OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (December 10, 2009) – United Community Services (UCS) of Johnson County has named Lathrop & Gage attorney John Vratil (Overland Park) its UCS Distinguished Public Service Award for 2009. The award was recognized at the organization's annual meeting on Dec. 4, 2009, in Overland Park, Kan. Also being honored with Human Services awards were Sue Bond as UCS Citizen of the Year, and Evergreen Living Innovations, Inc., with the UCS Excellence in Community Service Award. 

"It’s important that we recognize the dramatic impact each of the winners has made in improving the quality of life in our community," said Brad Stratton, UCS board president. "Each has worked diligently for causes that make Johnson County a great place to live and work."

Since 1967, UCS has been the catalyst and resource to ensure that the human service system meets the needs of Johnson County, Kansas residents. UCS provides information, trends analysis and documentation to enhance community-wide planning and decision-making. UCS will also mobilize community partners to improve human service delivery , collaborate with local governments to support allocation of funds to address human needs, and advocate for policy choices that effectively promote positive outcomes for people.

Mr. Vratil is the senior litigator in Lathrop & Gage's Kansas office and has extensive litigation experience in matters involving securities, property taxation, contracts, employment claims, secured transactions, real estate, zoning and school law. He currently serves as a Kansas State Senator from the 11th Senate District.

About Lathrop & Gage:
A full-service law firm, Lathrop & Gage LLP has almost 300 attorneys in 11 offices nationwide – from Los Angeles to New York. In 2009, Chambers USA ranked Lathrop & Gage’s corporate, environmental, intellectual property, litigation, real estate and labor and employment teams among the best in the Midwest. For more information, visit www.lathropgage.com or www.beentherewonthat.com.