Spencer Fane LLP is pleased to announce the firm has established a new Wichita presence with the addition of Partners J.T. Klaus and Andrew N. Kovar, along with Of Counsel Attorney Mary F. Carson. As members of the Corporate and Business Transactions practice group, J.T., Andrew, and Mary bring decades of experience in municipal law, bond counsel, and public finance to the firm while also positioning it to serve existing clients more wholly throughout the state.
“We’re excited to welcome this team to Spencer Fane as we expand into a market that aligns with our clients’ priorities and improves our position to answer their call for highly experienced counsel in geographies and practice areas that matter most to their success,” said Spencer Fane Chair Patrick J. Whalen. “J.T., Andrew, and Mary have spent their careers building an exceptional depth of knowledge in public finance and bond counsel matters – areas of law that demand both precision and insight. Their commitment to these practices has deservedly earned them national reputations that reflect the caliber of their work and the trust they’ve cultivated with clients and colleagues alike.”
Among the team’s experience, J.T., Andrew, and Mary serve as bond counsel to various governmental entities and nonprofit organizations throughout Kansas, navigating the issuance of all types of municipal bonds and associated economic incentives available to clients seeking to advance infrastructure, community outcomes, or other economic development initiatives. Collectively, the group also advises local and regional hospitals and health care facilities, universities, manufacturers, and other industries, as well as Kansas cities, counties, school districts, rural water districts and other municipalities on the full range of debt obligations and financing tools.
“Joining Spencer Fane marks an exciting new chapter for our team. The strong reputation, collaborative culture, and commitment to client success align perfectly with our values and vision,” J.T. said. “The firm’s robust platform – including its regional reach, resources, and integrated practices – will allow us to better serve our clients. As our clients’ legal needs continue to grow into new and complex areas, we’re energized by the opportunity to continue delivering exceptional service with even greater depth alongside such a talented group of colleagues.”
Recognized in The Bond Buyer’s Municipal Marketplace (known as “The Red Book”), J.T., Andrew, and Mary all maintain numerous leadership roles not only in the bond counsel space but also in legal, nonprofit, and other organizations that complement their work in the public finance sector while also making meaningful contributions in the communities they serve.
ABOUT THE ATTORNEYS
J.T. Klaus, Partner
J.T.’s counsel includes advising local government entities on general obligation bonds and temporary notes, municipal revenue bonds, “hybrid” and “conduit” type financings as tax increment bonds, lease financings (certificates of participation), and industrial revenue bonds, among others. He has been in service to local government since 1990 and, in addition to bond counsel, has served as underwriter’s counsel to local and regional investment firms.
Maintaining broad reach and impact throughout the public sector, J.T. 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. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Newman University, he earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas School of Law.
Andrew N. Kovar, Partner
Andrew prioritizes highly communicative client service as bond counsel to governmental and nonprofit organizations navigating all types of municipal general obligation and revenue bond finance and economic development transactions. Through this work, he efficiently advances infrastructure, utilities, health care, education, or other governmental and commercial imperatives. Andrew routinely assists and advises clients with respect to public-private partnerships such as tax increment finance, community improvement districts, sales tax and revenue bonds, and industrial revenue bonds. In addition, he serves as city attorney to Hillsboro and Kechi, Kansas.
Using his background in finance, Andrew also represents companies, financial institutions, placement agents, and underwriters with many types of debt and equity financing, including public offerings, private placements, private loans, and other complex transactions. He graduated with his Bachelor of Business Administration in finance cum laude from Wichita State University, then earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas School of Law.
Mary F. Carson, Of Counsel
Boasting nearly four decades of practice in public finance, municipal bond law and related fields, Mary manages all aspects of state and federal law and procedure affecting local government issuance of or participation in tax-exempt and taxable general obligation bonds, temporary notes, general obligation special assessment bonds, utility revenue bonds, public building commission lease revenue bonds, lease / purchase transactions, special revenue bonds, sales tax revenue bonds (including STAR Bonds), tax increment financing, transportation development district financing, revolving fund loans, various types of industrial revenue bonds, and other private activity bonds.
Mary received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, then earned her Juris Doctor from the University’s School of Law. Before entering private practice, she served as an Assistant Attorney General in the office of Kansas Attorney General Bob Stephan and became the Kansas Assistant Attorney General charged with the regulatory review and approval of all city, county, school district, and municipal bond transcripts in the state of Kansas.