Nancy Caplinger Appointed to Kansas Supreme Court
Washburn Law alumna Nancy Moritz Caplinger, '85, Topeka, was appointed by Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson as a justice on the Kansas Supreme Court. Caplinger joins the bench following the retirement of the late Chief Justice Robert Davis.
"When deciding who would next serve on the Kansas Supreme Court, I had two primary pieces of criteria – the individual's intellect and their ability to make an objective decision. Nancy Moritz Caplinger exhibits these qualities along with the utmost appreciation for the law and justice," said Parkinson. "Moreover, Nancy represents the inspiring possibilities of the American dream. As someone from a small town who put herself through college and law school, she has been able to rise to extraordinary heights and build a respected reputation in the legal circle. She is the type of down-to-earth Kansan we need on the Supreme Court, and I know she will do remarkable work."
Caplinger grew up in Tipton, Kansas, and her family moved to Salina when she was 15. She earned her bachelor's in business administration from Washburn University and her juris doctorate from Washburn Law, where she also served as the notes editor on the Washburn Law Journal, receiving numerous awards for her scholarly work.
Caplinger began her legal career as a research attorney for former Supreme Court Justice Harold S. Herd and then served two years as a law clerk for U.S. District Court Judge Patrick Kelly. She was an associate in general litigation practice for the Overland Park firm of Spencer Fane Britt and Browne before being appointed assistant U.S. attorney. Caplinger has been a member of the Kansas Court of Appeals since October 2004.
"I am humbled and honored to receive this appointment from Governor Parkinson and join the six other distinguished justices on the Kansas Supreme Court," said Caplinger. "I have loved serving on the Kansas Court of Appeals, and I look forward to bringing my experience as an attorney and as a judge to Kansas' highest court."
Caplinger is also active at Washburn Law, mentoring students through the Mentor Program and participating in the externship program by hiring several externs for her chambers. From a list of 13 applicants interviewed by the Supreme Court Nominating Commission, only three – all Washburn Law graduates – were nominated in late September to fill the vacancy on the Kansas Supreme Court created by the August 4 death of Chief Justice Davis. Nominees were Caplinger; Kansas Court of Appeals Judge Thomas E. Malone, '79, Wichita; and Chief Judge Merlin G. Wheeler, '77, Emporia, Kansas.
With Caplinger's selection, Washburn Law graduates comprise five of the seven Kansas Supreme Court justice appointments.
(posted November 2, 2010)
