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 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 with my involvement with the above organizations and to representing individuals who come to me at their most vulnerable time.

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