Set up your free case evaluation

Christopher brings to the Topeka community extensive legal experience in a number of practice areas, including estate planning and probate, probate litigation, civil litigation, criminal defense, and family law.

He received his Juris Doctor and certificate in Business and Transactional Law from the Washburn School of Law.  He is also a proud alumni of the University of North Dakota, having earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and a secondary-education certificate.  Prior to attending law school, Christopher taught high-school English, and continues that calling as an adjunct professor of Election Law at the Washburn School of Law.

Christopher is also a certified mediator for neighborhood disputes, small claims cases, divorces, and child custody disputes.

Christopher is a native of northeastern North Dakota, but proudly claims Topeka and its mild winters as his home.  He and his wife keep busy with three children, two dogs, two ornery cats, and a goldfish.  When time allows, he pursues his desire to write a great American novel.

Christopher offers translation services in Spanish and French, upon request.

Education

University of North Dakota, BA 2003

Washburn University School of Law, JD 2014

Bar Admissions

State of Kansas

United States District Court (Kansas)

Bar Memberships/Organizations

Kansas Bar Association

Topeka Bar Association

Sam A. Crow American Inn of Court

Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Presentations/Publications

“Election Law and the 2020 Election”

Topeka Bar Association CLE — Feb. 5, 2021                

Kansas Legal Professionals Association — April 24, 2021 

"Divorce & Designated Beneficiaries: an Application of KSA 59-105"

Topeka Bar Association CLE — June 14, 2024

Terry continues to serve clients in an of counsel capacity.

Terry first arrived in Topeka to attend Washburn University, but decided to make Topeka his permanent home.  For over 45 years, he has provided legal counsel on myriad legal issues, from probate to civil litigation, and just about everything in between.  He brings to clients a depth of knowledge and breadth of experience that is unparalleled in the Topeka legal community.

Terry has made an indelible mark on the Topeka legal community.  For 16 years, he served on the Third Judicial District Nominating Commission, which selects qualified candidates to fill judicial vacancies.  He has also served on the Client Protection Fund Commission, and as a hearing officer for the State Board of Nursing and Kansas Insurance Department.  He continues to be an active member of the Topeka Bar Association, where he has served in several leadership positions, including president, and currently serves as honorary president.

He is also a tireless advocate for the broader Topeka community, whether it be as an active Sertoman (SERvice TO Mankind), where he served in several local, state, and national leadership capacities, or as a member of the Washburn University Board of Regents, where he currently serves as president.  He also a proud brother of Phi Delta Theta, and continues to support their mission to develop friendship, sound learning, and rectitude.

Terry and his wife have three children, and have been blessed with four grandchildren.  When he’s not doting on them, he enjoys driving and pampering his 1967 Plymouth Barracuda convertible—the “Big Fish”.  

Education

Washburn University of Topeka, BA 1972

Washburn University School of Law, JD 1975

Bar Admissions

State of Kansas

United States District Court (Kansas)

United States Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit

Kickapoo Tribal Court

Bar Memberships/Organizations

Kansas Bar Association

Topeka Bar Association

Kansas Association of Justice

Sam A. Crow American Inn of Court

Topeka Lawyers Club

Community Involvement

Christ the King parish

Washburn University Board of Regents

Sertoma International

Kansas Council on the Future of Higher Education

Awards

Topeka Bar Association:                

Hon. E. Newton Vickers Professionalism Award (2002)

Warren W. Shaw Distinguished Service Award (2024)

Kansas Bar Association:                

Commitment to Public Service Award (1989)                Public Service Recognition (2004)

Sertoma:

GEM Award                

Sertoma Senator XVIII Award

Topeka Evening Club Sertoman of the Year (1990, 2020)   Lifetime Service Award, 2008

Miscellaneous:

Topeka Blood Bank: Thirteen-Gallon Donor Award

Topeka Legal Aid Society: Pro Bono Service Award (1989)

Tina Wenzl is a dedicated attorney focusing on child welfare and family law, with a particular emphasis on representing parents and children in Child In Need of Care actions. She also brings expertise in comprehensive estate planning and probate law, offering clients a well-rounded approach to addressing their legal needs.

Tina earned her Juris Doctor and Family Law Certificate from Washburn University School of Law in 2023, graduating with Dean’s Honors. During law school, she distinguished herself as a member of the Children and Family Law Center, a CASA volunteer, and a research assistant on a family law project. She further sharpened her legal acumen as an intern at the Washburn Law Clinic, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. Her academic journey began at Fort Hays State University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2020 with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Psychology.

Before pursuing her legal degree, Tina amassed over a decade of experience as a paralegal in family law and criminal defense. This background equips her with a nuanced understanding of complex legal issues and the ability to provide clients with practical, insightful solutions.

Originally from Colorado, Tina now calls Topeka home. She and her husband enjoy cheering for rival NFL teams—the Chiefs and the Broncos—and spending time with their two children, two grandchildren, and beloved dogs, Houston and Harvey.