What’s on Our Minds

Peer-review publication Best Lawyers® has named Klenda Austerman partner J. Michael Morris Lawyer of the Year in the bankruptcy litigation practice area.  The Wichita Business Journal hosted a luncheon at the Hyatt Regency on September 29, 2014 to honor Morris and other top Wichita attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers®. Morris has significant experience litigating complex matters in personal and corporate bankruptcy cases on behalf of creditors, debtors and trustees.  He has served as a private …

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Klenda Austerman congratulates all of the runners who participated in the 2014 Wild Wind Cross Country Festival! Truly a fantastic event! View (unofficial) race results here: North – All Results 2014 Disclaimer: The attached is a copy of the unofficial results from the event.  For official results and times, please contact the organization hosting the event.

This October managing member Jeffrey Peier will receive the Fort Hays State University Alumni Association’s highest honor: the Alumni Achievement Award. As noted in FHSU Magazine, this award was established in 1959 and recognizes those “who have made outstanding and unselfish contributions in service to their community, state or nation as citizens, in chosen career fields or through philanthropic work.” Peier is an exemplary member of our community and well deserving of this esteemed award.  …

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Klenda Austerman Accepts ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Klenda Austerman partners Christopher McElgunn and Chasity Helm are 2014 recipients of the Wichita Bar Association (“WBA”) President’s Award, presented at the WBA’s Installation and Awards dinner held June 19, 2014 at the Hyatt Regency. The President’s Award is given for outstanding and exceptional service to the WBA that goes above and beyond normal expectations of bar membership.  Recipients also demonstrate high ethical standards and are well-respected by their peers. Both McElgunn and Helm are …

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Klenda Austerman Partner Jeff Peier was recognized in the Wichita Eagle this week for his 30 years of dedicated service to the Wichita Multiple Sclerosis Society. A link to the article can be found here. In addition to the MS Society, Mr. Peier also does charity work for the Wichita Aero Club, the Fort Hays State University Foundation, and Doc’s Friends, where he helps restore a historic B-29 Superfortress. If you would like to contact …

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Everyone knows that one of the primary goals of any business is to generate profits.  The typical business cannot afford to operate “in the red” for long periods, if at all.  Though statistics vary, in general, roughly fifty percent (50%) of small businesses fail in their first five years of operation.[1]  At the end of ten years, that number increases to between 80% and 96%.[2]  Regardless of the exact statistics, it is clear that to …

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The Klenda Austerman runners were at it again. For the sixth time, Klenda Austerman sponsored the Prairie Fire Marathon Race Series.   The Prairie Fire Marathon continues to be a popular event in Wichita, with this year’s event boasting a total of 2,200 participants from 24 states and over 280 communities. This year’s Spring race was particularly special as it was held on May 4th, which is known by Star Wars fans worldwide as National Star Wars …

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Strong, well-written non-compete contracts can strengthen your business relationships. Small businesses especially can face challenges when a business partner is unwilling to sign a non-compete.  Reluctance to sign a non-compete can result from a failure to understand what the purpose of the provision is, overly-complex or overly broad language, or a belief that signing it will put them out of business if the relationship goes poorly.  These problems can be avoided if a competent business …

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