Bio

Jon Newman is a partner at our firm, focusing his practice on employment law, civil litigation, and workers' compensation. With extensive experience in both federal and state courts as well as administrative agencies, Jon represents clients in a wide range of employment matters. His expertise includes handling wage and hour issues, the Family and Medical Leave Act, constitutional law, retaliation, and workplace discrimination. 

A seasoned attorney since 1995, Jon has earned numerous accolades for his work in employment law. He was recognized by Best Lawyers in America® in the categories of Employment Law—Individuals (2018-2020), Employment Law—Management/Insurance (2019-2020), and Workers' Compensation Law—Employers (2012-2020). He was also named Best Lawyers in America® Lawyer of the Year for Wichita Workers’ Compensation Law—Employers in 2014 and 2015. In 2024, he was honored with a spot on the Super Lawyers® list for Employment & Labor Law. 

Jon is dedicated to helping clients avoid costly litigation by providing proactive legal counsel on compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws. He assists businesses with drafting employee handbooks, policies, employment contracts, and severance agreements, understanding that well-prepared employers are better equipped to prevent workplace legal issues. In addition to his employment law practice, Jon handles general civil litigation, including personal injury and property loss claims, in both state and federal courts. He is a sought-after speaker and regularly lectures businesses and legal professionals across Kansas on a variety of legal topics.

Outside of his legal practice, Jon is actively involved in his community. He and his wife, Linda, are proud parents of two daughters and contribute their time as volunteers. Jon served as Chairman of the Kansas Humane Society Board of Directors from 2012-2013 and remains a devoted pet parent. When he’s not practicing law, Jon enjoys playing the drums, a talent that enhances both his professional and personal life.

Education

• University of Kansas, B.S., 1990
• Washburn University School of Law, 1994, with honors
• Year Started Practicing: 1994

Court Admissions

• Kansas, 1995
• U.S. District Court, District of Kansas, 1995
• Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, 2018

Honors

• Best Lawyers In America 2025®, Employment Law – Individuals, Employment Law – Management, Insurance Law, and Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers.
• Best Lawyers in America®, Employment Law--Individuals, 2018-2019, 2021
• Best Lawyers in America®, Employment Law—Management, 2019-2021
• Best Lawyers in America®, Insurance Law, 2021
• Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year, Wichita Workers Compensation Law—Employers, 2014-2015
• Best Lawyers in America®, Workers Compensation Law—Employers, 2012-2018, 2021
• Wichita Business Journal "40 Under 40" honoree for community and professional accomplishments, 2005

Professional Memberships

• Wichita Bar Association (WBA) Member: 1995-present; President, 2010-2011; President-Elect, 2009-2010; Vice President, 2007- 2008; Secretary/Treasurer, 2006-2007; and Board of Governors, 2004-2006
• Kansas Bar Association (KBA) Member: 1995-present
• American Bar Association (ABA) Member: 1995-present
• Wichita Bar Foundation, Board of Trustees, 2010-2011
• Wichita Young Lawyers Society, President, 2001-2002; Vice President, 1999-2000
• Sedgwick County Law Center LLC, Board of Trustees, Secretary, 2009-2011
• Kansas Association of Defense Counsel, 2012-present
• Society of Human Resource Management, 2019-present
• Client Protection Fund Commission Member 2020-present, Chairman 2024-present

Community Involvement

• Client Protection Fund Commission, appointment by the Kansas Supreme Court Member 2022-Present, Chairman 2024-present
• Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Board of Trustees, 2005-2007
• Kansas Humane Society, Board of Directors, 2006-2013; Chairman, 2012-2013; and Treasurer, 2010-2011
• Wichita Downtown Rotary, 2017-2024

Presentations

• Wage and Hour Laws for CPAs, Kansas Society of CPAs, 2024
• Current Wage and Hour Landscape, Society of Human Resource Management, 2019
• Navigating the Maze of FLSA Requirements, Kansas Department of Administration, 2019
• Employment Law Settlement Agreements: Covering all the Bases, Kansas Bar Association, 2018
• Settlement Agreements Following Mediation, Kansas Bar Association, 2018
• Human Resources Issues and Local Government Law, National Business Institute (NBI), 2018
• Wage and Benefit Issues, National Business Institute (NBI) 2018
• Avoiding Wage and Hour Violations, National Business Institute (NBI), 2016
• Drafting Must-Have Policies for Today's Handbooks, National Business Institute (NBI), 2016
• Telecommuters or Remote Work Force Injuries, Kansas Self-Insurers Association, 2012
• New Workers Compensation Law Changes in Kansas, Construction Financial Management Association, 2011
• Update of Kansas Appellate Court Decisions, Kansas Self Insured Association, 2010
• Casco and Johnson: A View from the Trenches, Kansas Division of Workers Compensation Seminar, 2008
• Work Disability Compensation in Kansas, Kansas Division of Workers Compensation Seminar, 2004
• Fundamentals of Work Comp, Sterling Education, 2003

Publications

• Kansas Employee Privacy Laws, Thomson Reuters, 2016