Tyler Childress

Since participating in the debate and forensics program at Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville, Kansas, Tyler knew his skills as a writer and speaker were the perfect fit for the legal profession.

“I have always enjoyed writing and public speaking. Becoming an attorney was the natural fit to accommodate those interests and skills.” 

Tyler attended the University of Kansas, graduating in 2014 with his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Political Science, followed in 2017 with his Juris Doctor degree from the law school. He was heavily involved in serving the KU campus community, culminating in being awarded the Rusty Leffel Concerned Student University Award in 2014 and the KU Law Robert F. Bennett Award in 2017.

Prior to joining Bath & Edmonds, Tyler’s career was dedicated to criminal prosecution, first at the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, followed by over seven years at the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office. Tyler litigated all levels and types of Kansas criminal offenses, but focused on serious child abuse and sexual offenses as a member of the Special Victim’s Unit (SVU) during his final years with the office. From 2017–2024, Tyler tried more than fifteen jury trials, including first degree murder, child abuse, and rape. 

“Criminal proceedings are fraught with life-changing consequences and place a heavy emotional and mental toll on those swept up in the system—on both sides. I have dedicated my career to criminal litigation to assist people through what can be an intimidating experience, helping them successfully navigate the criminal legal system with the best possible outcomes.”

Tyler was also part of the first treatment team of the Tenth Judicial District Behavioral Health Specialty Court (BHC), created in 2023. 

“My experience as a member of the BHC helped me understand that everyone in the criminal justice system has redeeming qualities. A person’s life circumstances often place them in a position in which they are more likely to encounter the criminal system. My role as an advocate is to help judges, jurors, and prosecutors understand how a client came to be where they are and the challenges they face that have led them to make the decisions they have made.”

Tyler joined Bath & Edmonds after litigating dozens of cases against the attorneys at Bath & Edmonds. When prosecuting cases in which the defendants were represented by Bath & Edmonds, Tyler noted the first-class reputation the attorneys have with judges, court personnel, and other attorneys. He observed the reputation and the superior litigation skills of the attorneys at Bath & Edmonds give a clear advantage to the clients represented and served by the firm. 

“I have learned the most prepared attorney in the courtroom is also the most effective attorney in the courtroom. I joined Bath & Edmonds because every time I have interacted with the attorneys at Bath & Edmonds, they are the most prepared attorneys in the courtroom. Their commitment to excellence and care towards clients stands apart from other attorneys and this attracted me to joining the firm. The attorneys of Bath & Edmonds have a curiosity for the law and finding innovative ways to defend their clients. I wanted to join a firm that are leaders, both locally and nationally, in finding new ways to advance the law to advocate for their clients.”

The respect from Bath & Edmonds is mutual, according to senior partner Tom Bath:

“We are always on the lookout for talented attorneys who ‘get it’ and who would fit with our culture at Bath & Edmonds. When we decided to add an attorney, we didn’t open up the process for applications. We sought out Tyler because of his work-ethic, and, of course, his legal acumen but also because of his ability to look at a case clinically and appreciate both sides. Too many times attorneys get caught up in this ‘us-against-them’ mentality that is not only counter-productive to achieving a just result but also damaging to the profession. Tyler has always demonstrated an ability to represent his client (the State of Kansas) well while remaining collegial. We are excited to have Tyler on board.”