TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has appointed an Overland Park attorney to a seat on Johnson County District Court.

Timothy McCarthy will replace District Judge John P. Bennett, who served on the court since 1995 and recently announced his retirement.

McCarthy is a partner in the firm of Gilliland and Hayes. He was one of three finalists chosen by a special nominating commission.

Brownback's office says the governor selected McCarthy because of his experience as a municipal judge in Edwardsville and as a temporary replacement for sick or absent district judges in Johnson County.

The governor also noted McCarthy's experience in handling civil cases.