Three Kennedy Berkley Attorneys Recognized in Best Lawyers® 2027

Sometimes, when you’re simply showing up and doing the work every day, it’s easy to forget that the work happening right here in rural Kansas is worth taking notice of.

That makes recognition from your peers especially meaningful.

Kennedy Berkley is proud to have three attorneys recognized in the 2027 editions of Best Lawyers: two in The Best Lawyers in America® and one in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.

Best Lawyers® recognitions are determined through a peer-review process, with attorneys evaluating other lawyers within their profession and practice areas. For us, that makes this recognition more than another accolade to add to a bio. It is a reminder that attorneys serving communities across Kansas, including those outside the state’s largest metropolitan areas, are doing thoughtful, sophisticated legal work every day.

James “Jim” Angell

Managing Partner James R. Angell was included in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America in:

• Banking and Finance Law

• Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Jim, who practices from Kennedy Berkley’s Salina office, has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 2025. For Jim, the recognition is meaningful in part because the day-to-day work itself rarely feels like something being done for recognition.

“We’re just out here doing what we do every day, helping our clients solve problems, working alongside businesses and families, and trying to take good care of the people who trust us,” Jim said. “It feels good when that work gets noticed, especially when the recognition comes from your peers.”

Blake A. Bittel

Blake A. Bittel was included in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America in:

• Litigation – Trusts and Estates

Blake, who practices from Kennedy Berkley’s Hays office, has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 2026.

His recognition reflects an area of the law that often intersects with some of the most important and complicated moments families and businesses face, work Kennedy Berkley attorneys handle for clients throughout Kansas.

Klint A. Spiller

Klint A. Spiller was included in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America in:

• Banking and Finance Law

• Corporate Law

• Real Estate Law

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America recognizes attorneys earlier in their careers through the Best Lawyers peer-review process. Klint has been included in the publication since 2024.

His recognition across three practice areas also represents the work being done within Kennedy Berkley every day, from helping financial institutions and businesses to navigating transactions, corporate matters and real estate.

Good Work Is Happening Here

There can sometimes be an assumption that sophisticated legal work only happens in major cities or at firms far removed from rural America.

We know differently.

Every day, Kennedy Berkley attorneys work alongside banks, agribusinesses, family operations, entrepreneurs, businesses and individuals throughout Kansas. Our attorneys live in these communities, raise their families here and understand the industries and relationships that keep them moving.

Recognition like this gives us an opportunity to celebrate three attorneys, but it also serves as a reminder of something we see every day: really good work is happening right here in Kansas.

“We’re proud to see both experienced leaders and emerging talent recognized,” Jim said. “And we’re grateful to the clients whose trust allows us to do this work every day.”

Congratulations to Jim, Blake and Klint on their recognition in the 2027 editions of The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

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Recognition in The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America is based on peer review. Lawyers do not pay to be included. A description of the selection methodology is available at bestlawyers.com.

Kennedy Berkley, P.A. is a full-service law firm serving individuals, families and businesses across Kansas, with offices in Salina, Hays, Garden City and Dodge City.