Gov. Laura Kelly on Tuesday named Salina lawyer Angela Coble to the Kansas Court of Appeals to replace retiring Judge Michael Buser.
Coble is the fifth woman that Kelly has named to the 14-member Court of Appeals, following Sarah Warner, Amy Fellows Cline, Lesley Ann Isherwood and Jacy Hurst.
“Ms. Coble will be an exceptional addition to the Court of Appeals,” Kelly said in a statement.
“She has the Kansas grit, dedication, and experience, in addition to a strong reputation in her local and legal communities, that will make her an excellent Court of Appeals judge,” the governor said.
Coble must still be confirmed by the Kansas Senate.
Coble has worked as a legal counsel for U.S. Magistrate Judge Gwynne E. Birzer.
She previously worked for U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Humphreys until the judge’s retirement in 2015.
She started her career in 2009 at the Salina law firm of Kennedy, Berkley, Yarnevich, and Williamson.
Her practice focused on representing clients in employment law, personal injury law, family law and general civil litigation.
She has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology from Kansas Wesleyan University and a law degree from Washburn University.
Kelly chose Coble over appellate lawyer Randall Hodgkinson and Shawnee County District Judge Rachel Pickering.
Coble was among the leaders in all three rounds of balloting when a screening created by the governor evaluated candidates for the position.
Coble either led or tied for the lead in all three rounds of voting conducted by a nominating commission created by Kelly to review appeals court appointments.
Coble amassed more votes throughout three rounds of balloting – 24 – than any of the other candidates seeking the appeals court seat.
Kelly established the screening process even though she has the authority to make the appointment unilaterally without public input but with Senate confirmation.
The nominating panel is made up of five members of the legal profession and four community members.
The composition mirrors the committee that reviews candidates for the Kansas Supreme Court.
