Keenan Law Firm Celebrates 60 Years Providing Exceptional Legal Service to the Great Bend Community

When Larry Keenan thinks back on one of his more intriguing cases, he remembers the legal aspects. When his sons, Marty and Tim, recall that period of time, their memories are a little different. “That was the first time we had to get a haircut at a barbershop,” Marty said. “Dad used to cut our hair, but he was too busy with the case.”

Larry laughed at being reminded that the 1967 barbershop adventure was the beginning of the end of his sons’ home-cut haircuts. “They had to get a haircut at the barbershop,” he said with amusement.

Today Larry, Tim, and Marty are partners in the Keenan Law Firm, P.A. The firm, which handles probate, corporate, oil and gas, real estate, corporations, banking, personal injury, workers compensation, and criminal matters, represents a wide range of clients.

A Case That Stands Out

The case that brought back the two-generation memories was the result of Larry being appointed special prosecutor to help the Chase County Sheriff’s Office with the Pam Hatzel Olson case. “The sheriff came to me,” Larry recalled. “He was charged with arson on the burning of a home. It burned. That was in Great Bend. Gov. Farrar was in on the case, and it turned out the fire was his alibi. He was in prison.” The case was a U.S. 7th and 22-year sentence case.

The Keenans noted that Farr’s escape was the topic of a True Detective magazine article as well as Unsolved Mysteries. It was the type of case the public remembers—though not exactly the way Larry’s sons remembered it.

A Family Legacy

The late Robert Keenan, Larry’s father, practiced law and was a partner in his own firm. Larry joined the practice of Wayne McPherson Law Firm before forming his own partnership in 1958. Larry, a graduate of Washburn Law School, and his sons Marty and Tim, both graduates of the University of Kansas School of Law, continue to grow the family firm.

Marty joined the firm in 1988, and Tim joined in 1991. The name changed several times before becoming Keenan Law Firm, P.A., on April 19, 2000.

A strong family background has contributed greatly to the firm’s success. “We have the families’ histories,” Larry said. “We know grandfathers and great-grandfathers in some cases. It’s easier to do our job when we know the families, and the next generation tends to come back if they’ve been satisfied with the service.”

The Keenans explained that practical knowledge goes a long way in helping them serve their clients. Local residents may be more likely to remember the firm because they know about the firm’s track record. “We get calls from old high school friends, clients’ children, and other longstanding relationships,” Tim said.

Commitment to Community

The best part of the job, according to the Keenans, is helping others through the legal system. “When you can really help the work for someone, it makes all the difference,” Tim said. A lot of Marty’s public defender work involves people who may not feel they have anyone standing beside them. “Once you become part of this business, you have to help people,” Larry added. “We have always wanted to do what we can for the community.”

People understand that the firm cares. “People come back,” Tim said. “Service is more important than a building. The building isn’t what keeps the firm going—it’s the people.”

The firm’s signature office building—formerly a private Spanish-style residence—has become one of Great Bend’s more iconic professional buildings. Designed with arched open-air breezeways, it reflects history and character as much as the work done inside does.

Long-Term Staff and Client Relationships

Several staff members have been with the firm for decades. Joann Koral has worked there since 1965, and Marla Napolitano since 1974. The firm employs eight people total, who serve central and western Kansas. Nearly half of its caseload involves oil and gas clients.

“Great Bend is well located for the oil and gas work we do,” Tim noted. “We can do a better job because people aren’t dealing with lawyers who have to travel very far.”

Though the oil and gas market has shifted over time, the Keenans say Great Bend has always been a good home for their practice. They have also supported the local Chamber of Commerce and St. Patrick Church.

Professional Recognition

Larry Keenan recently received the James Woods Green Medallion and Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Kansas School of Law. The award honors lawyers and law firms for their commitment to KU Law and investment in the legal profession.

Both Tim and Marty hold additional distinctions. Tim received his law degree from KU in 1985 and is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. He has been involved in numerous civic clubs and has served on the Kansas Humanities Council. Marty received his KU law degree in 1992 and is also a member of several professional and ethics committees.

The firm is also proud of another long-term employee, Jolene Hetzke, a certified public accountant who has been with the firm for 25 years. “It’s nice to have a CPA on staff,” Marty said. “Especially with questions about taxes.”

A Workplace That Feels Like Family

As the Keenans reflected on the firm’s history, they emphasized the long-standing loyalty of their staff. “One of our gals has worked here for 45 years,” Marty said. “And another for 36. We’re sort of a family down here.”