December 7, 2023
Fred Patton to join Government Affairs Division of Harris Kelsey
Fred Patton, a former legislator and long-time Topeka attorney and business owner, has joined Harris Kelsey, Chartered. The law firm is owned by former Speaker Pro Tem Blaine Finch. Patton and Finch will jointly operate the firm’s Government Affairs Division.
“Helping people solve problems is what I enjoyed most about serving in the Legislature,” said Patton. “This is an opportunity to remain active in finding public policy solutions, but in a new way – one that allows me to put my legislative and legal experience to work for our clients and fellow Kansans.”
The firm’s government affairs division, formed in 2022, offers state-level lobbying; bill analysis, research and development; preparation and presentation of legislative testimony; strategy development; and legal advisement on a broad range of issues, including business and election law.
Patton served nearly 10 years in the Kansas House of Representatives, where he represented Northern Shawnee County. He retired the seat earlier this year. Patton is a native of Topeka and a graduate of Washburn University. He earned his juris doctorate from the University of Kansas School of Law. Patton has been a practicing attorney for more than 23 years. In the Legislature, he served as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Chairman of the Rules Committee, and Chairman of the K-12 Education Budget Committee. He and his wife Kim have been actively involved in the Topeka community for decades, including the Topeka Zoo, Ballet Midwest, and Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. Patton also served 18 years on the Seaman USD 345 Board of Education.
“It is a privilege to have Fred join the Harris Kelsey team, where he brings a depth of legal and legislative knowledge,” said Finch. “We worked a decade together in the Legislature, collaborating on significant legislation related to taxes, economic development, transportation, energy, and criminal law. Serving businesses and associations through Harris Kelsey’s government affairs division is a natural extension of that work.”
Patton may be reached at Fred@HarrisKelsey.com. For more information on the law firm and its government affairs division, visit www.HarrisKelsey.com/lobbying.