Topeka ? Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has appointed Kansas City, Kan., attorney Kathleen Lynch to fill the unexpired term of the late Wyandotte County District Court Judge Cordell Meeks Jr.

Lynch, 39, has 14 years of legal experience and most recently has worked in private practice. Previously, she was an assistant city attorney and Municipal Court prosecutor in Kansas City.

Meeks was up for re-election in November, with his term set to expire in January. Wyandotte County Democratic precinct members have voted to have Lynch take Meeks’ place on the Nov. 7 ballot, and she is unopposed.

Meeks, 63, who served on the court for nearly 26 years, died June 28 at his home. Meeks earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1964 and a law degree in 1967, both from Kansas University.

Lynch received her undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and her law degree in 1992 from Washburn University School of Law.