Tom Malone, a former Wichita lawyer and Sedgwick County District judge, is among three finalists announced today for the Kansas Supreme Court.
Malone’s name was sent to Gov. Kathleen Sebilius, along with Overland Park attorney Dan Biles and Douglas County Chief District Judge Robert Fairchild. Sebelius will have 60 days to make her appointment.
Sebelius’ choice will fill the opening left by Chief Justice Kay McFarland, who is retiring after 31 years on the state’s highest court.
The replacement will serve as justice. Robert E. Davis will become chief justice as the next senior person on the current Kansas Supreme Court bench.
Malone practiced with the Wichita law firm of Redmond and Nazar from 1979 to 1990, when he was appointed to the Sedgwick County district bench. He served there until being appointed to the Kansas Court of Appeals in 2003.