The Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) Legal Foundation has named two new attorneys as recipients of the organization’s Rural Law Practice Grants.

William Hoy and Thomas Kucera are eligible to receive up to $16,500 each to help defray the cost of their education as they begin practicing law in rural areas of Kansas. Hoy is a Washburn University School of Law graduate while Kucera received his juris doctor from the University of Kansas School of Law.

“Kansas farmers and ranchers need sound legal advice across a broad range of issues, especially as operations expand and become more complex,” Terry Holdren, Kansas Farm Bureau CEO and general counsel, says. “I’m excited KFB’s Legal Foundation is helping two new attorneys begin their careers in roles that impact the quality of life for farmers, ranchers and rural Kansans.” 

Hoy has entered private practice with the Coffeyville-based firm of Hall Levy DeVore Bell Ott and Kritz in Montgomery County. Kucera works in the Reno County District Attorney’s office in Hutchinson.

The KFB Legal Foundation board selects up to three recipients each year from law students in the fall semester before their anticipated graduation date. The selection process favors applicants who demonstrate a strong desire to live and work in rural Kansas, understand the legal issues farmers and ranchers commonly face, have high academic achievements and show a financial need. Rural Kansas is defined as anywhere outside Douglas, Johnson, Sedgwick, Shawnee or Wyandotte counties. 

Recipients receive the grant money in three installments, with the first $5,500 paid after passing the bar examination and starting practice in rural Kansas. The remaining installments will be paid after a recipient’s continued practice in rural Kansas for one and two years, respectively. To date, 11 grant recipients are working in private and public positions in 10 counties in Kansas and are eligible to receive more than $180,000 from the Rural Law Practice Grant program.  

KFB’s Legal Foundation is accepting applications for the next round of grants through Nov. 1. Applicants must complete the application and submit it with a résumé, transcript and letter of recommendation. For more information about the Rural Law Practice Grant click here. To view an application, click here.