Kennedy Berkley

10/26/2026

Congratulations to Kennedy Berkley attorney Lance Cochran, who was recently admitted to practice law in Colorado, his fourth state bar admission.

Lance has been practicing law since 1999, with a practice focused heavily on agribusiness, farm and business succession planning, banking, and corporate matters. Over the years, that practice has taken him beyond Kansas, with admissions in:
Kansas — 1999
Missouri — 2007
Nebraska — 2017
Colorado — 2026

As the businesses, farms, ranches and financial institutions we work with continue to grow and operate across state lines, we’re proud to have attorneys who can grow right alongside them.

Congratulations, Lance, on adding another state to the list! 👏

10/23/2026

Important legal question for a Friday:
When does the office thermostat officially switch from air conditioning to heat? 😂

A. September
B. October
C. November
D. Never — someone is always unhappy

We're going with D.

10/21/2026

Meet Rachelle, (pictured on the left) Kennedy Berkley’s Business Manager and the person you call when you don’t know who else to call.

Based in our Salina office, Rachelle helps keep Kennedy Berkley running behind the scenes. HR, finances, payroll, billing, vendor contracts, technology — if it has something to do with the day-to-day operations of the firm, there’s a pretty good chance Rachelle has a hand in it.

Around the office, she’s equal parts organized problem-solver and office mom. She’s usually taking care of an emergency, answering a question, fixing something that needs fixed or making sure the rest of us have what we need to do our jobs.

A few things to know about Rachelle:
☕ Coffee is a necessity.
🐶 She loves her dogs — her fur babies.
💻 She’s in charge of technology, which is particularly impressive considering technology isn't always her best friend. 😂
📞 And when nobody knows who can solve a problem, the answer is usually, “Call Rachelle.”

Kennedy Berkley simply wouldn’t run the same without her. We’re pretty lucky to have Rachelle keeping all of us in line!

10/20/2026

From the Racetrack to the Courtroom: Meet Karter Granzella!

What do dirt track racing, estate planning, and a brand-new marriage have in common? Our newest attorney, Karter Granzella.

A Salina native, proud K-State graduate, lifelong racing enthusiast, and recent newlywed, Karter is beginning an exciting new chapter at Kennedy Berkley.

His journey with our firm started with a simple email in 2023. Today, he's building his legal career with a passion for helping Kansas families and business owners plan for their futures, protect what matters, and navigate life's important decisions.

But there's a lot more to Karter than what you'll find on his attorney bio!

From lessons learned behind the wheel of a race car to his perspective on estate planning for young couples, we're taking you beyond the office in our newest attorney spotlight.

🏁 Get to know Karter, his story, and why he believes there's always something new to learn, whether you're on the racetrack or in the courtroom.

🔗 Read the full story on the Kennedy Berkley blog!

From the racetrack to the courtroom, meet Karter Granzella, Kennedy Berkley’s newest attorney. A Salina native, K-State graduate, newlywed, and lifelong racing enthusiast, Karter is bringing a fresh perspective to estate planning, business law, and serving Kansas families. Get to know the person b...

10/19/2026

There are a lot of great people behind Kennedy Berkley — and our team just keeps growing.

Over the past year, we’ve welcomed some new faces to our offices, and we realized it’s probably time we did a better job introducing you to the people who make KB what it is.

Our team includes attorneys, legal assistants, and professionals across Salina, Hays, Garden City and Dodge City. Outside the office, they’re coaches, farmers and ranchers, parents, volunteers, board members, neighbors, and friends.

Over the next few months, we’ll be introducing you to some of the people behind Kennedy Berkley — both familiar faces and some you may not know quite as well.

And as for 2027… we’ll just say there are even more introductions coming. So, stay tuned because we have a lot to share!

10/16/2026

Great leadership makes a difference, and we're fortunate to have three individuals who lead by example.

This Boss's Day, we're recognizing James Ryan Angell, Lance Cochran, and Klint Spiller for the time, dedication, and leadership they invest in Kennedy Berkley.

From serving our clients and communities to mentoring attorneys and supporting the people who make up our firm, their commitment extends well beyond the day-to-day work.

Thank you, Jim, Lance, and Klint, for the example you set and everything you do to help Kennedy Berkley continue to grow.

Happy Boss's Day!

10/16/2026

One of the best times to call an attorney is before there's a problem.

Before you sign the contract. Before you transfer the property. Before you start the business. Before the family disagreement gets bigger. Before there's a health crisis. Before you actually need the estate plan.

Sometimes a short conversation on the front end can prevent a much more complicated conversation later.

Not sure whether you need an attorney? It doesn't hurt to ask.

10/14/2026

From Salina to Hays, Garden City to Dodge City, our attorneys work with individuals, families, farmers and ranchers, businesses, financial institutions and communities across Kansas.

Wherever you're located, chances are there's a Kennedy Berkley attorney ready to help.
📍 Salina
📍 Hays
📍 Garden City
📍 Dodge City

10/12/2026

It’s Hatchet Game Week! 🏈

This week, two of our Kennedy Berkley communities face off as the Dodge City Red Demons and Garden City Buffaloes meet for another chapter of one of Kansas’ oldest high school football rivalries.

Dodge City and Garden City first met on the football field all the way back in 1903, and the Hatchet became the rivalry’s traveling trophy in 1938. More than a century later, there’s still nothing quite like Hatchet Week in Southwest Kansas.

With Kennedy Berkley offices in both Dodge City and Garden City, we’ll stay neutral on this one. 😉

Who are YOU cheering for? The Red Demons or the Buffs? Let us know in the comments!

10/09/2026

We are incredibly proud to share that Kennedy Berkley attorney Lance Cochran was named Professional Advisor of the Year at the Greater Salina Community Foundation's Make Your Mark Awards on Thursday, October 8!

For Lance, practicing law has always been about more than helping clients navigate legal matters. It's also about helping families build legacies, supporting the communities they call home, and finding ways to make a lasting difference.

Through his work in estate planning, business succession, and charitable giving, Lance has helped clients turn their values into meaningful support for the causes and communities they care about. He's also helped expand charitable giving opportunities for farmland owners through Giving Acres LLC and supported the Give Back 5 Community Giving Pledge.

Lance's commitment to Salina doesn't stop at the office. Lance founded the Community Housing Development Corporation of Central Kansas to help address affordable housing needs and give existing homes new life.

Lance couldn't make it to the ceremony (he had an elk hunting trip on the calendar!), but he was well represented! His wife, Kim, and son, Cade, accepted the award on his behalf, with his parents Michael and Sherry Dillon, and Kennedy Berkley legal assistants Jennifer Dauer and Angie Cabral there to celebrate.

We couldn't think of a more fitting recognition for someone who has spent so much of his career investing in the future of the communities he serves.

Congratulations, Lance! We are so proud of you!