Stueve Siegel Hanson Attorney Larkin Walsh Appointed to Kansas Supreme Court
Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP is honored to share that firm attorney Larkin Walsh has been appointed by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly to serve on the Kansas Supreme Court, the state’s highest judicial authority.
Governor Kelly’s appointment fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Evelyn Z. Wilson and follows a merit-based nomination process that culminated in the selection of three highly qualified candidates.
In announcing her decision, the Governor praised Larkin’s “extensive legal experience,” her deep understanding of appellate courts, and her “breadth of experience in civil practice,” calling her “an excellent addition to the Kansas Supreme Court.”
Throughout her legal career, Larkin has earned a reputation for her ability to distill complex legal issues, to communicate these concepts in clear, compelling language, and for her unwavering dedication to helping others through the legal system.
After spending nearly a decade advising the judiciary at both the federal district court and state appellate court levels as a law clerk at the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas and at the Kansas Supreme Court, Larkin brought her talent as a legal writer and researcher to Stueve Siegel Hanson. She left the firm to expand her civil rights practice before returning in 2024 as Senior Counsel.
Since rejoining, Larkin has led complex litigation across a broad range of practice areas, including appellate advocacy, civil rights, consumer protection, and labor and employment law. Her work has centered on helping survivors of forced labor, trafficking, and sexual abuse, advancing employee rights, and holding powerful institutions accountable through high-impact class actions and appellate litigation.
A skilled writer and strategist, Larkin has argued before the Kansas appellate courts and federal circuit courts across the country. She also played a key role in landmark litigation under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, and worked with lawmakers and advocacy groups on statutes of limitation reform to expand access to justice for survivors.
“Larkin combines a fierce legal intellect with humility and empathy,” said firm partner George Hanson. “She is driven by principle and respect for the rule of law — and that’s exactly the kind of person you want on the state’s highest court. Larkin is a treasured colleague and will be greatly missed, but as a firm we are incredibly proud and grateful to have worked alongside her and know that she will serve Kansas with the same integrity, compassion, and commitment to justice that has defined her career.”
Larkin’s appointment continues a career marked by service — to the judiciary, to vulnerable communities, and to the rule of law. In accepting the appointment, she said:
“I have a profound respect for the institution of the judiciary, its role in our three-part system of government, and the responsibility of a Justice to protect the foundational principles set forth in our state and federal constitutions. I will strive to be the type of Justice that all Kansans deserve.”
On behalf of the entire team at Stueve Siegel Hanson, we congratulate her on this remarkable and well-earned achievement.
