Kansas Bar Association Announce Leadership Institute Class of 2026
The Kansas Bar Association (KBA) have announced the 12 attorneys selected for the 2026 Leadership Institute. Through this initiative, the KBA is preparing the next generation of legal professionals by strengthening their connections within the bar, the judiciary, and the legislative process. By promoting ethical advocacy and civic participation, the Leadership Institute empowers early career professionals to forge lasting connections with their peers while emerging as thoughtful advocates who will lead the profession with integrity and purpose.
Joining the Class of 2026 are:
Chance Berndt
Alyssa Brecheisen
Kayla Clark
Dan Cummings
H. J. Heistand
Saber Hossinei
Mary Mason
Jordan Morton
Tyler B. Pettigrew
Tyler Robertson
Dahnika Short
Y. Theresa SparrowSmith.
“The Leadership Institute was created to fulfill the KBA’s commitment to fostering professionalism, leadership, and public engagement among early career attorneys form across Kansas,” said Kansas Bar Association President Gregory A. Schwartz. “On behalf of the KBA Board of Governors, we're pleased to welcome the Class of 2026 and eager to spend time with each of them throughout the program.”
What started as a two-day biennial program has evolved into a comprehensive 4-month annual program with sessions from February through May. The Leadership Institute launches with three intensive days next month in Topeka, immersing participants in the legislature and judiciary through direct engagement with lawyer legislators, judges, and justices.
“The Leadership Institute is a unique opportunity to expand participants' networks, connecting them with leaders in the Kansas legal community and attorneys from diverse practices and communities statewide,” said Leadership Institute Committee Chair Danielle Atchison. “This year's class represents attorneys from across Kansas at different stages of their careers, with varied paths to the profession and areas of practice.”
