A Tribute to Joe L. Norton

• Publication year: 2008
• Pages: 10
• Citation: Vol. 77 No. 6 Pg. 10

A Tribute to Joe L. Norton No. 77 J. Kan. Bar Assn 6, 10 (2008) Kansas Bar Journal June, 2008

By D. Todd Arney, Hubbard, Ruzicka, Kreamer & Kincaid L.C., Norton

Joe Norton died unexpectedly on Jan. 19, 2008, of a heart attack at the age of 66. A graduate of the University of Kansas School of Law, Joe started his practice in 1967 in a law firm with origins back to 1930 now known as Norton, Hubbard, Ruzicka, Kreamer, and Kincaid L.C.

Shortly after beginning the practice of law, Jim Hubbard and Tom Ruzicka joined Mr. Norton in what proved to be a very special partnership that lasted more than 35 years until the time of his death. During this time, Joe, Jim Hubbard, and Tom Ruzicka maintained a close friendship as their legal careers progressed. Daily lunches, common interests, mutual respect, and fairness to each other was the recipe for the standing relationship, which is notable in today's legal environment. Along with Scott Kreamer, the law firm continued to prosper with Joe as the senior partner.

Joe's reputation as one of the premier family law attorneys in Kansas City was well deserved. While representing many clients with substantial means, Joe also had compassion for those less fortunate. Armed with experience and an amazing understanding of family law matters and human tendencies, Joe was aggressive and tough but not mean spirited. He appreciated that lawyers were given the special privilege of advocating the interest of clients and he understood that under all circumstances a lawyer must be...