The law office of James M. Milliken opened for business on July 1, 1969, with Jim Milliken as the sole practitioner. The original office was in the back of the old Cheyenne County State Bank building (now First National Bank) in St. Francis, Kansas, and was quite small. The secretary was shared by a real estate loan agent, attorney-abstractor and an attorney banker.

On December 1, 1969, a branch office was established in Bird City, Kansas, at 103 W. Fourth Street and it has remained there since. Mr. Milliken works in this office on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. For many years, a part-time secretary from the St. Francis office has traveled to fill the position in this office.

On November 1, 1970, the St. Francis law office was moved to its present location at 101 W. Washington. A partner, shareholder and several associate attorneys have worked for the firm since its inception.

The legal practice of the firm started slowly. Mr. Milliken likes to recall the first month’s gross receipts in 1969 which totaled $37.50. The practice expanded and grew from an income tax client base and now includes, in addition to income tax, estate planning, probate, real estate, litigation, corporate, domestic, commercial law and many other areas.

The current offices have been expanded and remodeled to meet the needs of the firm and its clientele. A vault, an office and a conference room were added to the south of the building in 1981. At that time, the basement was also converted into a work area for tax preparation and library/conference room. This year, the upstairs conference room was converted into two offices.

In March 1996, Kari Milliken Gilliland, a graduate of Washburn Law School, joined the firm. Kari works with domestic issues and estate planning as well as the general practice of law. She is also a certified mediator in disputed matters. In August of 1999, Kevin Berens, a 1999 Washburn Law School graduate, joined Jim and Kari in the practice of law following his graduation. Kevin practices in the area of tax matters, estate planning, criminal and defense and civil litigation. The firm will continue to provide service to its clients in the general practice of law.

The philosophy of the firm has always been to provide quality legal work at a fair price. Personal relationships with clients have always been important in addition to supporting the community. Honesty, fairness, hard work and a "the-client-comes-first" attitude is the backbone of the firm.