Russell Cloon

I am a consumer bankruptcy attorney. I was previously located in Baldwin City, KS but in August of 2017 we relocated to our new office in Ottawa. I have filed well over 3,000 consumer bankruptcy cases (Chapter 7 and Chapter 13), and I think the only other Kansas lawyers who have filed more than that are all deceased (but I could be wrong).

University of Kansas School of Law

J.D. | Law

1986 - 1989

Nothing for which the statute of limitations has not expired.

Honors: Biggest honor was that I worked my way through law school rather than saddling myself with thousands of dollars in student loan debt. I was orphaned by the age of 16, so I didn't have wealth parents to foot the bill. Otherwise, I barely escaped with my life.

Activities: annoying my professors, making fun of brown-nosing Law Review rats, trying to study while working the midnight shift.

University of Kansas

B.S. | Business Administration

1973 - 1986

I believe I hold the record for longest time spent from 1st enrollment to degree. After my sophomore year, I took a break to spend 2 tours of duty in the US Army, as well as run a small business after my honorable discharge. Eventually, I went back in 1984 to finish up.

Honors: 99th percentile GMAT, bartender at the Mad Hatter.

Activities: Alpha Tau Omega fraternity (before the charter was revoked for hazing violations).

Founding Attorney

Cloon Legal Services

1990 - Current

Initially set up as a solo practitioner, I have had several associates over the years, whom I eventually annoyed to the point where they hung up their own shingle and tried to take business away from me. I'm proud of their accomplishments, and for whatever minor role I played in igniting their interest in what I believe is one of the most challenging and rewarding fields of practice. I just wish they would all move to western Kansas. I presently have 2 lawyers under my wing now, and I'm sure they look forward to my early retirement or untimely death.

law clerk, associate attorney

Cloon, Bennett, Ronan and Viveros

1988 - 1989

Clerked while in law school for brother's firm, and had the privilege of working with the Hon. John Bennett, Johnson County District Court Judge, prior to his appointment to the bench. My brother, Bryson Cloon, is much smarter and better-looking, and is one of the premier personal injury attorneys (primarily medical malpractice) in the state. After briefly working as an associate after graduation, my interest in bankruptcy law (which the firm didn't practice) led me to open my own shop. That, plus figuring out that, if you ain't the lead dog, the view never changes.

V Corps Soldier of the Year

US Army

1979

8th Infantry Division Soldier of the Year

US Army

1978

Kansas State Bar

Member

Current

National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys

member

2006 - Current

Topeka Area Bankruptcy Council

member

2004 - Current

Kansas Bar Association

member

1998 - Current

Kansas City Bankruptcy Bar Association

member

1992 - Current

US Federal District Court for the District of Kansas

admitted

1990 - Current

Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program

county committee member

1993 - 2000

Kansas

10th Circuit

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