Welcome to the TBA Bench and Bar Committee

The TBA Bench and Bar Committee is dedicated to fostering communication and cooperation between the judiciary and the legal community in Shawnee County. Through this committee, attorneys and judges work together to enhance our court systems, address concerns, and promote effective legal practices.

Committee Mission

Our mission is to bridge the gap between the bench and the bar, supporting justice through collaboration. By improving court practices, resolving issues, and facilitating open dialogue, the Bench and Bar Committee plays a key role in ensuring a fair and efficient judicial system.

Committee Functions

• Liaison Role: Acts as a bridge for open communication between attorneys and judges.
• Improving Court Practices: Reviews and refines rules and procedures for efficient litigation.
• Addressing Grievances: Serves as a resource for reporting and resolving issues within the court system.
• Problem-Solving: Identifies and implements solutions to challenges in the administration of justice.

Meet the Committee Members

Alan Alderson, Committee Chair

Chief Judge Ebberts

Hon. Bill Ossmann

Hon. Teresa Watson

Michael Kagay

Angel Zimmerman

Bill Ebert

TBA President

TBA Executive Director

Submit a Concern or Suggestion

The Bench and Bar Committee welcomes feedback from our members on improving court practices. Click Here to be directed to the page for submissions. 

Note: This feature is for TBA members only and requires logging into your TBA account. Non-members are encouraged to email or contact a committee member directly, such as Alan Alderson, for assistance.

Resources and Documents

• Court Rules & Guidelines: Rules of the District Court of the Third Judicial District | Third Judicial District, KS - Official Website
• TBA Creed of Professional Courtesy: Creed of Professional Courtesy
• TBA Standards of Professional Courtesy: TBA standards of professional courtesy

Contact Us

For further information or inquiries, please contact:

Alan Alderson
Chair, Bench and Bar Committee
Email: alana@aldersonlaw.com

Tana Griffith

TBA Executive Director

Email: tba@topekabar.com