--- title: "Laura H. Lewis | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/laura-h-lewis-chief-district-judge-kansas-16th-judicial-district-court-ks" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-07-26" --- # Laura H. Lewis Kansas 16th Judicial District Court · Chief District Judge ## Profile - Court: Kansas 16th 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/16th-judicial-District) - [Official roster](https://kscourts.gov/About-the-Courts/District-Courts/Districts/16th-judicial-District) - [Kansas Judicial Branch official judicial roster](https://kscourts.gov/About-the-Courts/District-Courts/Districts/16th-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/laura-h-lewis-chief-district-judge-kansas-16th-judicial-district-court-ks", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/laura-h-lewis-chief-district-judge-kansas-16th-judicial-district-court-ks", "name": "Laura H. 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Lewis", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/laura-h-lewis-chief-district-judge-kansas-16th-judicial-district-court-ks" } ] } ] } ``` ## Biography ### Professional career - The Chief Judge of the 16th Judicial District Court of Kansas, appointed January 2, 2019, by former Governor Jeff Colyer - Dodge City Municipal Court judge (2017–2018) - Meade County Attorney (elected 2008, served 2009–2018) - Associate at Martindell Swearer Shaffer Ridenour LLP (2012–2017) - Associate at Law Office of Leslie A. Hess (2003–2005) - She has been assigned to Ford County and serves as District Chief Judge - Juvenile Justice Administration Board for the 16th Judicial District ### Education - Washburn University School of Law — J.D. (2003) - in English – Washburn University — B.A. (2000) ### Additional information - Appointed: January 2, 2019, to fill a vacancy after the retirement of Hon. Van Hampton - A.A. in Social Science – Dodge City Community College (1998) - Judge Lewis presides over the 16th Judicial District Court, which covers Clark, Comanche, Ford, Gray, Kiowa, and Meade counties - Kansas Bar Association - American Bar Association - Kansas Supreme Court’s Advisory Council on Dispute Resolution (Language Access Committee, Self Represented Study Committee) - A fourth-generation farmer and rancher from Meade County, she is married to Diane and has six children ## 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.