--- title: "Kevin Berens | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/kevin-berens-chief-district-judge-kansas-15th-judicial-district-court-ks" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-07-26" --- # Kevin Berens Kansas 15th Judicial District Court · Chief District Judge ## Profile - Court: Kansas 15th Judicial District Court - State: Kansas - Role: Chief District Judge - Service status: active - Last verified: 2026-07-26 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Before you appear - Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed. - Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance. - Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding. ## Courtroom Rules ### media electronic device coverage Scope: statewide Kansas statewide Rule 1001 requires media members to obtain written court permission before using an electronic device to photograph, record, transmit, or provide live coverage of a court proceeding. Evidence excerpt: A media member must get written permission from the court before using an electronic device to photograph, record, transmit, or provide live coverage of a court proceeding. [Kansas Supreme Court Rule 1001: Media Coverage of Court Proceedings](https://kscourts.gov/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Rules/Rule-1001.pdf?ext=.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### advance media request timing Scope: statewide Kansas statewide Rule 1001 directs media members to request permission at least one week before the proceeding, unless the court waives the timing requirement for good cause. Evidence excerpt: At least one week before a court proceeding, a media member must ask the court or media coordinator for permission to use an electronic device during the proceeding. [Kansas Supreme Court Rule 1001: Media Coverage of Court Proceedings](https://kscourts.gov/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Rules/Rule-1001.pdf?ext=.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### judge controlled device location Scope: statewide Kansas statewide Rule 1001 leaves the authorized device location to the judge, presiding judge, or appellate clerk depending on the court, and local orders control when they conflict with Rule 1001. Evidence excerpt: A judge will designate where a media member may use an electronic device during a district court proceeding. [Kansas Supreme Court Rule 1001: Media Coverage of Court Proceedings](https://kscourts.gov/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Rules/Rule-1001.pdf?ext=.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ## Sources - [Official profile](https://kscourts.gov/About-the-Courts/District-Courts/Districts/15th-judicial-District) - [Official roster](https://kscourts.gov/About-the-Courts/District-Courts/Districts/15th-judicial-District) - [Kansas Judicial Branch official judicial roster](https://kscourts.gov/About-the-Courts/District-Courts/Districts/15th-judicial-District) - [Kansas Supreme Court Rule 1001: Media Coverage of Court Proceedings](https://kscourts.gov/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Rules/Rule-1001.pdf?ext=.pdf) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/kevin-berens-chief-district-judge-kansas-15th-judicial-district-court-ks", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/kevin-berens-chief-district-judge-kansas-15th-judicial-district-court-ks", "name": "Kevin Berens | KnowJudges", "description": "Kevin Berens, Kansas 15th Judicial District Court. 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Berens is the Chief Judge of the 15th Judicial District Court of Kansas, serving since 2017 after being elected to the bench in 2016 - Private practice: Partner at James M. Milliken, Chtd. (1999–2011) and sole practitioner at Berens Law Firm, LTD (2011–2016) - Chief Judge, 15th Judicial District Court of Kansas, Division 1 - Public service: County Attorney for Thomas and Cheyenne Counties - Assistant County Attorney in Cheyenne County ### Education - Washburn University School of Law — J.D. (1999) - B.B.A. in Accounting — Fort Hays State University (1992) ### Additional information - Other roles: Served on the Kansas Supreme Court’s Access to Justice Committee (2020–2023) - Election: Elected in 2016; re‐elected in 2020 - City Attorney in Bird City - Attended Colby High School - Early career included work as an accountant before law school ## Published courtroom rules ### Shared court rules - [Kansas Supreme Court Rule 1001: Media Coverage of Court Proceedings](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-24b6feac6cd1ef1f99728446) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://kscourts.gov/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Rules/Rule-1001.pdf?ext=.pdf). Collected 2026-07-26.