A Leawood lawyer has been appointed by Kansas Governor Sam Brownback as the newest Johnson County District Court judge.

Paul Gurney will replace Thomas Bornholdt, who is retiring.

Gurney, senior trial counsel for an Overland Park law office, was one of three finalists for the position.

In a written statement announcing the appointment, Brownback described Gurney as a very experienced civil litigation attorney who will bring a “unique skill set” to the job.

| Tony Rizzo, trizzo@kcstar.com