Paul W. Burmaster is a respected figure in Kansas law, serving as the second most senior judge in the Family Law division of the 10th Judicial District in Johnson County. His journey from a driven young attorney to a distinguished judge is marked by decades of experience, dedication, and a commitment to serving the people of Johnson County with fairness and empathy.
Early Life and Education
Paul Burmaster grew up in a family that valued hard work and community service. From a young age, Paul demonstrated an interest in justice and a curiosity about the legal system. However, it was during his time at the University of Kansas, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism in 1987, that his focus began to sharpen toward law. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas School of Law in 1990, solidifying his path into the legal profession.
Building a Legal Career
After completing law school, Paul Burmaster began his legal career as an Assistant City Prosecutor in Wichita, Kansas. He later became an Assistant District Attorney in Wyandotte County, where he managed adult criminal felony charges and represented the state in mental health commitment hearings. His time in public service was marked by a commitment to fairness, where he gained extensive courtroom experience and honed his skills in navigating complex legal matters.
In 1994, Burmaster transitioned to private practice, establishing Paul W. Burmaster, PA. Over the next 25 years, he represented individual clients in criminal cases across state and municipal courts in the Kansas City area. His practice focused on a wide range of cases, from DUI to more complex criminal matters, and he quickly became known for his detailed, vigorous defense work. “Paul enjoys a well-earned reputation in the legal community as a fighter who does not back down,” recalls a colleague. His private practice continued to grow, largely fueled by referrals from satisfied clients who valued his dedication and expertise.
During this time, Burmaster also made a significant impact on legislation. In 2015, he authored the first draft of HB2289, a vital piece of legislation that allowed drivers to challenge the legality of stops at license hearing appeals. His efforts in lawmaking further showcased his dedication to justice and fair legal processes.
Serving on the Bench
In July 2019, Paul Burmaster was appointed by Governor Laura Kelly to fill a district court vacancy in the 10th Judicial District in Johnson County, following the retirement of Judge Kevin Moriarty. His appointment was a recognition of his decades of legal experience and his commitment to justice. “Paul will be an excellent judge,” Governor Kelly said. “His experience helping Kansans deal with legal problems and working to improve our criminal justice system makes him a perfect addition to the Johnson County bench.”
As a judge, Burmaster handles a diverse caseload, including divorces, parentage disputes, and protection order cases. With approximately 2,000 assigned cases and 400 scheduled hearings, his workload is substantial, reflecting his dedication to addressing complex family matters. Judge Burmaster emphasizes the importance of written parenting plans, encouraging parents to outline schedules, insurance responsibilities, and medical expenses to avoid future conflicts. “Court is not a game, but like a game, it has rules,” he reminds litigants. “It can be crucial to you and your children’s future to know the rules.”
His judicial approach is grounded in fairness and listening. “A judge’s first duty is to follow the law and give each person a fair hearing, but I also believe every person who appears in court deserves a judge who listens to them,” Burmaster states. His commitment to these values has made a lasting impact on families in Johnson County.
Involvement in the Legal Community
Beyond his work in the courtroom, Judge Burmaster is actively involved in various legal associations, including the Johnson County Family Law Inn of Court, the Johnson County Bar Association, the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, and the Kansas Bar Association. His community engagement extends to his past service on the Community Leadership Development Council for the Kansas Children’s Service League, reflecting his commitment to advocating for children and families both inside and outside the courtroom.
Looking ahead, Judge Burmaster is focused on continuing to serve the families of Johnson County, providing fair and compassionate rulings in family law cases. He is committed to staying informed about changes in family law and promoting the importance of experienced legal counsel to navigate the complexities of the legal system.
Outside of his professional life, Judge Burmaster values spending time with his family and remains deeply connected to his community in Johnson County. He believes in giving back and supports local initiatives that promote justice, family welfare, and legal education. His dedication to both his work and community reflects his belief in the power of law to shape a fair and just society.
Judge Paul W. Burmaster’s career is a testament to his perseverance, legal acumen, and commitment to justice. From his early days as an attorney to his current role on the bench, he has consistently focused on advocating for families, upholding the law, and listening to those who come before him. His story serves as an inspiration for legal professionals and community members alike, highlighting the impact that one dedicated individual can have on the lives of many.
Interview with Judge. Paul W. Burmaster
What keeps you motivated and excited about what you do?
My motivation comes from serving the families and children of Johnson County. Each case I handle presents an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, especially when navigating complex family law matters. I believe that every person who appears in court deserves to be heard and treated fairly. Knowing that my decisions can shape the future for families and children keeps me dedicated and excited about my work.
What’s your go-to way to relax and enjoy yourself during your downtime?
Outside of my professional life, I value spending time with my family and staying connected to my community in Johnson County. Engaging in local initiatives and supporting causes that promote justice and family welfare allow me to relax and enjoy life outside the courtroom.
What do you think is your single most crucial trait for success?
Listening is my most crucial trait for success. As a judge, it’s vital to hear all sides of a case, understand the intricacies of each family situation, and make decisions that align with the law while considering the best interests of those involved. Being an attentive listener not only helps me serve the families in my court better but also reinforces trust in the legal process.
What’s the weirdest thing that has happened in your career?
Having practiced law for over 30 years, I’ve certainly encountered a wide variety of cases, from criminal defense to family law. One of the more unexpected aspects of my career was transitioning from private practice, where I authored legislation like the first draft of HB2289, to serving on the bench. It’s interesting how those diverse experiences, including trying hundreds of cases and dealing with unique legal situations, have shaped my career trajectory.
How do you handle negative feedback when you receive it?
I believe that handling feedback, whether positive or negative, is part of my role as a judge. When I receive negative feedback, I reflect on it and consider whether there are any valid points that could help me better serve the community. My duty is to ensure justice is fairly administered, so maintaining a balanced perspective and being open to constructive criticism are key in upholding that responsibility.
What’s the hardest obstacle you’ve overcome in your life or career, and how did you do it?
One of the hardest obstacles I’ve faced was transitioning from private practice to becoming a district court judge. Private practice allowed me to represent clients vigorously and be directly involved in litigation. Moving to the bench meant shifting my focus to upholding the law in a broader sense while ensuring every person who comes before me receives a fair hearing. Overcoming this obstacle involved drawing from my extensive experience in criminal and family law and committing to the principle that every individual deserves to be heard. It’s a daily challenge, but one I face with dedication and a sense of duty to the community I serve.
Key Takeaways
Distinguished Career in Family Law
Judge Paul W. Burmaster has dedicated his career to serving families and children in Johnson County, Kansas. Starting as an attorney and progressing to the second most senior judge in the Family Law division of the 10th Judicial District, he has over 30 years of legal experience focused on fairness and justice in family law.
Judicial Philosophy of Fairness and Listening
He emphasizes the importance of listening to all parties in court and making decisions that align with the law while considering the best interests of those involved. Judge Burmaster believes that every person deserves to be heard and treated fairly, which guides his approach to handling complex family matters.
Active Community Involvement
Outside the courtroom, Judge Burmaster is actively engaged in legal associations and community initiatives. His involvement reflects a commitment to advocating for justice, promoting family welfare, and supporting legal education, demonstrating his belief in the power of law to shape a fair and just society.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Judge Paul W. Burmaster?
Answer: Judge Paul W. Burmaster is the second most senior judge in the Family Law division of the 10th Judicial District Court in Johnson County, Kansas. With over 30 years of legal experience, he has dedicated his career to serving families and children, handling cases involving divorces, parentage disputes, protection orders, and more.
What is Judge Burmaster’s educational background?
Judge Burmaster earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Kansas in 1987. He then obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas School of Law in 1990, solidifying his path into the legal profession.
What was Judge Burmaster’s career before becoming a judge?
Before his appointment to the bench in July 2019, Judge Burmaster had a diverse legal career. He began as an Assistant City Prosecutor in Wichita, Kansas, and later served as an Assistant District Attorney in Wyandotte County, Kansas. In 1994, he established his private practice, Paul W. Burmaster, PA, where he represented clients in criminal cases, including DUIs and complex criminal matters. He is also known for authoring the first draft of HB2289 in 2015, a significant piece of legislation related to driver’s rights.
When was Judge Burmaster appointed as a district court judge?
Governor Laura Kelly appointed Judge Burmaster to the 10th Judicial District Court in Johnson County, Kansas, in July 2019, following the retirement of Judge Kevin Moriarty.
What types of cases does Judge Burmaster handle?
As a family law judge, Judge Burmaster handles a variety of cases, including divorces, child custody and parenting time disputes, parentage issues, protection orders, and criminal mediation. He manages a substantial caseload, with approximately 2,000 assigned cases and 400 scheduled hearings.
What is Judge Burmaster’s judicial philosophy?
Judge Burmaster believes in fairness, listening, and ensuring that every person who appears in court is heard and treated justly. He emphasizes that “a judge’s first duty is to follow the law and give each person a fair hearing.” He is committed to making decisions that align with the law while considering the best interests of those involved, especially children.
Is Judge Burmaster involved in any legal associations or community activities?
Judge Burmaster is actively involved in several legal associations, including the Johnson County Family Law Inn of Court, the Johnson County Bar Association, the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, and the Kansas Bar Association. He has also served on the Community Leadership Development Council for the Kansas Children’s Service League, reflecting his commitment to advocating for children and families both inside and outside the courtroom.
What advice does Judge Burmaster offer to litigants in family law cases?
Judge Burmaster advises litigants that “court is not a game, but like a game, it has rules.” He stresses the importance of understanding these rules and encourages individuals to consult with experienced family law attorneys to navigate the complexities of the legal system effectively.
How does Judge Burmaster view the importance of parenting plans in custody cases?
He emphasizes the significance of detailed, written parenting plans to prevent future conflicts. Such plans should outline weekly schedules, summer and holiday arrangements, insurance responsibilities, medical expenses, and other crucial aspects. He believes that well-drafted plans instill confidence in both parties and serve the best interests of the children involved.
What motivates Judge Burmaster in his role as a judge?
Judge Burmaster is motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families and children in Johnson County. Knowing that his decisions can shape futures keeps him dedicated and excited about his work. He values fairness, justice, and the responsibility of ensuring that every individual who comes before him is heard.
How does Judge Burmaster handle challenges or obstacles in his career?
Transitioning from private practice to the bench was one of the hardest obstacles he faced. He overcame it by drawing from his extensive legal experience and committing to the principle that every individual deserves a fair hearing. He approaches challenges with dedication and a strong sense of duty to the community he serves.
What does Judge Burmaster do in his personal time?
Outside of his professional duties, Judge Burmaster values spending time with his family and staying connected to his community in Johnson County. He supports local initiatives that promote justice, family welfare, and legal education, reflecting his belief in giving back to the society that he serves.
Has Judge Burmaster contributed to any significant legal reforms or legislation?
In 2015, while in private practice, Judge Burmaster authored the first draft of HB2289. This legislation allowed drivers to challenge the legality of stops at license hearing appeals, showcasing his dedication to justice and fair legal processes.
What is Judge Burmaster’s approach to handling feedback?
Judge Burmaster believes in maintaining a balanced perspective when receiving feedback. He reflects on negative feedback to determine if there are valid points that could help him better serve the community. His focus is on ensuring that justice is fairly administered and being open to constructive criticism.
How can individuals learn more about family law procedures and parenting plans recommended by Judge Burmaster?
Individuals can find parenting plan forms and resources on the Johnson County District Court website at JOHNSON COUNTY DISTRICT COURT or on the Kansas Judicial Council website at Kansas Judicial Council Legal Forms. Consulting with an experienced family law attorney is also highly recommended for personalized guidance.
