession planning, Jim is known for helping farm and ranch families preserve their legacies. From crafting tax-efficient transitions to ensuring land and operations stay within the family, his strategic guidance provides peace of mind to those who’ve spent generations building something worth protecting. 

His clients include small-town farms, multi-generational ranching operations, and agribusinesses of all sizes. Regardless of scope, Jim’s approach remains consistent: thoughtful, strategic, and rooted in understanding his clients’ unique needs.

In banking and finance, Jim collaborates with financial institutions on mergers and acquisitions, asset-based lending, commercial foreclosures, and regulatory compliance. Financial institutions and trust departments across the region rely on his knowhow, trusting in both his technical proficiency and his integrity.

Beyond agriculture and banking, Jim represents businesses - large and small, many within the ag industry, offering counsel on everything from corporate governance to complex transactions. His ability to bridge the needs of businesses, farms, and financial institutions sets him apart.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Bank of Tescott, a $500MM Kansas bank, and remains active in various legal and civic organizations.

A Culture of Curiosity and Character

While his résumé is impressive, it’s Jim’s approach to leadership that truly leaves a mark. A father, husband, and lifelong learner, he strives to be a mentor who leads by example.

Jim encourages every attorney at Kennedy Berkley to be well-rounded—not just knowledgeable, but curious, approachable, and skilled at forging genuine connections. He believes clients deserve more than legal counsel; they need trusted advisors they can count on.

Colleagues often share stories that reveal Jim’s tenacity. One moment stands out: very early in his career, a bank client was entangled in a complex, high-stakes grain elevator bankruptcy. Jim, with no prior experience in such a case, later admitted, 'I had no business handling that complex of a matter that early in my career.' Yet, he dove in, studying bankruptcy texts late into the night, seeking wisdom from every expert who would listen, and working relentlessly to deliver what turned out to be a very good outcome for the client. That drive—to tackle challenges, learn voraciously, and lead by action—has shaped the culture he’s helped foster at the firm.  

The Kennedy Berkley Way

If you ask Jim about the foundation of Kennedy Berkley, he’ll point to the team standing beside him today—a group rooted in the values of rural communities and a shared commitment to hard work. The firm’s attorneys, many hailing from small towns across Kansas, bring a deep understanding of the region’s people and industries to every case.

“There’s a legacy here,” Jim says. “One of grit, humility, and doing whatever it takes to serve our clients well. That’s the foundation we’re built on—and the one we’re dedicated to passing down.”

Whether guiding a fifth-generation cattle rancher through succession planning, advising an agribusiness on a complex transaction, or helping a regional bank navigate a major acquisition, Jim and his team bring the same principles to the table: diligence, integrity, and a genuine respect for the people they serve.

If you’re seeking a strategic advisor who knows Kansas’s agricultural, business, and banking landscapes inside and out, James R. Angell is the partner you need. His knowledge, tireless work ethic, and personal dedication to client success make him a trusted ally for families, businesses, and financial institutions across Kansas and beyond. Whether you’re planning your farm’s future, tackling a commercial deal, or navigating legal complexities, Jim and the Kennedy Berkley team are here to help you move forward with confidence.

To connect with Jim or learn more about how he can support your estate planning or agribusiness needs, visit Kennedy Berkley’s website or contact the firm directly to schedule a consultation.