As the 40th anniversary of Triplett Woolf Garretson, LLC approaches, the firm reflects on its distinguished history as a successful law firm and business in Wichita. Over the decades, the firm has positively impacted the professional and personal success of clients.
Triplett, Woolf & Garretson, a partnership, was founded on November 1, 1985 by a group of eight experienced attorneys. Those attorneys were Thomas C. Triplett, John P. Woolf, Thomas P. Garretson, James A. Walker, Timothy E. McKee, Theron E. Fry, Eric B. Metz and Ron H. Harnden. Many of these founding attorneys had previously practiced law together in another firm all of their careers, resulting in a foundation of trust and expertise.
The original group of TWG partners and associate attorneys at the time of the formation of TWG.
Initially, TWG was a modest-sized firm, yet its attorneys brought diverse experience and skills, enabling it to offer a broad spectrum of legal services. We were hungry – our success was not assured. So, we brought a strong work ethic to bear and over time, with our clients, we identified and implemented practical, responsive and results-oriented legal solutions on a cost effective, prompt, and efficient basis.
Early on, we established our office in the Center City Plaza building at 151 North Main Street in downtown Wichita. Since those early days, the world has undergone significant changes. In 1985, Ronald Reagan was President, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was 1,327 (recently, over 45,000), the prime interest rate was 10% (recently, 7.5%), two Live Aid concerts raised 70 million dollars for famine relief, “new” Coca-Cola failed, and the Kansas City Royals won the World Series, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals!
Technology has been a pivotal factor in the firm’s evolution. In its early years, TWG relied on IBM typewriters with memory capabilities and fax machines, handling hundreds of pages daily. By the early 1990s, the firm adopted IBM ThinkPads, becoming one of Wichita’s first businesses equipped with email capabilities. Initially, laptops were prohibitively expensive, costing around $7,000 each, but rapid technological advancements soon made portable computing more accessible. Below is a photograph from The Wichita Eagle showing Tom Triplett with his early laptop.
Today, TWG employs a full-time technology staff, and its computers operate on Windows 11, with much of its cloud-based software. Despite the digital transformation, the firm still receives occasional faxes! The rapid evolution of technology has enabled attorneys to stay connected remotely, enhance research capabilities, and incorporate artificial intelligence into their practice, ensuring they remain at the forefront of legal innovation.
In 1998, TWG became the first substantial law firm to relocate from downtown Wichita to the northeast part of the city, at 29th and Rock Road. This strategic move provided easier access for clients and staff alike. Over the years, the firm has expanded to include twenty-five attorneys, with all founding partners remaining active until Tom Garretson’s passing in 2022. The firm has also welcomed several highly qualified attorneys as members, including Tad Patton, who became a member soon after TWG’s formation, followed by Rachael K. Pirner, Jeffrey D. Leonard, Jeffery C. Dahlgren, Ross E. Hellwig, Tyler E. Heffron, Derek S. Casey, Shane A. Rosson, Neil C. Gosch, Lisa A. McPherson and Matthew T. Schippers.
Additionally, TWG boasts a talented group of associate attorneys in Kacey S. Mayes, Katherine E.M. Chlumsky, Braden A. Sullivan, Ty A. Patton, Anthony L. Albertini, Zeke K. Metz and William B. Wachter, who serves of counsel to the firm in our Pittsburg, Kansas office. These professionals are expected to grow in expertise and leadership, contributing to the firm’s ongoing success and reputation for excellence.
TWG’s attorneys practice across a broad spectrum of legal fields, including Litigation, Business and Corporate Law, Construction Law, Employment Law, Energy Law, Estates and Probate Law, Family Law, Health Law, Medical Malpractice Defense, Real Estate Law, and Taxation. Each area encompasses numerous specialized sub-areas, allowing the firm to address complex legal issues comprehensively and effectively.
The firm’s commitment to excellence is reflected in numerous honors and recognitions, such as high ratings from Martindale-Hubbell, Best Lawyers, Chambers USA, The American College of Trusts and Estate Counsel, and recognition by state and local bar associations. Many attorneys serve in leadership roles within professional and charitable organizations, demonstrating their dedication to community service and ongoing professional development.
Our dedicated staff include administrative assistants, receptionists, legal assistants, accounting and billing personnel, office managers, file maintenance and delivery assistants, many of whom have been with the firm for years. Our employees frequently are in contact with our clients and have been instrumental in maintaining our high standards of service.
While the firm values its rich history, it remains focused on future growth and innovation, continuously striving to meet the evolving needs of its clients and community.