My entire legal life has been in spent in Kansas City. The first four years in the profession were spent working for defense firms. I defended corporations in environmental disputes, product defect and personal injury cases. After four years I took my knowledge of the law, and the defense perspective and opened a personal injury and employment firm. We only represent individuals. There is no comparison between working for a corporation and working for an individual. I have truly enjoyed each and every client with whom I have had the opportunity to work.
The specific scope of my practice includes representing plaintiffs who have been injured by the negligence or intentional act of others. This encompasses claims involving injury from products such as medical devices or pharmaceuticals, as well as claims involving discrimination in employment or wrongful termination. I represent adult and child victims of sexual abuse. I value my clients and it is rewarding to see them get a fair result. There is a feeling of satisfaction when your client, who was once hopeless, feels that they have received justice and are “whole again”.
In addition to my day-to-day litigation practice, I have the honor of serving on several committees. In 2016 I was appointed to the Executive Committee of The Missouri Association of Trial Lawyers. We work to protect the civil justice system and the right to a trial by jury. This commitment includes making frequent visits to our state Capitol to advocate for and protect the rights of individuals within our state.
In 2017 I was appointed to the Executive Committee of a Multi-District Litigation pending in The United States District Court of New Hampshire. I along with four colleagues from various parts of the country are tasked with overseeing the litigation of hundreds of cases pending in the MDL relating to hernia mesh products.
I was privileged to serve on the merit selection panel for the reappointment of a magistrate judge for the United States District Court of the Western District of Missouri as well as the selection of a new magistrate to fill a vacancy within the Court.
I enjoy and continue to be involved in the Kansas City community. An organization near and dear to my heart is the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. I have served on the board for 13 years and as Chairperson of the Board for 12 of those years. I look forward to continuing my involvement with the above organizations and to representing individuals who come to me at their most vulnerable times.
Areas Of Practice
Accidents (Motor Vehicle, Trucking, Motorcycle)
Defective Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals
Accidents (Construction Site, Premises Liability)
Nursing Home Death or Injury
Medical Malpractice Injury or Death
Employment Discrimination
Sexual Abuse
Bullying / Harassment
Bar Admissions
Missouri, 1999
Kansas, 2000
U.S. District Court Western District of Missouri, 1999
U.S. District Court District of Kansas, 2000
U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit, 2001
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Missouri, 2015
Education
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, Kansas City, Missouri
J.D. – 1999
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
B.A.
Major: Political Science and Psychology
Classes/Seminars
Employment Law Presentation at Judicial College Seminar, March 2013
Working with Expert Witnesses, Association of Women Lawyers, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, 2006
Networking and Obtaining Employment, University of Missouri Kansas City Law School, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, 2006
Spring 2018 Presenter at Harris Martin Hernia Mesh Seminar
Fall 2018 Presenter at Mass Torts Made Perfect Seminar
Spring 2019 Presenter at Harris Martin 3M Combat Ear Plugs Seminar
May 2020 CLE Presentation of Navigating COVID 19
Honors and Awards
“Best of the Bar” for Employment Litigation, Kansas City Business Journal
Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers
Rising Stars, Super Lawyers
AWL Firm of the Year
Nominated for 40 under 40
Top 50: Women Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers list
Top 100 Lawyers in Kansas and Missouri
Recognized as Super Lawyers Top 100 attorney in Kansas and Missouri
Top 50 attorney in Kansas City
Top 50 Woman Attorney in Kansas and Missouri
2020 Honoree of Kansas City Business Journal Women Who Mean Business Award
Professional Associations and Memberships
Missouri Association of Trial Lawyers, Board of Directors, 2012 to Present
Association for Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City, Board of Directors, 2009 to 2012
Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association (KCMBA), Young Lawyers Section, Board Member, 2002 to 2005
National Employment Law Association, Member, 2004
Association of Women Lawyers, Member, 2004
Missouri Bar, Member
Kansas Bar, Member
National Employment Lawyers Association, National Chapter and Kansas City Chapter, 2008
Serve as Mentor in the AWLF Connections Program 2018 – Present
Pro Bono Activities
Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, Board Member, 2005 to Present
Inns of Court Master, UMKC School of Law, 2006 to 2007
Appointed to Board of Trustees for the UMKC Law Foundation 2019 – present
