Thursday, October 18, 2007

Belveal joins Topeka law firm

by Clarke Davis

Jason Belveal, 30, has joined a law firm and is practicing law in Topeka.

The Valley Falls resident and former city councilman re-entered university life three years ago to obtain a law degree.

He graduated from the Washburn School of Law in May, passed his bar exam in July, and was sworn in Sept. 28.

He has joined the Tenopir & Huerter law firm at 1610 SW Topeka Boulevard, Topeka. This firm consists of Larry Tenopir and Joe Huerter and three associates including Belveal.

It’s a general practice firm. Last Wednesday he was headed to court for jury selection in a criminal case. The firm’s lawyers take court-appointed criminal cases when the defendant can’t afford an attorney

“I’ve got an adoption, a divorce, and a child custody case on my desk at present,” Belveal said.

He expects his business background to be a help in practicing law as well, he said.

“It’s a firm with lots of expertise,” he said. “If one of us can’t help, someone else can.”

Belveal graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1995. He attended Highland Community College and obtained a business degree from Emporia State University.

He was employed by Commerce Bank & Trust, Topeka, for three years and was a loan officer for Kendall State Bank for about a year. He joined Paul Heinen & Associates for three years as a financial specialist before going to law school.

He almost completed a four-year term on the Valley Falls city council where he served as treasurer. He resigned when he moved to Topeka.

He and his wife, Carrie, have purchased the Linda Garbe house on north Walnut Street. Carrie is the director of social services for Aldersgate Village in Topeka.

Jason’s parents are Wayne and Debbie Belveal, Valley Falls.