PRESIDENT & Attorney
Blaine Finch
Blaine Finch is a native of Franklin County with more than 20 years of experience in the legal community. Prior to becoming President of Harris Kelsey, he worked as an associate and partner with the law firm under managing partner Robert Green. Blaine served 10 years in the Kansas Legislature as the Representative for the 59th District, including two terms in House leadership as the Speaker Pro Tem. He is a former city commissioner and Mayor of the City of Ottawa. In 2023, drawing on his public policy work, Blaine launched the Government Affairs division of Harris Kelsey. Blaine’s volunteer interests include working with the Franklin County Development Council on economic development projects and volunteering with the Ottawa Police Foundation. Blaine graduated summa cum laude from Ottawa University, earning degrees in history, political science and psychology. He earned his law degree cum laude from Washburn University School of Law. Blaine is a member of the Kansas Bar Association and a member and past president of the Franklin County Bar Association. Blaine@HarrisKelsey.com
Attorney
Laura A. Rhea
Laura Rhea has more than 20 years of legal experience, including extensive jury trial experience. She earned a bachelor of science degree in education from the University of Kansas and her juris doctorate from KU’s School of Law. Laura worked in the Kansas City metro for two decades as a civil defense litigator before joining Harris Kelsey in January 2023. She focuses on civil litigation, estate planning, probate and corporate/business law. Laura’s volunteer interests include serving as a Girl Scout leader and as Vice President of the AdventHealth Ottawa Foundation. She is licensed to practice in both Kansas and Missouri, and is a member of the Kansas Bar Association and Missouri Bar Association. Laura@HarrisKelsey.com
Attorney, Government Affairs Division
Fred Patton
Fred Patton has nearly 25 years of legal experience. He joined Harris Kelsey’s Government Affairs division in 2023 after serving nearly 10 years in the Kansas Legislature. Fred represented the 50th District in northern Shawnee County, in addition to serving as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Chairman of the Rules Committee and Chairman of the House Education Budget Committee. He has been actively involved as a school board member (USD 345), Topeka Zoo board member and as a member of the Kansas Judicial Council. Fred earned undergraduate degrees in Management & Finance from Washburn University, and earned his law degree from KU School of Law. Fred@HarrisKelsey.com
Paralegal & Office Manager
Sara Brown
Sara Brown grew up in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She earned her Paralegal Certificate from Johnson County Community College and bachelor’s degree from Ottawa University. Sara has worked in the legal field for nearly 15 years. She serves as office manager for Harris Kelsey and coordinates paralegal services for the firm’s clients. Sara@HarrisKelsey.com
OFFICE ASSISTANT
Annette Burnett
An Ottawa native, Annette Burnett graduated from Ottawa High School. She has worked in the legal field for more than 30 years, the past several years with Harris Kelsey. Prior to that, she worked for the Franklin County Savings Association. Annette serves as a point person for the firm’s clients and provides office support for our team of attorneys. Annette@HarrisKelsey.com