Putting some heart into a law firm

BEST LAWYER

LARRY TENOPIR

Address: 1610 S.W. Topeka Blvd.

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays

Telephone number: (785) 233-9467

Recent changes: Added an associate attorney, Richard Benson

Anticipated changes: We plan to add two attorneys and support staff this summer.

Years in Topeka: 20

Philosophy: We try to provide the legal services that most people need

By Tom Allen

SPECIAL TO THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Larry Tenopir said he is grateful to his clients and friends who took the time to vote him Best Lawyer in the 2004 Best of Topeka and Northeast Kansas.

What changes have you made to your business during the past year?

We're in the process of major renovations, in and out, to our building, precipitated by fires last summer. We've also made the decision to expand the staff.

What are the strengths of your business?

I think the strength of our business is the family kind of atmosphere that comes from having offices in a converted house and the general demeanor of our staff. We want to take the fear out of consulting an attorney.

What obstacles do you see your business facing in the future?

Our biggest obstacle is ever-increasing overhead, especially the skyrocketing costs of providing health care to our staff and families.

Who do you credit as being a positive influence at your business?

The most positive influence in our business development was the late Bob Tilton, for whom I clerked 22 years ago.

Can you share the secret of your success with our readers?

I don't have any particular secret other than to work hard and persevere.

Why do you like doing business in Topeka?

I'm a Topekan by choice, moving here in 1979 for a job which I could keep while starting KU Law School. I like the people, and when your job is providing a service, that's paramount in importance.

Copyright 2004
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