Overview
J.T. Klaus advises Kansas local government entities in the issuance of municipal bonds related to infrastructure improvement and economic development, including general obligation bonds and temporary notes, municipal revenue bonds, “hybrid” and “conduit” type financings such as tax increment bonds, lease financings (certificates of participation), and industrial revenue bonds. He regularly advises local government on the tax incentives and financing tools available to communities seeking to strengthen local industries and support economic development.
With a track record of managing municipal debt obligations dating back to 1990, J.T. has extensive experience in municipal finance and industrial development finance, serving as bond counsel to governmental entities throughout Kansas while also assisting local manufacturers, hospitals, and other health care facilities with financing. In addition to his service to local government as bond counsel, he has served as underwriter’s counsel to local and regional investment firms.
Maintaining broad reach and impact throughout the public sector, J.T. also serves as general counsel to KPP Energy, a nonprofit, member-owned municipal energy agency providing electricity to 24 Kansas communities; and as city attorney to Andover, Hesston, and Mulvane, Kansas. In addition, J.T. is a former instructor of business law at his alma mater, Newman University.
Credentials
Education
- University of Kansas School of Law, 1990 (J.D.)
- Newman University, 1987 (B.A.), summa cum laude
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas
- Newman University, Board of Trustees, 2013-present; Chair (Director Emeritus), 5 years
- Mulvane Education Foundation, Inc., Founding Member/General Counsel, 2013-present
- ASC Health, Inc., Board of Trustees, 2002-2008
- Villa Maria, Inc., Board of Directors, Chair, 1998-2008
- Knights of Columbus, Council #7486, Officer, 2015-present
- Newman University National Alumni Association, Board of Trustees, 1990-1996, Past President
- Newman Medal Recipient, Newman University, 2025
- America’s Top 100 Attorneys, Lifetime Achievement Selection
- Best Lawyers, Lawyer of the Year, Wichita Public Finance Law, 2014, 2019
- Best Lawyers in America, Public Finance Law
- Wichita Business Journal, 40 Under 40, 2002
- The Bond Buyer’s Municipal Marketplace, Sole Bond Counsel, 1990-present
- American Bar Association
- Kansas Bar Association
- Wichita Bar Association
- Kansas Government Finance Officers Association
- Kansas City Attorneys Association
- “First-Year Municipal Clerk’s Training Seminar,” Kansas City Clerk’s Association
- “Annual Training Seminar for Kansas Municipal Officers,” Wichita State University
- “Methods of Economic Development,” City Clerks and Municipal Finance Officers Association, Annual Meeting
- “Appropriate Role of Bond Counsel,” Kansas Association of School Boards, School Construction Seminar