inco Mayo KCCounselor BBBC: Cinco de Mayo May 4-6

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1 KCCounselor April Volume 15, Issue 4 inco de Mayo BBBC: Cinco de Mayo May 4-6 Deans of the Trial Bar & Barons of the Boardroom Award Winners LEAP Luncheon King and Queen Crowned Bench-Bar & Boardroom Conference Registration Form

2 BOARDROOM BARON Jim Polsinelli Congratulations from your friends and colleagues on being named one of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association's Barons of the Boardroom. Kansas City. St Louis. Chicago. New York. Washington, D.C. Overland Park. Topeka. Edwardsville

3 1125 Grand Blvd., Suite 400 Kansas City, Missouri (816) BOARD OF DIRECTORS President C. Patrick McLarney President-Elect Charles W. German Vice President Gregory M. Bentz Treasurer Rebbecca Lake Wood Secretary Thomas V. Bender Immediate Past President James P. Frickleton Executive Director Rae Jean McCall, Ph.D. MEMBERS-AT-LARGE James A. Heeter J. Dale Youngs Nancy E. Kenner Gene P. Graham, Jr. Rod L. Richardson W. Russell Welsh Kirk J. Goza Thomas W. Wagstaff Todd P. Graves Wesley O. Fields Lisa N. Gentleman KCMBF President Walter R. Simpson YLS President Jennifer M. Hannah Representative of AWL R. Denise Henning CLE Co-Chairs David V. Kenner Victoria M. Schroeder Membership Co-Chairs Michael J. Van Dyke David W. Russell Past Presidents Rep Sandra Schermerhorn SPECIAL LIAISONS TO THE BOARD Long-Range Planning Chair Cindy Reams Martin ABA Delegate Paul L. Wickens MOBAR Delegate John S. Johnston EDITORIAL KC COUNSELOR Editor Rae Jean McCall, Ph.D. Managing Editor Marci McNeal Graphic Designer Jessica Oertel Publications Advisory Board Chair Stuart K. Shaw Vice-Chair Stephen J. Cosentino Members Deborah J. Blakley C. Patrick McLarney David E. Everson Stephen B. Millin, Jr. Charles W. German Hon. Margaret L. Sauer Derron D. Gunderman Hon. J.D. Williamson, Jr. Contributing Photographer Bruce Mathews ADVERTISING KC COUNSELOR Display Ads David Miller (816) Classified Ads Marci McNeal (816) KC Counselor is published monthly by the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, Copyright No material may be reproduced in any form or by any means without express written permission from the publisher. Please direct advertising inquiries, editorial news, subscription information or questions to KCMBA. Statements or expressions of opinion herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of KCMBA or editors. The publication of any advertisement or product information is not to be construed as an endorsement of the product or service offered unless the ad specifically states that there is such an endorsement or approval. CONTENTS SPECIAL FEATURES Deans of the Trial Bar & Barons of the Boardroom Award Winners Bench-Bar & Boardroom Conference Registration Form LEAP Luncheon MONTHLY FEATURES President's Message Foundation Court News Heartland Diversity Legal Job Fair Calendar of Events CLE YLS Metro Voices Member Benefits Spotlight Keeping Up With the Bar Sustaining Members Classified Ads COMING NEXT MONTH... KCMBA spotlights the 2006 recipients of the Congenial Counselor and Conway Awards and the Young Lawyer of the Year Award. There will also be a wrap-up of the 2006 Law Week events and an update on the KCMBA Diversity Initiative. This much and more in the May issue of the KC Counselor. ABOUT THE COVER This Conference is Hot Hot Hot! The Bench-Bar & Boardroom Conference: Cinco De Mayo is rapidly approaching. Make sure you mark your calendars and join the KCMBA for the 33rd Annual BBBC Conference on May 4-6 at Tan-Tar-A Resort at the Lake. You will find fun, entertainment, parties and a beautiful and relaxing setting not to mention the year s best educational programs. Join us for the Conference you will be glad you did. Article on Page 4. Annual Subscription Rates: Complimentary to members and $36 to nonmembers. Single copy rate is $4. Postmaster: Send address corrections to: KC Counselor, 1125 Grand Blvd., Ste.400, Kansas City, MO April 2006 KC Counselor 1

4 president's message By C. Patrick McLarney Did You Feed Seabiscuit Today? The judicial system in the U.S. is the fairest and most advanced system in the history of civilization. The U.S. Court system only serves one out of every 22 people that live on earth. Other court systems of the world, which serve the other 21 people, are mostly corrupt, and serve only a fraction of the populations of their countries. The Courts in the Kansas City region are the finest in the United States. We as lawyers in Kansas City work in the finest judicial system that has ever existed. We are at the apex, the panacea, the Shangri-la of legal systems. Given this incredible legal system gift, don t we as lawyers have an obligation to preserve and improve this system? If you owned Seabiscuit, wouldn t you feed him? Our problems with our court system are miniscule in comparison to the corruption and inadequacies of the court systems of many countries. So what are we worried about? Isn t the fact we have such a treasure all the more reason we should be fighting to preserve and improve this rare treasure to pass on to future generations? We shouldn t sit aside and let our system slip by letting partisan politics creep into our court system. Proposals in both Missouri and Kansas pending today propose to undo the huge advances pioneered sixty years ago as the Missouri non-partisan court plan. Judges compensation in Missouri and Kansas in spending power has eroded 17 to 20% in the last five years compared to the rest of the working population. In Jackson County, three judge candidates are now being selected from a pool of only three to 15 candidates. Five years ago, it was three of 40 or 50 candidates. The budget for the third branch of government in Missouri is only 1.6% of the budget. The other 98.4% of the budget goes to the branches controlled by the elected officials. Why is this happening? Could it be inattention? Are we the Romans sleeping while Rome burns? Are we too busy sailing our yachts that we forget to feed Seabiscuit? Are there not enough of us? There are 28,837 lawyers in Missouri, and 13,072 active lawyers in Kansas. All have at least seven years of post high school education and relatively high incomes. Whose responsibility is it to care for our court system? Most of you would immediately say it is the responsibility of some organization the Missouri Bar, or Kansas Bar, or the Supreme Courts of these states, or the Judicial Committee of the local bar association. They have a role, but these organizations only operate through you, the lawyers in our profession. It s our job to feed Seabiscuit, each one of us. We need to do more for our precious court system. Maybe our lawyers should do more in the bar to improve the judicial system then attend receptions. Each of you needs to decide what you are going to contribute this year to helping improve our judicial system. There are many ways: 1.) Bar committees, 2.) interaction with the legislature, 3.) run for office, 4.) support a good candidate for office, 5.) write letters to the editor, 6.) visit with a judge about their issues, or 7.) take a judge or court staff member to lunch. If you can t think of anything, call me. I ll give you a bucket of oats! Last month s trivia question answer is Bob Welch, previously a President of KCMBA who is a champion arm wrestler. Want to take him on at the Bench-Bar & Boardroom Conference? Steve Bough was the winner of the first trivia contest when he identified John Johnston as the KCMBA past president all American Football Player. This month s trivia question: Name two female KCMBA members who play women s professional football? Contact Marci McNeal at [email protected] with your answer. 2 KC Counselor April 2006

5 MEDIATION 50 Years of Litigation Experience James W. Humphrey, Jr Main Street, Suite 2620 Kansas City, MO (816) or (816) Completed Federal Court Mediation Program for Neutrals in 1991 and Advanced Program in 2000 Completed Mediation Requirements under Supreme Court Rule 17 and Jackson County Circuit court Rule 25.1 Ethics committee of the 16th Judicial Circuit, Jackson County, MO, 1990 to General Chairperson of the Ethics Committee from 1994 to 1998 Disciplinary Hearing Officer for the Supreme Court of the State of Missouri Certified as a civil trial specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in 1982 Member of American Arbitration Association since 1981 Settle with your opponent on the way to court... Matthew 5:25 Essentials of Negotiation T he KCMBA has announced that Cheryl K. Rose is the new Diversity Coordinator for the Association. This part-time position is responsible for coordinating the KCMBA diversity initiative including all communications with the diversity committee, the managing partners diversity committee and the legal diversity job fair committee. She will also plan, organize and implement the annual Job Fair, foster the expansion of member firms and publicize the success of individual project and collective initiative results, provide coordination with specialty bar associations and other diversity efforts in the Kansas City area, create, maintain and share with member firms a resume bank and/or database of ethnic minority law students and attorneys, and provide coordination of projects of the diversity committee, such as the minority clerkship program. Rose formerly worked for the KCMBA as Director of Communications/IT/Membership before leaving in 2004 to become a stay-at-home mom. May 5/6 and 19/20 KCMBA May Social Hour: Learn Negotiation Strategies and Tactics Improve Communication in Negotiation Discover the Top 10 Rules for Virtual Negotiation Manage Misperceptions and Cognitive Biases Visiting Faculty from Southern Methodist University Michael Collatrella, J.D. LL.M. and Anthony Picchioni, Ph.D. ENROLL TODAY SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL AND GRADUATE STUDIES Classes held at Baker University Overland Park Campus Thursday, May 18 5:30-7:30 pm Frondizi s Ristorante (4558 Main) Sponsored Sponsored by by Roe & Epstein, LLP, Lexsum, Inc. and the Association for Women Lawyers 8001 College Blvd, Suite 100 Overland Park, KS Classroom hours/3 Graduate Credit Hours Approved Kansas CME, Kansas and Missouri CLE Pending April 2006 KC Counselor 3

6 KCMBA Honors the 2006 Deans of the Trial Bar and Barons of the Boardroom Award Winners The Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association (KCMBA) has selected Willard B. Bunch, John C. Noonan and James W. Tippin as this year s recipients of the prestigious Deans of the Trial Bar Award. Presented annually, this award spotlights individuals whose superb litigation skills and professional demeanor are viewed as exemplary by their peers. Recipients of the honor must have practiced for at least 30 years or have reached age 60. This year s recipients will be recognized at an awards dinner on Thursday, May 4 during the Bench-Bar & Boardroom Conference to be held at Tan-Tar-A Resort. These three recipients certainly exemplify longevity, excellence and leadership, said C. Patrick McLarney, KCMBA President. This year s award winners represent a combined 120 years of service to their communities and the legal profession as a whole. Willard B. Bunch Willard B. Bunch graduated from the UMKC School of Law in 1967 where he was a member of the Law Review and awarded the Order of the Bench and Robe. He attended law school at night while Supervisor of Employee Relations with Bendix Corp., the Kansas City Division. From 1968 through 1970, Bunch became the Chief of Criminal Division, Legal Aid and Defender Society, and then became the Public Defender for the 16th Judicial Circuit from 1971 to He was the first public defender under the authorizing statute, and was appointed by Governor Warren Hearnes. From there, Bunch was appointed by Mike White, County Executive, as the Jackson County Counselor where he held this position from 1975 to Thereafter, Bunch went into private practice. During this time he was dedicated to special Willard, his wife Barbara, Ruth Ann and Jim Willard s brother and sister-in-law. commissions as well as the UMKC School of Law. Starting in 1979 and ending in 1982, Bunch was a Special Hearing Officer for the Missouri State Tax Commission; as well as serving on the Missouri Public Defender Commission from 1976 to 1985 (he was chairman from 1983 to 1985). If that wasn t enough, Bunch also taught evening classes at UMKC School of Law for eight years and authored the Evidence Chapter for the Missouri Bar Criminal Law Series. He served as Chairman of the Missouri Bar Criminal Law Committee from 1991 to 1993 and was the KCMBA President in Bunch said being President of the KCMBA is the proudest accomplishment of his career. Bunch really can not say why he became interested in the legal profession it was just something he always knew he wanted to do. He did say that if he hadn t become a lawyer, he would have most likely remained as an executive with the Bendix Corporation. We all know what an important role that mentors play in the careers of young lawyers, and Bunch was lucky enough to have a mentor that helped shape his career. I had the good fortune to have J. Arnot June Hill as a mentor, one of the most capable criminal lawyers. He was innovative, imaginative, skillful and dedicated. Bunch has noticed the changes in the profession since he first started practicing. It has changed dramatically with technological advances, i.e., computers and computer generated documentation and Internet filing. It remains an open question as to whether or not the profession has changed for the better. The view of the general public would indicate otherwise. He does offer advice to those just entering the profession of law he says to serve the profession, judiciary, clients and humanity. Worry little about anything else. What is the idea of success to this Deans of the Trial Bar recipient? Success is not to be measured by economic reward alone; it must include the satisfaction of having performed in a manner that has brought not harm to society and with the rule of law. I am afraid the latter receives less emphasis today than deserved. It isn t always just work for Bunch. He is a dedicated hunter and fisherman. He has two daughters and three grandchildren his oldest daughter Kelly is Courtroom Deputy for the Hon. Scott O. Wright. His wife, Barbara, graduates this May from the Honors College, University of Texas San Antonio with a degree in Psychology. When asked one thing that might surprise KCBMA members about him Bunch responded, I am a frustrated writer. Bunch s proudest personal accomplishment in his life is a valiant one. He was named outstanding leader of the 7th Army, NCO Academy, Munich, Germany in The Academy included Special Forces, Air Borne and Rangers. Bunch was a draftee from the Combat Engineers. It is a great honor to join the list of those exceptional lawyers who are Deans of the Trial Bar award recipients. The comraderie that exists among This photo taken in front of the bay in the town of Wick, Scotland is Will s favorite place on earth. 4 KC Counselor April 2006

7 the members of the Bar is the envy of members of every other profession. You cannot get along if you have to get along but we do not have too. John C. Noonan John C. Noonan graduated from Webster Groves High School in Webster Groves, Missouri in He received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York in 1952 and his law degree from Washington University in He was a regular infantry officer on active duty in the United States Marine Corps from 1952 to Thereafter, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve until he was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain in In 1957, he was hired as an associate in the litigation section of the law firm then named Stinson, Mag, Thompson, McEvers & Fizzell (now Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP). In 1960 he became a partner in that firm. Noonan practiced law full time in the litigation section of the firm and its successors for more than 40 years. During that time he was Chairman of the Litigation Section of the firm for more than 15 years and was a member of the firm s then five-person Management Committee for some ten years. He also served for many years as General Counsel for the firm. In 1998, Noonan retired from the full-time practice of law, but continued as General Counsel for the firm and carried a reduced case load. He currently is Of Counsel with the firm. Noonan s varied practice included general business litigation, product liability litigation, MDL litigation, personal liability litigation, anti-trust litigation, business tort litigation, environmental litigation, personal injury litigation, federal false claims act litigation just to name a few. John is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a Fellow of the John and his wife Mary. American College of Trial Lawyers. Noonan became interested in the practice of law while an infantry officer in the USMC overseas. I was appointed to represent several marines before special court martial. I had no legal training, but was provided a court martial manual. In any event, it was an intense and interesting experience and served to interest me in the John enjoys some time with a puppy that was for his daughter s family. practice of law. He credits Dick H. Woods and Lawrence R. Brown (partners in the Stinson, Mag, et al Law Firm with the all important role of being his mentors. They were great lawyers with whom I was privileged to work. They became mentors, friends and confidants. Great advances in the technology used in the practice of law, is just one of the changes in the profession that Noonan has seen during the course of his career. Lawyers now advertise and many retain marketing specialists to promote their businesses. There is greater mobility of lawyers between law firms. The sheer number of lawyers in many law firms has increased dramatically (I can recall when the largest firm in the Kansas City area consisted of 20 to 25 lawyers). I believe that these changes and others have caused law firms to become more competitive and to operate more like businesses. There is probably good and bad in these changes. Hopefully, they have not come about at the expense of professionalism. What is Noonan s idea of success in the legal profession? I believe satisfied and appreciative clients, mutual respect between you and other members of the bar, community service, the ability to appropriately balance the demands of your profession and family, and earned compensation sufficient to provide for your family. Noonan s proudest personal accomplishment is his wonderful family. He has been married to his wife Mary for 48 years. They have one child (Ann Thompson) and four grandchildren (Stephen, Christopher, Abeygail and Madeline) all of whom reside in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Outside of the office, Noonan enjoys visiting his daughter and her family in South Carolina, tennis (about two or three times a week), hanging out at his place at the Lake of the Ozarks, reading, sailing, and the occasional round of golf and travel. I have also enjoyed working with my daughter and granddaughter (Abeygail) for an organization called Homework it is similar to Habitat for Humanity and I hope to do more in that regard. Recently, I have spent some more time working with the Midwestern Innocence Project at UMKC. And if this profession has not been lucky enough to have Noonan as a lawyer he says he would have become a U.S. Marine Corps pilot or a realtor/home builder. Humble, surprised and honored are the comments Noonan made upon learning of this award being presented to him. He also offered some parting words, Don t let the practice of law be all-consuming. Try to maintain a balance between your personal and professional life. Always act with integrity and in the best interests of your client. Work hard and enjoy the practice. James Tippin James W. Tippin graduated from the University of Missouri Kansas City with his J.D. in 1973, and received his undergraduate degree from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri in He founded the James W. Tippin & Associates law firm in His areas of concentration are insurance defense, general liability defense, employment litigation, creditor s rights and bankruptcy. He is the past chairman and current member of the Mid-City Towers Board of Directors and a member of the Second Baptist Church of Kansas City, Inc. He received the KCMBA Congenial Counselor Award in 2002 and the KCMBA President s Award in He also received the Judge Lewis Clymer Community Service Award in 2003 from The Jackson County Bar Association. I prize the Clymer Award from the JCBA because I so admired Judge Clymer he was admired by me and so many others in this community and to be deemed worthy of his award was very moving, said Tippin. I also prize my Congenial Counselor award because I have tried to practice law by getting along with others...not that others have always wanted to get along with me. Getting that award meant that I actually did, at some level, what I set out to do. Tippin is a member of the American Bar Association (The Missouri Bar s Representative to the House of Delegates); National Bar Association; MOBAR (Liaison to Fee Dispute Committee; Committee to Review Code of Ethics and Mencontinued on page 6 April 2006 KC Counselor 5

8 continued from page 5 James, his wife Billie and their grandson CJ Cutler celebrate the Holidays together. James gets ready to bowl, as members of Tippin s church stand by. tor Program); Jackson County Bar Association (Past President); and KCMBA (Vice Chair of the Fee Dispute Committee). The misguided concept that being an attorney would give him some freedom was the reason Tippin became interested in the legal profession. So what does success in this business mean to Tippin? Helping clients while having sufficient income to support a family, and gaining the respect of others in the profession would be my definition of success. Watching his two partners (Dana Tippin Cutler and Keith Cutler) grow into their legal careers is what Tippin said was the proudest accomplishment of his career. What career would Tippin have chosen if he had not become a lawyer? My undergraduate degree is in education. I always thought I would have been a good teacher, but in reality in my prior life before the law, I did everything but teach. The legal profession has made many changes since Tippin first started practicing law. He smiled as he said there wasn t enough space to answer this particular question. He did say one thing that is a concern is that the profession is in such a hurry these days that we don t have to time to give reflection to issues and build personal relationships with the Courts and other attorneys like we did in the days of yore. His advice for those just entering the profession of law is simple. Do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. Get active with a bar association at some level. Bar association activities keep you balanced in your professional life. Having a strong religious belief system and a strong family love are his proudest accomplishments of his personal life. Tippin is active with serving at his church, family outings and activities, and being home with his wife playing UNO. I won t say I play golf, but I do enjoy being on the golf course. When asked one thing about himself that might surprise our KCMBA members, Tippin commented that he has visualized himself as a comedian. Tippin offered these final words, First, I cannot emphasize the notion of doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do. Second, when your ego raises it head, because of the perceived action or actual action of opposing counsel, remember to re-establish control by pushing your ego back into your back pocket which usually de-escalates the issue(s). The Recipients of the 2006 Barons of the Boardroom Award are James A. Polsinelli and J. Harlan Stamper. This award recognizes a distinguished career representing corporate and business clients. This year s recipients will also be recognized at the awards dinner on Thursday, May 4 during the Bench-Bar & Boardroom Conference. James A. Polsinelli Born in September of 1943, James A. Polsinelli is a founding shareholder of Polsinelli Shalton Welte Suelthaus PC. He is a member of The Best Lawyers in America and the Chamber/USA Leading Lawyers, and past chairman of the Business Law Department. Polsinelli has led Polsinelli Shalton Welte Suelthaus PC from a small Kansas City business law firm to one of the area s largest full-service law firms with both regional and national practices. He received his Juris Doctor with distinction from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Law School where he was a member of the Order of the Bench and Robe Honor Society and Contributing Editor of the UMKC Law Review. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Missouri. He concentrates his practice in the area of corporate law, with an emphasis in mergers and acquisitions and business succession planning. He has handled transaction matters and special committee issues for publicly held entities ranging from Fortune 100 firms to mediumsized, familyowned businesses. Often acting in the role of corporate general counsel, Polsinelli regularly assists Jim and his wife Kathy. clients with a variety of tax, shareholder, and ongoing day-to-day corporate matters. He serves as general counsel to one of the largest retail grocery operations in the Midwest and represented it in the acquisition of operations from both individuals and wholesale cooperatives and as general counsel to a major private equity fund that specializes in the acquisition of food manufacturing companies. Polsinelli is a member of the American Bar Association Business Law Section, MOBAR and the KCMBA where he is past chair of the Corporate committee. He is also a former member of the Board of Trustees for Rockhurst University; Past Chair of the Rockhurst High School Board of Trustees; Former Member of the Board of Trustees, University of Kansas City; Past President of the UMKC Law Foundation; Past Chair, Kansas City Area Transportation Authority; and Past Chair, Jackson County Land Trust Commission. He became interested in the practice of law after he graduated from college at the age of 20 and had no job prospects so going to law school seemed like a good alternative. He clerked during law school for Judge Don Murphy and Shown from left to right is son Jim Scott, daughter Beth, Jim, daughter Jennifer, son-in-law Jim Tennille, wife Kathy and son Josh. 6 KC Counselor April 2006

9 Judge Dick Koenigsdorf. A young law student could not have had two better mentors. Integrity, competence, work ethic they were the full package. Both judges played a huge role in my legal career but I would have to say that my grandmother was the single biggest influence on my life as the matriarch of our family. Polsinelli credits the proudest accomplishment in his career as the law firm. We started the firm with three lawyers and one secretary. We now have 230+ lawyers and a total staff of approximately 500. I am very proud of this organization of such fine people. His idea of success in this business hasn t changed. Polsinelli believes success is having great partners, clients who you like and respect, and finally a law practice that is intellectually challenging. Community activities keep Polsinelli busy when he isn t at the office. I have been very involved with academic institutions including Rockhurst High (Chairman of the Board), Rockhurst University, St. Teresa s High School and the UMKC Law Foundation. I like to golf, read and travel. Polsinelli is married to wife Kathleen and has four children (James Scott, Marion Elizabeth, Jennifer and Joshua). One thing that might surprise KCMBA Members about Polsinelli is that he is half Irish. I have a great wife and four great kids. My family is the most important thing in my life and I feel blessed to have such great relationships and we all work very hard to support each other. Polsinelli said he is honored to receive the Barons of the Boardroom award and that he feels privileged to join the past honorees and to be honored by his local peers. Integrity this is the single most important trait of a successful lawyer and if as a lawyer you are not viewed as someone whose word can be trusted you will never be successful. J. Harlan Stamper J. Harlan Stamper, shareholder in the firm of Shughart Thomson and Kilroy, PC in Kansas City, chairs the firm s Tax, Estate and Business Planning Group. His legal focus is tax planning and tax controversies (litigation), corporation law and business transactions, corporate and public finance and securities Law. Stamper received his A.B. in History from the University of Kansas and his J.D. from the Washburn University School of Law in Topeka. He was an Adjunct Professor at Washburn University in Accounting from 1959 through Stamper also was a professor at the University of Kansas City (University of Missouri-Kansas City) in Accounting from , and with Rockhurst College in Taxation from He is active in the legal profession and is a member, director and trustee with many professional organizations across the Kansas City Metropolitan area. He served as the KCMBA President in and was chairman of the KCMBA Tax Committee from 1973 to He served on the special committee on certification of legal specialists as well as a special committee on Missouri Bar Examination. Stamper also served on the Missouri Bar Board of Governors from 1976 to The legal profession isn t the only field that Stamper has dedicated his time and effort too he is also involved in a wide array of civic organizations including the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Blue Hills Country Club, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club #13 of Kansas City, Missouri, and The Pembroke Hill School. Stamper s respect for the lawyers he knew in his hometown of Great Bend, KS and boredom after 2 ½ years in a pre-med curriculum at the University of Kansas was what initially got him interested in the legal profession. That career decision was a good one as confirmed in 1982 when President Ronald Reagan nominated Stamper to be a Judge on the United States Tax Court. Though Stamper ultimately determined to decline the nomination he has said that was his proudest career accomplishment. Mentors played a big part in Stamper s Career. I had several mentors. The late A.P. Henry, a Topeka accountant, who encouraged me to become a tax lawyer; Philip H. Lewis, Topeka attorney and Bar leader, who taught the tax courses at the Washburn Law School, and my first and longtime senior partner, Harry A. Morris, who not only understand tax issues, but could relate them to a client s needs or case and present the client s case to a judge or jury so well that, most The newest board member of the family is Megan Mayer shown here recently with Harlan the proud grandfather. continued on page 8 Congratulations! The Law Firm of James W. Tippin & Associates proudly congratulates our Senior Partner, James W. Tippin on his selection as one the 2006 KCMBA Deans of the Trial Bar April 2006 KC Counselor 7

10 continued from page 7 of the time, the client taxpayer prevailed over the IRS. In addition, the many outstanding lawyers with whom I have had the privilege to work or practice in a variety of capacities throughout my practice have made an impact on me professionally and personally. Stamper s definition of success would be consistently providing quality services and work product that, in turn, provide the most appropriate results for clients. This may not make the lawyer wealthy, but should provide a good lifestyle and satisfaction and pride in the work of being a lawyer. Over the years, Stamper has seen many changes in the legal profession. I fear that it has become more commercial and less professional. I believe that lawyer advertising and the impersonal aspects of communicating through faxes, voic and , although in many ways helpful, have also contributed to the decline in collegiality and professionalism. Today s ease and speed of communication have also created expectations by the communicator that the lawyer should immediately hear, read, analyze and respond to the request or document they have sent. This is not always possible or sensible and represents an additional challenge when a serious minded lawyer is trying to provide good, quality service. One advantage of mail service in the good old days was that is provided some time for the lawyer to research, consider and draft a response. Now, the lawyer not only has to be good and quick on his or her feet, but also quick in responding to voic and electronic messages. The increased stress level is self-evident. Outside of the office, Stamper believes that lawyers can and should make a contribution to their community beyond simply being a good lawyer who does good legal work. Lawyers, because of our training and experience, can and do add a great deal to community organizations in which they become active and involved. My wife Judy and I have been blessed with a variety of travel opportunities, and enjoy time at our condo at the Lake of the Ozarks. Spectator sports (now including grandchildren s games) and golf have always been favorites. Stamper says that helping his wife Judy raise and educate two fine daughters (Stacy and Megan) who, in turn, are great mothers and have excelled in their chosen professions has been the proudest accomplishment of his personal life. So what where Stamper s thoughts on being Shown are Harlan and eight of his nine board members in the spring of From left to right is Harlan, holding Ben, and daughter Megan who is holding Grace. Next is Harlan s wife Judy holding baby Isabel and their daughter Stacy who is holding J.J. and James. Not pictured are Ex-Officio board members: Sons-in-law Tim Mayer and Steve Cote. the recipient of the Barons of the Boardroom Award? As a tax and business lawyer, most of whose victories are not published I can think of no higher honor. I appreciate it very much, especially coming from my brethren in the KCMBA. Offering some parting words that we all can relate too, Stamper said Work hard, but find time for yourself and your family. Get involved in Bar activities and some form of community service. Remember, you are there for the client, the client isn t there for you the client s needs must come first. 8 KC Counselor April 2006

11 John C. Noonan onan Congratulations John Noonan The law firm of Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP congratulates our Partner, John Noonan, honored as one of the Deans of the Trial Bar for John has always provided exemplary service to our firm, its clients and our community. We believe him to be very deserving of this recognition. We congratulate all honorees of the Deans of the Trial Bar Award. Each of you are true examples of success, not only in the courtroom, but also in life. s t i n s o n m o r r i s o n h e c k e r l l p For more information, contact: Mark Foster, Managing Partner 1201 Walnut Street, Suite 2900 Kansas City, MO Tel: Toll Free: Kansas City/Overland Park/Wichita/Washington, D.C./Phoenix/St. Louis/Omaha/Jefferson City The choice of a lawyer is important and should not be based solely on advertisements. (Mo. Sup Ct. Rule 4-7.2)

12 Congratulations Willard B. Bunch 2006 KCMBA Dean of the Trial Bar Document Efficiency At Work. SM Legal Document Services LEGAL SERVICES NATIONWIDE Willard Bunch is being honored as one of the 2006 Deans of the Trial Bar. This award is given to individuals whose litigation skills and professional demeanor have consistent recognition by their peer as superb. Document Imaging With Your Load Files OCR (Optical Character Recognition Bates / Electronic Labeling EDD (Electronic Data Discovery) Litigation Photocopying Digital Printing for High Quality Electronic Publishing One-to-One Quality Checking Service 24 Hours-A-Day, 7 Days-A-Week, Nationwide In Kansas City at Secretary at Law From our office to yours in minutes... Permanent & Temporary Legal Secretaries File Clerks Receptionists Document/Copy Clerks Litigation and Corporate Paralegals Document Retrieval and Word Processing Operators One Year Guarantee - 10% Fee on Replacements 24-hour Answering Service (816) or visit our website Come visit with us at the Bench-Bar & Boardroom Conference on May 4 & 5! 10 KC Counselor April 2006

13 Conference Registration *Register by April 15, 2006 to Save Please print or type all information, sign and return with your payment. Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association 33 rd Annual Bench-Bar & Boardroom Conference May 4-6, 2006 Name First Time Attendee? Yes No Firm Address City Phone State Zip Fax Emergency Contact & Phone Which seminar track will you attend? (Please mark one): Litigation Business/Corporate Family Law *Before April 15 After April 15 Meetings, Meals & Materials (does not include hotel accomodations) $295 $360 PLUS OPTIONS Non-Member Registration add (includes 2006 KCMBA paid membership) $225 Texas Hold em Poker Tournament, Thursday, 10 p.m. $0 17th Annual 5-K Walk-a-Thon, Friday, 7 a.m. $20 23rd Annual Rum Run, Friday, 7 a.m. $20 Golf, Friday, 1 p.m. 4-person team scramble, shotgun start, (Teams Posted at Registration) $90 Avg. Score 17th Annual Canoe Trip, Friday, 1 p.m. (Meet in Lobby for transport to Big Niangua) $50 Bowling Tournament, Friday, 1 p.m. $30 Shopping Tournament, Friday, 1 p.m. $0 Grand Total $ /pp Enclosed is my full payment in the amount of $. Check # American Express VISA MasterCard Credit Card # Exp Date: Signature: Date: Activity Waiver --- Participant Signature Necessary: I, the undersigned, assume full and complete responsibility for any injury or accident, which may occur during my participation in the events. I hereby release and hold harmless the sponsors, promoters, and all other persons and entities associated with the event or their agents or employees or otherwise. I have read the foregoing and certify my agreement by this signature. Signature of Participant Make checks payable to KCMBA KCMBA Federal Tax ID# Special Needs: If you need special accommodations, please contact the KCMBA prior to the event at Cancellation Policy: Before April 15, refund less $75 administrative fee, after April 15 NO REFUNDS Mail to: Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association 1125 Grand Blvd., Ste. 400, Kansas City, MO Phone (816) Fax (816) All hotel reservations are made directly through Tan-Tar-A Resort. March 2006 KC Counselor 11

14 leap LEAP Raises $65,000 for Operation Breakthrough sell out crowd attended the Twelfth Annual Mardi Gras Luncheon held A on February 28 by the Foundation for Lawyers Encouraging Academic Performance (LEAP), celebrating Kansas City s local legal profession s commitment to public service. LEAP is a not-for-profit foundation established in 1994 to provide needy children with mentoring services. It is comprised of a unique, joint professional effort of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, the Eastern Jackson County Bar Association, the Association for Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City, Lawyers Association of Kansas City, Jackson County Bar Association, Hispanic Bar Association, and the Kansas City Chapter of the Association for Corporate Counsel of America. Each year, LEAP s fundraising efforts culminate at its annual Mardi Gras luncheon held on Fat Tuesday. Operation Breakthrough is currently LEAP s primary recipient. Since its inception, LEAP has raised more than $500,000 for various Kansas City charities. Lisa Gentleman, LEAP President-Elect, presided over the festivities with the assistance of celebrity emcee Meredith Hoenes of Channel 41 NBC Action News and event chair Vickie Schroeder. The lunch program was highlighted by the presentation to Sister Berta Sailer of a check for $65,000, raised and donated by area lawyers, judges and organizations. The lunch also marked the unveiling of LEAP s new Congratulations Sandy Krigel 2006 LEAP King Children from Operation Breakthrough performed several songs during the event before heading out into the crowd to say hello to everyone. logo, a playful design artfully combining the scales of justice with books and representing the emphasis LEAP s members place on the academic performance of our community s children. The design for the logo was donated and created by Kathy Swartz. Lunch attendees were entertained by musical numbers presented by some of the children of Operation Breakthrough, wearing t-shirts bearing the new LEAP logo. A raffle awarded more than a dozen sought after prizes, including the grand prize of a week getaway in a luxurious four-bedroom private retreat in Scottsdale, AZ, donated by Monsees, Miller, Mayer, Presley & Amick, P.C. and round trip airline tickets donated by Vickie Schroeder and Diana Jordison. Laura Tyler chaired the raffle, which has become an important part of the annual festivities. Dick and Carol Vermeil received the prestigious President s Awards and accepted the awards in a video presentation donated by Jim Lodes of TBC Video. Carol and Dick Vermeil are special friends of Operation Breakthrough. Two years ago, Carol began volunteering weekly with the younger children at Operation Breakthrough. While volunteering, Carol saw other needs of the children at the center; particularly the boys aged twelve to seventeen. She helped organize a Boys Group, which now meets weekly to promote healthy psycho-social development of these older boys. She often attended these group meetings to facili- Almost two years ago, Sandy started going on Wednesday afternoons to Operation Breakthrough to work with a child after school. He was matched up with Damon (on left) who was then 12 years old. They worked on homework and practiced reading. Sandy started spending Saturdays with Damon. Damon asked if his friend DioVionne (on right) could come along. Soon, the three of them were spending every Wednesday afternoon playing basketball, swimming, doing homework and having dinner. Their time together grew to include Saturdays. Now, they spend Saturdays playing baseball, basketball, bowling, pool or swimming. Sandy recently went with Damon to Worlds of Fun so that he could apply for a summer job. With Sandy s helpful suggestions, Damon was successful in being selected for a summer position at Worlds of Fun. Sandy has had conferences with Damon s teacher to help Damon succeed in school. Both Damon and DioVionne adore Sandy and he loves being with them. -Erlene Krigel 12 KC Counselor April 2006

15 leap Queen Jolie and Angel and King Sandy and Damon take some time to smile after their crowning at the LEAP luncheon. tate and brought Chiefs coaches and players to meet the boys and give motivational talks. To Carol Vermeil, no need was too big or too small. She helped teenaged girls find jobs and purchased clothing for children in need. Sister Berta Sailer knew that she could call Carol Vermeil any hour of any day to ask for help. Chiefs Head Coach Dick Vermeil joined his wife in her passion for Operation Breakthrough. Besides their personal financial contributions to the center, they chaired the 2004 Operation Breakthrough Annual Fundraiser and the Chiefs Children s Charity Game in When Dick and Carol Vermeil turned on the Plaza Lights last Thanksgiving, they reserved seats at the VIP tent for Operation Breakthrough kids. Toward the end of his tenure with the Chiefs, Dick even gave many of his personal Chiefs items to the boys at the center. Although the Vermeils presence in Kansas City is greatly missed, they stay in touch with Operation Breakthrough, calling weekly to check on the many kids they came to love. Also honored at the Luncheon for their continued commitment to LEAP and Operation Breakthrough were LEAP s 2006 King and Queen Sandy Krigel and Jolie Justus. King Sanford ( Sandy ) P. Krigel was born and raised in Kansas City. He attended the University of Pennsylvania for his undergraduate degree in Urban Studies. He graduated cum laude in He obtained his legal education at St. Louis University School of Law, graduating in Since 1976, he has actively practiced law in Kansas City at the firm of Krigel & Krigel, P.C. His wife, Erlene W. Krigel, has been his law partner for over 25 years. Sandy s practice is primarily in the areas of corporate/transactional services, commercial litigation, real estate, estate planning, assisted reproduction technology law and adoption law. Sandy is a member of Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys as well as other local and national bar association. Over the years Sandy has been involved in numerous civic and charitable activities. Among his current favorites are Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association and Operation Breakthrough. While serving as a volunteer tutor at Operation Breakthrough, Sandy has developed a mentoring relationship with Damon and DioVionne. Damon and DioVionne get together with Sandy and his wife, Erlene, a couple of times a week to do homework, read books and to have a lot of fun. Queen Jolie L. Justus is the Director of Pro Bono Services for Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP. Under Jolie s direction, SHB has been recognized as one of the top 100 pro bono programs in the nation by American Lawyer Magazine and the firm bills approximately 30,000 pro bono hours per year. In 2001, Jolie became a LEAP Study Buddy at Operation Breakthrough. At first, Jolie spent Tuesday afternoons tutoring kids of all ages, but she soon developed a special relationship with a bright young 6th grader at Lee A. Tolbert elementary, Angel. Over the past four years, the mentoring relationship between Angel and Jolie has grown from weekly tutoring to daily mentoring. Jolie has also developed a close relationship with Angel s uncle and guardian, Leonard. Today, Uncle Leonard and Jolie act as proud coparents of Angel, who two years ago became a Kauffman Scholar, a program LEAP had the honor of presenting Sister Berta with a check for $65,000 to help the children and programs of Operation Breakthrough. continued on page 14 April 2006 KC Counselor 13

16 continued from page 13 that will provide Angel with tuition to the college of her choice. In addition to Jolie s work as a LEAP Study Buddy, she has provided pro bono legal assistance to Operation Breakthrough families, representing them in municipal and family courts. Jolie provides countless hours of free legal assistance throughout the metro, including legal clinics in some of Kansas City s poorest neighborhoods; management of the Election Protection Project, a non-partisan effort to ensure that all people have access to the voting booth; as board member of the ACLU legal panel, PROMO and other statewide civil rights organizations; and through her volunteer efforts in community projects dedicated to creating and maintaining diverse, sustainable, affordable and safe neighborhoods in the urban core of Kansas City, Missouri. LEAP could not do what it does without the generous support of the many contributors of monetary donations, raffle donors and volunteers who spend countless hours making things happen. A special thank you goes out to KCMBA/ KCMBF for their ongoing support of LEAP leap through the donation of the Bar Center for the luncheon, providing staff to help coordinate the lunch and process registration forms. In addition, LEAP thanks raffle donors Monsees, Miller, Mayer, Presley & Amick, P.C., Judge Christine Sill-Rogers, Diana Jordison, Vickie Schroeder, Trish Sexton, Lisa Gentleman, Judy Heeter and the Major League Baseball Players Association, Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP, Consentino s, and LAKC-YLS. LEAP also gives special thanks to Sue Supelver at Horizon Printing Company who donated the color programs and banner for the event. Founded in 1971, Operation Breakthrough s mission is to help children who are living in poverty develop to their fullest potential by providing them a safe, loving and educational environment. The center also strives to support and empower the children s families through advocacy, referral services, and emergency aid. Operation Breakthrough provides service for the children and families of the inner city of Kansas City, Missouri, including day care, meals, Children s Mercy Clinic, dental services, speech therapy, play therapy, housing assistance, food and clothing, and social services. For more information or to volunteer your services as a Mentor or Study Buddy, call (816) or at [email protected]. Carol and Dick Vermeil were presented this year s President s Award for their dedication to Operation Breakthrough. Lawyers Encouraging Academic Performance 2006 List of Contributors PLATINUM ($5, and Above) Davis Bethune & Jones LLC Robb & Robb LLC Shughart Thomson & Kilroy, P.C. GOLD ($2, $4,999.00) Polsinelli, Shalton, Welte, Suelthaus Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP SILVER ($1, $2,499.00) The Accurso Law Firm Bartimus, Frickleton, Robertson & Gorny, P.C. Stephen & Suzanne Block Bryan Cave, LLP Law Office of Tim Dollar The Edgar Law Firm, LLC Lisa N. Gentleman Jim & Judy Heeter James, Totta & Parrish, LLC Kansas City Power & Light Lathrop & Gage, L.C Lewis Rice & Fingersh, L.C. Stephen B. Millin, Jr. Monsees, Miller, Mayer, Presley & Amick, P.C. Kirk & Jill Presley The Redfearn Law Firm, P.C. Rouse, Hendricks, German & May, P.C. Shaffer, Lombardo, Shurin Hon. Christine T. Sill-Rogers Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP Stueve Siegel Hanson Woody LLP The Walters Law Firm, LLC 14 KC Counselor April 2006 BRONZE ($ $999.00) Mr. & Mrs. W.H. Bert Bates Hon. Patricia Breckenridge Hon. Justine E. Del Muro Foland, Wickens, Eisfelder, Roper & Hofer, PC Gilmore & Bell, P.C. Diana M. Jordison Kenner & Kavanaugh, P.C. Kutak Rock LLP Seigfreid Bingham Levy Selzer & Gee Hon. Ortrie Smith Wagstaff & Cartmell, LLP Wyrsch Hobbs & Mirakian, P.C. FRIENDS OF LEAP ($ $499.00) Richard F. Adams AlphaGraphics Baker, Sterchi, Cowden & Rice LLC Jerry Brant Brendan Buckley Teresa Clark John Cowden Crews, Waits, Brownlee & Berger Denise J. Davis Hon. K.A. Forsyth Mark S. Foster Brian S. Franciskato David W. Frantze Hon. Fernando Gaitan, Jr. Hon. Gregory B. Gillis Hon. Jon R. Gray Hon. Lisa Hardwick FRIENDS OF LEAP con't. Hon. Ronald R. Holliger Jack & Peggi Kilroy Stephen Kyle Stephen Kyle Hon. Nanette K. Laughrey J. Gary McEachen Hon. Peggy S. McGraw Hon. Ann Mesle Hon. Sandra C. Midkiff Hon. Kelly J. Moorhouse Hon. Thomas H. Newton Alice & Les Redfearn Hon. Sherrill L. Rosen Hon. Howard F. Sachs Hon. Margaret L. Sauer Victoria Schroeder Patricia Sexton & John Dorsey Sylvan Siegler Hon. James M. Smart, Jr. Tracy Smedley Swanson Midgley, LLC Totta & Parrish, P.C. Hon. Robert D. Ulrich Withers, Brant, Igoe & Mullennix, P.C. ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTING LEAP Eastern Jackson County Bar Association Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association Young Lawyers Section of Lawyers Association of Kansas City

17 foundation president's message By Walter R. Simpson Why The Foundation? What is the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Foundation? Is it different from the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association? If so, why do we have two organizations? What does it do? How do you become a member? How is it funded? Do we have offices and staff for both KCMBA and KCMBF? Isn t that inefficient? Who puts together the Liberty and Justice Gala? If you can answer all of the above questions, you do not need to read further. If not, read on. The need for a foundation was recognized in 1979 and the KCMBF was incorporated that year. It is a 501 (c) (3) Not For Profit Charitable Corporation. Under this section of the tax code, donations to the Foundation are considered charitable contributions and are therefore deductible. This is not the case with the KCMBA. While it also is a Not For Profit corporation and your dues may be deductible as business expenses, donations to KCMBA are not charitable contributions. However, the Foundation and the Association have always worked closely together toward their stated purposes. For example, membership in the Association automatically provides membership in the Foundation without any additional cost. The two organizations have entered into a written shared use agreement that outlines the cooperation of effort between the two organizations and the shared use of the Bar headquarters at 1125 Grand. One of the Whereas clauses in the agreement perhaps captures best the relationship of the two organizations. It reads as follows: the Association and Foundation have enjoyed a long standing cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship in that they share the same membership and have often joined in the sponsorship and promotion of activities, events and programs that further their mutual interests and missions. The goal of the Foundation is to create, support, and fund public service programs which promote education and the ideals of justice in the Kansas City Metropolitan community. The Foundation is operated by a skeleton crew, to say the least. Bobbie Lou Nailling-Files is the volunteer Executive Director. The only paid employee is Debbie Skaggs, who is part time as far as the Foundation is concerned. Of course, KCMBF relies heavily on the volunteer services of its members. As a result, a minuscule amount of your contributions go to the organization s overhead. O.K., so what has the KCMBF been doing with contributions? Existing programs include the following: 1. Nailling Society and UMKC law school scholarship. Recently, funds donated to the Foundation s Nailling Society were donated along with matching funds from UMKC to provide over $50,000 for an annual scholarship for a law student at UMKC. The criteria for the scholarship is currently being developed. 2. Voice of Justice. This program sponsors a mock trial in area junior high and senior high schools. Lawyers and judges play their roles while students play the roles of parties and witnesses. Students make up the jury that deliberates and renders a verdict. This program also provides attorney speakers on various topics of the law. Anyone who has watched the Jaywalking spot on Jay Leno s show easily recognizes the critical need for this type of educational program. 3. Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP). This program places high school students from Kansas City, Missouri public schools with sponsoring law firms for five weeks of employment in the summer. Students learn first hand the day to day workings of the law and what it is like working in a professional environment. 4. Holiday Hero Project. The Lawyers for Children Committee of KCMBF organized this project last year for several families adversely affected by spouses serving in Iraq or helping with relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina. Over $4,000 in holiday gifts was given to deserving families. 5. Woody the Witness. A lawyer dressed in a woodpecker costume along with other lawyers visit area elementary schools with a program that addresses the issues of diversity, what is a good joke and what is not and why making fun of others is wrong. 6. Domestic Violence Conference. This is a conference at the KCMBA headquarters held in October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The conference is for individuals who deal with domestic violence victims on a daily basis. The goal of the conference is to support the war on domestic violence. How can you donate to the Foundation AND receive something of value in return? There are two easy methods already in place this year. The first is the Silent Auction at the Bench-Bar and Boardroom s Cinco de Mayo conference at Tan-Tar-A on May 4-6. Excellent items will be available so bid high! Funds from the auction go to the Foundation. The second is the Fourth Annual Liberty and Justice Gala on November 4, 2006 at the Inter-Continental Hotel on the Country Club Plaza (Previously, The Fairmont). This is a black tie dinner and dance that provides an opportunity to honor our Legacy Award Winner and to enjoy an evening of good food and good company. This event has been a huge success and grows each year. As this year s President, I look forward to continuing the excellent work of so many who have gone before me. We are well on the road to making a significant difference in our community. Don t be left out! April 2006 KC Counselor 15

18 foundation Wanted - Liberty & Justice Legacy Award Nominations The Nominating Committee for the Liberty & Justice Gala is now accepting applications for the Fourth Annual Liberty & Justice Legacy Award recipient. This award will be presented on November 4, 2006 at the Fourth Annual Liberty & Justice Gala at the InterContinental Hotel on the Plaza. Nominees should be individuals who by their extraordinary efforts have demonstrated a unique dedication to the principals of Liberty & Justice by virtue of professional service, community service, exercise of civic responsibility and promotion of the general welfare of a democratic system of government. This person may or may not be a licensed attorney. Nominees for Liberty & Justice Legacy Award Date: Name: Firm/Business: Address: City/State/Zip: Office Phone: Nominee s qualifications for the Liberty & Justice Legacy Award: (Please be detailed and use additional sheets if necessary) Complete the form and send it with a letter to: Bobbie Lou Nailling-Files, KCMBF 1125 Grand, Suite 400 Kansas City, MO Nominating Committee Chair: Walter Simpson KCMBF President, Sanders Simpson & Fletcher, LC Patrick McLarney, Shook, Hardy & Bacon, LLP Rae Jean McCall, Executive Director KCMBA Bobbie Lou Nailling-Files, Executive Director KCMBF Cindy Reams Martin, Cindy Reams Martin, PC Deadline for submission is: July 1, KC Counselor April 2006

19 court news Media and the Law Judges Breakfast KCMBA President C. Patrick McLarney, Judge Scott Wright and Judge David Waxse addressed the large crowd for the Friday breakfast. Members of various news entities and a large number of the judiciary from both Kansas and Missouri gathered on Friday morning, Feb. 25, to talk about issues that relate to judges ability to comment on pending cases. oooothe event was hosted by the Media and the Law Committee of the KCMBA, which has hosted various gatherings of these two groups over the last few years in an effort to encourage the relationship and communication between the two entities. It was held at the offices of Lathrop & Gage, Kansas City, Mo. The event opened with several videos of television reporters interviewing judges some that showed how judges can handle these situations while staying within the guidelines that exist for comments made outside the courtroom. Other videos showed judges who had difficulties with such communications, one to the extent that food was thrown at the reporter. This was an opening for both sides to discuss their relationships and ways to better meet the needs of the public that both represent. Among the judiciary attending were members of the state and federal court bench, including both appellate judges from both branches and members of both the Kansas and Missouri Supreme Courts. The committee, which also hosts an annual media law gathering which draws attendees from across the nation, intends to make this gathering a regular event to encourage the relationship between these two groups. New Docket Times for Contempt of Court Cases Effective April 1, 2006: Due to continued growth of our dockets and continuing efforts to improve docket management, the Lee s Summit Municipal Court will set all probation violation/contempt of court cases on the 4th Friday court dockets. This applies only to cases unrelated to new charges. Any contempt of court case issued as a result of a new charge will be set on the court date of the new charge. Judges from both Kansas and Missouri attended the breakfast including Judge James O Hara, Judge Michael Manners, Bernie Rhodes, and Judge Duane Benton. District Judicial Nominating Commission Elections for Kansas The purpose of each commission is to nominate persons for appointment to the office of district judge and to appoint persons to the office of district magistrate judge in judicial districts that have adopted the nonpartisan method for the selection of judges. There are currently seventeen nonpartisan judicial districts: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 21st, 25th, 28th, 30th, and 31st. The Clerk of the Supreme Court has recently conducted elections for lawyer members whose terms are expiring on March 6, There were vacancies in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 21st, 25th, 28th, 30th and 31st judicial districts. Below are the election results with terms ending March 1, 2010, except as noted. JUDICIAL DISTRICT First (1 position) First (1 position) Second (2 positions) Third (1 position) Fourth (2 positions) Fifth (2 positions) Sixth (1 position) Seventh (1 position) Eighth (2 positions) Ninth (2 positions) Tenth (1 position) Eleventh (1 position) Twelfth (3 positions) Twenty-first (2 positions) Twenty-fifth (4 positions) Twenty-eighth (1 position) Thirtieth (2 positions) Thirty-first (2 positions) ELECTED LAWYER MEMBER J. David Farris (to complete the term of John Tillotson, ending March 3, 2008) Robert D. Beall Edward W. Pugh & Marlin A. White Alan F. Alderson James R. Campbell & Craig E. Cole Michael C. Helbert & Theodore J. Hollembeak Ronald P. Wood Edward G. Collister Victor A. Davis, Jr. & Edwin M. Wheeler, Jr. William E. Gusenius & John S. Robb Karen Arnold-Burger Richard G. Tucker Jerry L. Harrison, Douglas G. Simms & Robert A. Walsh Rodney C. Olsen & Derrick Roberson Jake W. Brooks, Robert H. Gale, Jr., William L. Heydman & Gerald O. Schultz Robert G. German Robert Eisenhauer & Gordon B. Stull John K. Chenoweth & Robert V. Talkington There is a new kid in town, with a fresh eye for the back office management of your Home Owners Association! To find out more call us at (816) or stop by and see us on the Web -- Home Owner Association Services 4050 Broadway St., Suite 215, Kansas City, MO April 2006 KC Counselor 17

20 heartland diversity legal job fair Diversity Job Fair Why Should You Participate? Have you thought about hiring a law clerk or summer associate for the summer of 2007? Are you looking for a new associate? Have you considered participating in the 2006 Heartland Diversity Legal Job Fair (HDLJF)? Plans are underway for the 2006 Job Fair which will be held September 8-9, 2006 at the Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza. We need your participation to make it a success. The inaugural HDLJF was held in September 2005 with 74 students from 28 law schools from across the nation in attendance. The Job Fair was very successful and the statistics below show why: 28 law firms and legal organizations conducted interviews at the job fair On average, each student had nearly seven interviews 52 of the 74 students (70%) who attended the job fair received call back interviews 21 of the 52 students (40%) with call back interviews were extended an offer 17 of the 21 students (81%) who were extended an offer accepted the offer Below is a breakdown of information about the 17 students who accepted offers: Graduation Year % % % Total 17 The HDLJF core team is working to make the 2006 Job Fair even better than last year. The HDLJF was created to bring more diverse lawyers in Kansas City and the statistics prove that we can do just that. This year we have expanded our contact list to include nearly 200 law schools throughout the United States. In order to accommodate the students, we must have employers who are willing to interview at the job fair. Information regarding the employer fees is available on our web site at Fees vary for firms (based on firm size), in-house legal departments and notfor-profit/government agencies. If your firm, corporation or organization is unable to interview at the job fair, please consider providing support to the 2006 HDLJF through sponsorship. Several sponsorship levels are available, however if your firm/organization cannot participate at one of the predetermined levels we would graciously accept your donation in any amount. The success of last year s Job Fair was due in large part to the generous donations by our sponsors, comments Pat Konopka, HDLJF Chair. My personal goal is to broaden our sponsorship support for With your help, we will put Kansas City on the map as the place for diversity in the legal community. Information was mailed in March to firms, corporations and organizations regarding the 2006 HDLJF. Please contact Cheryl K. Rose, KCMBA diversity coordinator, at (816) or via e- mail at [email protected] for further information. We look forward to your participation in the Job Fair. Gender Female % Male % Unknown % Total 17 Ethnicity Asian/Pacific Islander % Black/African-American % Caucasian/White % East Indian/Pakistani % Unknown % Total 17 Todd Rogers visits with students in the exhibit area about the Kansas City legal community. The first annual Job Fair provided an excellent opportunity for Kansas City based law firms to interview well-qualified, minority law students from around the country which will lead to an increased number of minority lawyers in our firms, said John W. Cowden, Chair of the KCMBA Managing Partners Committee. The continued support by Kansas City s legal community in this diversity initiative will benefit not just the legal profession, but the entire Kansas City community. Jim Wirken visits with a student about employment opportunities at his firm. 18 KC Counselor April 2006

21 KCMBA Calendar of Events ALL EVENTS ARE AT KCMBA, 1125 GRAND BLVD., SUITE 400, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. Please see the KCMBA web site for complete CLE information at April 11 April 12 April 13 April 14 April 14 April 18 COM: Municipal Court and Criminal Law Joint Meeting, noon COM: Family Law Committee, noon YLS: Board of Directors Meeting, noon COM: Managing Partners Committee, noon YLS: Naturalization Ceremony, 1 p.m. YLS: Pets for Life, 6:45 p.m. April 20 April 22 April 22 April 25 April 27 May 4-6 COM: ADR Committee, noon SE: YLS Inn of Court Trial Competition, 9 a.m. SE: Year End Dinner, 6:30 p.m. COM: HDLJF Committee, 11:30 a.m. COM: Construction Committee, noon SE: Bench-Bar & Boardroom Conference at the Lake of the Ozarks April 2006 KC Counselor 19

22 cle Rain, Rain, Go Away Tseminars about litigation, insurance, practice building, testimony from accounting experts, and his month at KCMBA, April showers are bringing CLE s! We are overflowing with educational real estate. So get all your ducks in a row to attend KCMBA seminars and you ll be as right as rain. Seminars will be held at KCMBA headquarters unless otherwise noted. Current details and online registration can be found at or call the CLE staff at (816) Seminar content and speakers are subject to change without notice. How to Effectively Mediate Disputes under ADR Programs (Sponsored by the KCMBA Federal Court and Alternative Dispute Resolution Committees) Tuesday, April 11, 2006 Registration & Lunch: 11:30 a.m. Seminar: noon to 1:40 p.m. 2.0 CLE Hours in Missouri and in Kansas (pending) Fees: $55 for KCMBA Member $75 for Non-member Speakers: Hon. Peggy S. McGraw, 16th Judicial Circuit Court of Missouri, B. Kent Snapp, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri and Hon. James P. O Hara, United States District Court of Kansas Hatch-Waxman Paragraph IV Certification: Where the Action Is (Sponsored by the KCMBA Patent/Trademark/Copyright Committee) Wednesday, April 12, 2006 Registration & Lunch: noon Seminar: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. 1.2 CLE Hours in Missouri and 1.0 CLE Hour in Kansas (pending) Fees: $30 for KCMBA Member $55 for Non-member Speaker: Srikumaran Melethil, Ph.D., J.D. Spring into Success Paralegal Education Program (Co-sponsored by KCMBA and Kansas City Paralegal Association) Wednesday, April 19, 2006 Registration: 1 p.m. Seminar: 1:30 to 5 p.m. Register by April 5: $79 for KCPA Member $99 for Non-member Register after April 5: $99 for KCPA Member $109 for Non-member Topics: Ethics for Support Staff, E-Discovery, Estate Planning Basics & Land Survey Form Completion Speakers: Christine M. Graham, Shughart Thomson & Kilroy, PC, Shirley E. Goza, Focus Legal Solutions, Sharon A. Coberly, Seigfreid, Bingham, Levy, Selzer & Gee, PC and Dave Rodgers, SRSNK Circuit Court Title & Speaker TBA (Sponsored by the KCMBA Circuit Court/Civil Practitioners/Associate Circuit Committee) Wednesday, April 27, 2006 Registration & Lunch: noon Seminar: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. 1.2 CLE Hours in Missouri and 1.0 CLE Hour in Kansas (pending) Fees: $30 for KCMBA Member $55 for Non-member ALL CRIMINAL. ALL CRIMINAL. ALL ALLKANSAS. KANSAS. ALL ALLTHE THETIME. TIME. WHO WE ARE: Scott Gyllenborg: Experienced criminal defense attorney AV-rated President-elect, Johnson County Bar Association, Co-Chairman, Criminal Law Bench-Bar Committee, Johnson County Bar Association, Selected a 2005 Super Lawyer in criminal defense by Kansas and Missouri attorneys Assistant district attorney in Johnson County, Kansas, KCMBA sustaining member and member of Criminal Law Committee. Christina Dunn: Experienced criminal and juvenile offender defense attorney Assistant district attorney in Johnson County, Kansas, , sex crimes unit Licensed in Kansas and Missouri. WHAT WE DO: Criminal defense in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, and appeals of criminal cases to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit Criminal defense and juvenile offender defense in the district courts of Kansas, and appeals of criminal and juvenile offender cases to the Kansas courts of appeal DUI defense in the district and municipal courts of Kansas, and appeals of DUI cases and driver s license administrative suspensions to the Kansas courts of appeal and the district courts Traffic violation defense in the district and municipal courts of Kansas, and appeals of traffic violation cases to the Kansas courts of appeal and the district courts. WHAT WE REFER TO OTHER LAW FIRMS: Everything else. Any questions? or Martindale-Hubbell TM Peer Review Rated For Ethical Standards and Legal Ability 20 KC Counselor April 2006 GYLLENBORG & DUNN, P.A. The All Criminal, All Kansas Law Firm

23 cle KCMBA CLE presents: AMERICAN Bandstand It has a good beat, and you can dance to it Mark you dance cards for the CLE seminars planned for May & June, The CLE American Bandstand brochure will be arriving in mid-april so look for seminar and registration details. Or, find more details at unless otherwise noted. These are just a few of the seminars planned. Children & Resiliency: Nurturing Our Children s Mental Health (Sponsored by the KCMBA, Mental Health Association of the Heartland and HOMEFRONT) Thursday, May 11 & Friday, May 12, 2006 Jack Reardon Convention Center, 500 Minnesota, Kansas City, KS Register by calling (913) ext. 130 or 2nd Annual Women s Legal Forum (Co-sponsored by KCMBA and Association for Women Lawyers) Thursday, June 1, th Annual Corporate House Counsel Institute (Sponsored by the KCMBA Corporate House Counsel and ACC - Mid- America Chapter) Friday, June 2, 2006 Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd., OP, KS 12th Annual Workers Compensation CLE Seminar & Golf Tournament (Sponsored by the KCMBA Workers Compensation Committee) Monday, June 5, 2006 Shoal Creek Golf Course, 8905 Shoal Creek Parkway, KC, MO I Knew That: Ethics and Malpractice Questions You Know the Answer to But Didn t Know You Knew (Co-sponsored by KCMBA and The Bar Plan Mutual Insurance Company) Tuesday, June 6, 2006 Torts Law CLE (Sponsored by the KCMBA Torts Law Committee) Thursday, June 8, 2006 Municipal Court CLE (Sponsored by the KCMBA Municipal Court & Criminal Law Committee) Friday, June 9, Commercial Real Estate Law Symposium (Sponsored by the KCMBA Real Estate Committee) Thursday, June 15, 2006 The David Prager Appellate Institute (Sponsored by the KCMBA Appellate Court Committee) Friday, June 16, 2006 CLE by the Hour Friday, June 30, 2006 KCMBA Health Programs Receive Enhanced Insurance Benefits for Yourself, Your Family, and Your Employees HEALTH INSURANCE DISABILITY INCOME LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE LIFE INSURANCE SAVE UP TO 30% On Insurance Premiums KCMBA Health Programs 6319 W. 110th Street, Overland Park, KS Phone: (913) Toll Free: (888) [email protected] April 2006 KC Counselor 21

24 yls Read Across America The Young Lawyers Section of the KCMBA put on their hats to participate in the Read Across America program on March 2. To mark the birthday of Dr. Seuss, the National Education Association called for every child in every school in the country to read with a caring adult. Started in 1998 as a way to get kids excited about reading, NEA s Read Across America program has become the nation s largest reading event. This project was sponsored locally by the KCMBA YLS Public Service Committee. The event this year was a smashing success. KCMBA attorneys were reading to students with their Dr. Seuss hats in place at the Kelle Burmeister Gilmore, Betsy Blake and Phyllis Norman read to the students at Brookside Day School. Brookside Day School, as well as St. Vincent s (Operation Breakthrough). The children loved the Dr. Seuss stories, especially when they were told that their class got to keep the book as a gift from the KCMBA - YLS section. Thanks to all the volunteers for making Read Across America a success for everyone involved. 4th Annual KCMBA Wine Fundraiser Christine Blegen and her son Connor took part in the Read Across America program. Cost: $50 (includes wine-tasting, food and a bottle of wine) Proceeds benefit Horizon Academy and YLS Public Service Events 22 KC Counselor April 2006

25 14th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament Presented by: The Young Lawyers Section of the KCMBA and Delta Theta Phi Legal Fraternity Golf Course: Drumm Farm Golf Club E. 34th St., Independence, Mo. Date: Monday, June 19 Tee Time: Entry Fee: Includes: Deadline: 12:30 p.m. - Shotgun Start $100 per player or $400 per team Golf Cart, Beer and soft drinks on the course, lunch served before tee time and appetizers at presentation of awards June 9 (after June 9 add $10.00 late charge per person) One Round - 18 Hole Tournament Shotgun Start - 4 Person Teams Tee Prizes - Flight Prizes (3 Flights) Special Prizes for Judiciary Competition I am interested in receiving information on becoming a major sponsor, teesponsor or contributor of the 13th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament I am making a reservation for the tournament at $100 per player or enter a team for $400 Supporting KCMBA YLS Public Service Projects For a list of YLS Public Service Projects, visit our Web site at Benefit Golf Tournament #1 Player s Name Address Firm/Org. Phone #3 Player s Name Address Firm/Org. Phone I want to purchase mulligans for $20 (four per team - one per person) for a total of $ Questions? Contact Tournment Chair, Karrie Clinkinbeard at (816) or Cary Powers at (816) or [email protected] #2 Player s Name Address Firm/Org. Phone Return to: YLS Benefit Golf Tournament, 1125 Grand Blvd., Suite 400, Kansas City, MO #4 Player s Name Address Firm/Org. Phone April 2006 KC Counselor 23

26 metro voices Todd Graves resigns Todd Graves announced his resignation as U.S. attorney for the Western District of Missouri at a news conference on Friday, March 10. Graves, 40, is the United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri. His resignation takes effect March 24. Graves said he planned to return to private practice and become more involved in politics although he hadn t decided whether he would run for office in the near future. Graves was nominated by President George W. Bush to be the top federal law enforcement official for western Missouri on July 30, Graves took his oath of office on an interim appointment as U.S. Attorney by the U.S. District Court on September 17, 2001, and his presidential appointment was formally confirmed by the United States Senate on October 11, Graves came to the U.S. Attorney s Office from his position as Platte County Prosecuting Attorney, an office to which he was elected in 1994 and At the time of his election to that post in 1994, he was the youngest full-time prosecuting attorney in Missouri. Prior to his service as Platte County Prosecuting Attorney, from 1992 to 1994, Graves was in private practice with the law firm of Bryan Cave. In 1991, he was employed as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Missouri, and served that year as a staff assistant on the Governor s Commission on Crime. In 1988, Graves received an undergraduate degree in agricultural economics, with a minor in political science, from the University of Missouri- Columbia, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He received his law degree and a master s degree in public administration from the University of Virginia in Graves serves as a Member-at-Large on the KCMBA Board of Directors. University of Missouri Recognizes Michael Williams as a Distinguished Alumnus Under 35 Michael A. Williams, an attorney in the Kansas City office of Lathrop & Gage L.C., received the University of Missouri- Columbia s 2006 Arts and Science Recent Alumni Award. The honor was presented February 17, 2006, at the College of Arts and Science s annual awards banquet and follows his recent promotion to member (partner) of the firm. The award recognized Williams as a distinguished alumnus under the age of 35 who has achieved significant accomplishments. A committee of peers, students and faculty in the College of Arts and Science nominated him for the honor. Williams received both his bachelor of arts degree, 1995, and his juris doctorate, 1998, from the university. A member of KCMBA and the Kansas and Missouri Bar Associations, Williams is the first African-American to serve on the Kansas Bar Association Board of Governors. He is an active member of Lathrop & Gage s Diversity Committee, the local bar association and the National Defense Research Institute. He is an adjunct professor of labor law at the University of Missouri School of Law. Williams also works with several area organizations to mentor and educate disadvantaged youth. Williams concentrates his law practice on labor and employment issues including age, sex, race and disability discrimination; and retaliation claims. He has served as lead attorney for jury trials in both Kansas and Missouri and is one of the youngest attorneys in the firm s history to serve as first chair for a federal trial. Local University Offers Dispute Resolution Certificate Baker University School of Professional and Graduate Studies now offers a Graduate Certificate of Learning in Dispute Resolution. It is a 21-credit hour curriculum designed to meet the needs of working adults. Grounded in conflict theory, law, and the social/behavioral sciences, the dispute resolution coursework combines broad interdisciplinary education and opportunities for individualized study and skill development. Baker s dispute resolution program is specifically designed for professionals in law, business, education, health, management, public administration, psychological services, religion, and related occupations. The program offers both skill enhancement and new career focus. The dispute resolution program is an Approved Mediation Program by the Supreme Court of Kansas and meets the statutory requirements for Missouri Supreme Court Rules 17 and 88. Students must apply individually for any state approval(s) or accreditation(s). Students may start on a certificate at any time during the year and take classes at their own pace and in the order they prefer. Students complete three core courses (9 hours) and four additional electives (12 hours). Core courses are offered a number of times throughout the year. Students may also take a single course or group of courses if they do not want to complete the entire Certificate of Learning. Baker is working in collaboration with Southern Methodist University, where they offer a Certificate and Master of Art in Dispute Resolution. For more information call (913) or American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Lee s Summit Needs Walkers L ace up your athletic shoes and help support the fight against cancer during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Lee s Summit on May 5-6 from 7 p.m. 7 a.m. Relay For Life is a unique team event designed to raise awareness about cancer and raise funds to support the research, education, advocacy and patient services vital to the mission of eliminating cancer. Nearly every person has been affected in some way by cancer. Register and Walk to celebrate survivors or to remember loved ones. Teams of eight to 15 participants will take turns walking or running the track during the event. Recruit a team from your company, organization, or neighborhood and join the excitement of raising money to fight cancer and save lives. Team building experiences are all a part of the fun. For more information on the Relay For Life or to register a team, contact Ron Baltzer at (816) or him at [email protected] or call Ashley Cashen at (816) KC Counselor April 2006

27 member benefits spotlight Your KCMBA membership entitles you to discounts on goods and services from great companies. Versent the purple guys 520 West Pennway, Suite 300 Kansas City, MO Phone: Fax: Since the fall of 2003, Versent the purple guys has been KCMBA s choice as affinity partner for technology support services. Versent is a full service outsourced technology department for the small and mid sized firm, business or not for profit organization. Versent offers discounted service rates to all KCMBA members. Peace of Mind with Technology is Versent s goal for their customers. VersentCheck is the name of their unique maintenance process which keeps computer systems safe, secure and stable so their clients can focus on their firm s objectives. No more worries about down time, viruses, hackers or failed backups. They provide everything you need to deal with today s rapidly changing technology. Services also include emergency computer help, web site development, web hosting, custom software development, remote monitoring and support and strategic technology planning. Versent services firms with 100 and fewer computers. Most of their clients have between 10 and 50 computers. Versent is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and only hires Microsoft Certified engineers to service their accounts. Currently, they have 10 network engineers on staff. There are many choices when it comes to technology support. What makes the purple guys different? Versent helps with technology without being geeks or talking down to anyone. They say it is important to focus on keeping computers up and running, not just fixing them when they break although they do that too. If you want to run a professional organization, you need professional services a lawyer and an accountant for example. Versent decided to become the Professional IT Support Company to be added to the team of professionals ready and able to assist small firms, says Versent President Jon Schram. Versent believes in taking care of people and treating them fairly our clients, associates, vendors and the community we live in. There is an energy and excitement that you feel when you interact with the purple guys. Anyone who was at the 2005 Bench-Bar & Boardroom Conference Karaoke night can attest to that! It will be Versent s third time down at the lake and they are looking forward to another great time with all of the other KCMBA members. Versent Vice President Doug Washington puts it this way, a lot of people say they don t like lawyers. I guess they have never needed one. We have been helped immensely by the attorneys we have had relationships with, so we are big fans of lawyers. Besides, if there s one thing we ve learned at Bench-Bar, it s that lawyers know how to have a good time! Contacts: Jon Schram, President: [email protected] Dale Gray, Director of Business Development: [email protected] For more information about the KCMBA Affinity Program visit April 2006 KC Counselor 25

28 keeping up with the bar The Law Office of Susan Saper Galamba, L.C. has relocated its office to Lionsgate Centre in Overland Park, Kansas. The firm s primary practice is in Family law in both Kansas and Missouri. Attorneys Susan Saper Galamba Susan Saper Galamba and Lindsay Aaron are associated with the firm. Susan Saper Galamba received her J.D. from Georgia State University in 1990, and her Bachelor s from Tulane University in New Orleans. Lindsay Aaron received her J.D. from the University of Missouri, Kansas City in 2002, and her Bachelor s from William Jewell College in Liberty, MO. Aaron was the law clerk for The Honorable Jeffrey L. Bushur, Circuit Court of Jackson County. Lindsay Aaron Rouse Hendricks German May PC has announced that Jason M. Hans has become a shareholder of the firm. Hans represents clients in trials, arbitrations and administrative proceedings in Missouri, Jason M. Hans Kansas and across the United States. He is a 1997 graduate of the University of Tulsa College of Law, and received his undergraduate degree in political science from Missouri State University in Hans is a former Law Clerk to the Honorable Joseph E. Stevens, Jr., United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri. Shook, Hardy & Bacon has elected seven lawyers to join the partnership in the firm s Kansas City, Mo. headquarters, effective January 1, The seven lawyers are Gandolfo, Jackson, Khan, Novion, Diego M. Gandolfo Robinson, Strait and Tatum. Diego M. Gandolfo defends companies involved in international products liability litigation in Latin America and the United States. Gandolfo received his J.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. Brian A. Jackson Brian A. Jackson focuses on national products liability defense litigation. He has appeared and practiced in state and federal courts throughout the United States. Jackson received his J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law. Kamran Q. Khan concentrates his practice on products-related litigation, regulation and issues management. Khan has been involved in the defense of complex products liability cases in state and federal courts throughout the United States. He earned his J.D. from the Southern Illinois University School of Law. Kamran Q. Khan Laurie A. Novion practices in the area of commercial litigation, with a particular focus on complex class action, multidistrict and antitrust litigation. She has federal court experience in various jurisdictions Laurie A. Novion throughout the United States. Novion earned her J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law. Douglas W. Robinson is a member of SHB s Tort Practice and handles all aspects of litigation involving products liability, insurance and premises liability. Robinson has litigated cases in state and federal courts throughout the country. He received his J.D. from the George Washington University National Law Center. Douglas W. Robinson Anthony J. Strait practices in SHB s Corporate, Finance and Transactional Practice, concentrating on mergers and acquisitions; joint ventures and strategic alliances; distribution and licensing Anthony J. Strait arrangements; securities; and general corporate law. He earned his J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law. Mark C. Tatum is a member of SHB s National Employment & Litigation Practice, with a focus on discrimination and harassment claims; non-compete agreements; arbitrations; and jury trial practice. Mark C. Tatum Tatum has appeared in numerous state and federal courts throughout the country and in various arbitration forums. He earned his J.D. from the Southern Methodist University School of Law. 26 KC Counselor April 2006

29 keeping up with the bar Husch & Eppenberger, LLC welcomes Jason B. Moore as an Associate attorney in the firm s General Business Litigation Practice Group. Moore will concentrate his practice in the areas of products liability, Jason B. Moore premises liability, and general business litigation. He earned his law degree from the University of Missouri Columbia School of Law in 2003, and received his B.A. degree in Political Science from the University of Missouri Columbia in The Jones Law Firm, P.A. is pleased to announce the addition of John P. Gerstle as Of Counsel and three associates, Leslie C. Byram, John Mills, and Jason R. Maxwell. In order to accommodate its growing practice, The Jones Law Firm, P.A. also announced the relocation of the firm to Southcreek Office Park Building V in Overland Park, Kansas. John P. Gerstle brings more than 33 years of experience as a respected member of the Johnson County legal community to the firm. He built his reputation as a general practitioner specializing in complex family law, criminal defense, and civil litigation. Gerstle has served as a pro-tem judge for the District Court of Johnson County and as the municipal prosecutor for the City of Lenexa, Kansas. Leslie C. Byram obtained her undergraduate degree in International Business from Pepperdine University in 1999 and her law degree from the University of Kansas in Before law school, Byram worked as an analyst and claims specialist in the insurance industry. Her primary areas of practice will be corporate formation, business law, business and commercial litigation, civil litigation, tax law, and estate planning. John Mills earned his undergraduate degree in Marketing from the Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa in 2002 and his law degree from Drake University in He worked as a legal intern for Marsh Advantage America (Seabury & Smith, Inc.) in its Compliance Resource Center. His primary areas of practice will be civil and business litigation, personal injury, family law, and criminal defense. Jason R. Maxwell received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Psychology in 1992 and obtained his law degree in 1999, each from the University of Kansas. He worked as a legal intern for Skepnek & Maddox in Lawrence, Kansas from 1997 to Maxwell subsequently served as a Research Attorney for the Kansas Court of Appeals for four years. His primary areas of practice will be business and commercial litigation, construction law, and civil litigation. Lathrop & Gage L.C. announced the promotion of David Frye and Michael Williams to members (partners) in the firm, effective Jan. 1, David Frye practices business litigation and tort litigation David Frye in the firm s Overland Park, Kan. office. He has extensive experience in the areas of commercial contracts, insurance defense, personal injury and product liability. He received his J.D. from the Saint Louis University School of Law, and his bachelor s degree from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. After graduating from law school, he clerked for the Honorable Ronald R. Holliger, Circuit Judge, Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri. Michael Williams practices labor and employment law in the firm s Kansas City, Mo. office. He represents employers in investigating, responding to and handling charges of discrimination. He has extensive experience litigating age, sex, race, disability and retaliation claims before local, state and federal courts and agencies. He also counsels business clients Michael Williams regarding all aspects of human resource, workers compensation and employment issues. Williams earned his bachelor s degree and juris doctorate from the University of Missouri- Columbia. Mischa M. Bastin has returned to the law firm of Armstrong Teasdale LLP. Bastin is a member of the firm s Criminal Defense and Compliance Practice Group and has also practiced in the Litigation Department, with a focus on business litigation. He received his J.D. degree from Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law in 2001 and his B.A. degree from the University of Kansas in Mischa M. Bastin Christine H. DeMarea, H. Elvin Knight, Jr., Michael R. Thiessen and Lisa A. Veselich have joined Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin s Corporate Department as partners in the firm s Kansas City, Mo., office. The four join Blackwell Sanders from Husch & Eppenberger, LLC, and will focus in the area estate planning, trusts and estates. Christine DeMarea has more than 10 years of experience in tax and estate planning, with an emphasis on multigenerational planning, business continuity planning, charitable giving and trust administration. She earned a J.D. from the University of Missouri at Kansas City School continued on page 28 April 2006 KC Counselor 27

30 keeping up with the bar continued from page 27 of Law in 1993, and received an LL.M. in taxation from the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Law in DeMarea earned a B.S.B.A. in financial economics from Rockhurst University in 1990 With more than 30 years of experience, H. Elvin Knight brings expertise in all aspects of tax and estate planning. His practice has involved identifying and solving complex tax problems, and he leads H. Elvin Knight his clients through the process of transferring family corporations from one generation to the next. He is involved in the utilization and coordination of Family Limited Partnerships, private foundations, life insurance and employee benefits in the estate planning process. He received a J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1968, and an LL.M. in taxation from the University of Missouri at Kansas City in The more than 32 years of experience Michael Thiessen brings to Blackwell Sanders is focused on the challenges and opportunities associated with estate planning, wealth preservation planning and Michael Thiessen business continuity, and transition planning. He assists clients in identifying and solving complex business owner relationship challenges, wealth transition and tax problems, which enable him to lead his clients through the process of transferring family wealth and businesses from one generation to the next. He serves as either primary or special legal counsel on a national basis, and has worked with estates of all sizes. He earned a J.D. from Stanford University Law School (1973) and a B.S. from the United States Air Force Academy (1969). Lisa Veselich has more than 10 years of experience in tax and estate planning. She has represented clients in the areas of estate planning, probate and trust administration, business continuity planning, and charitable giving. She has prepared analysis and recommendations on complex estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer tax issues, including development of complex estate plans. She earned a J.D. from the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Law Lisa Veselich in 1994, and received a B.S. in accounting from William Jewell College in 1991.Veselich is also a certified public accountant. Spencer Fane Britt & Browne announced that Douglas M. Weems has been named chair of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice group in Kansas City, MO. He is replacing Mike Saunders, who Douglas M. Weems served as group chair from 2003 until Weems joined the firm as an associate in 1990 and was named a partner in He has been involved in a wide variety of business litigation, including intellectual property, antitrust, construction, and employee benefits matters. Weems received his law degree from the University of Virginia in 1990 and his bachelor s degree from the University of Nebraska in Eight Husch & Eppenberger LLC tax and estate planning attorneys, five paralegals and four professional staff will join the Lathrop & Gage Wealth Strategies practice group effective April 15, Husch & Eppenberger attorneys Peter Brown, Ed Setzler, Stephanie Newkirk, and Gretchen Gold are joining Lathrop & Gage as members (partners). Ruth Brackney and Mary Shafer will join the firm as of counsel and Courtney Lieb and Joe Growney will join as associates. Peter Brown is a noted expert in estate and tax planning for closely held corporations, individuals with large estates and real estate investors. He is a Registered Investment Advisor. Brown received his undergraduate degree from Westminster College, his juris doctorate from Washington University School of Law and his LL.M., in taxation from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Law. Ed Setzler concentrates his practice on estate planning, trust and estate administration as well as general representation of businesses. Setzler has served as Missouri state chairman of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and is a cofounder and past president of the Kansas City Estate Planning Society. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas and his juris doctorate from the University of Wisconsin Law School. Stephanie Newkirk, who is also a Registered Investment Advisor, concentrates her practice in tax and estate planning, assisting businesses and high net worth families in the development of lifetime planning for financial, tax, estate, charitable, and business needs. She received her undergraduate degree from Westminster College and her juris doctorate and her LL.M., in taxation, from the University of Missouri- Kansas City School of Law. Gretchen Gold concentrates her practice on estate and trust taxation, estate planning, probate and trust administration, probate and trust litigation, guardianships, charitable and not-for-profit planning, business succession, Disciplinary Actions From the office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel, Supreme Court of Missouri: Christine M. Donnelly MO Bar #46317, Blue Springs, MO Respondent is disbarred. Phillip A. Brooks MO Bar #42099, Lee s Summit, MO Respondent is suspended. The suspension was then stayed and the attorney is placed on probation until February 1, Attorney may continue to practice law in Missouri as long as the conditions of probation have been met. Dana N. Church MO Bar #30547, Blue Springs, MO Respondent is disbarred. In Memoriam J.O. Biggs Richard Milton Dick Erickson Jeff Henry Charles P. Schleicher Carl W. White Sr. 28 KC Counselor April 2006

31 keeping up with the bar and wealth preservation planning. She received her undergraduate degree from Missouri Western State College and her juris doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. transfer tax issues. Shafer received her undergraduate degree from the Southeast Missouri State University and her juris doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. Ruth Brackney concentrates her practice in tax and estate planning, representing estate and trust clients in federal estate tax audits and litigation. She prepares analysis and recommendations on complex estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer tax issues and provides lifetime financial planning involving special needs of children, spouses and issues related to divorce. Brackney received her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and her juris doctorate and LL.M., in taxation from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. She is a registered Investment Advisor. Courtney Lieb concentrates her practice in all phases of estate planning. Lieb received her undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas and her juris doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. Mary Shafer concentrates her practice on estate and trust taxation, administration of trusts, and probate and conservatorship estates. She prepares analysis and recommendations on complex estate, gift and generation-skipping Joe Growney concentrates his practice in the areas of estate planning and estate administration. He received his undergraduate degree from Rockhurst University and his juris doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. The law firm of Sader & Garvin LLC, with offices in Kansas City, Missouri and Overland Park, is pleased to announce that Meredyth A. Vick has joined the firm as an Associate. Vick received her J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law in 2004, and her B.A. from the Meredyth A. Vick University of MissouriColumbia where she majored in Business Administration. Her practice will emphasize the areas of consumer bankruptcy, commercial real estate and civil litigation. Brian Johnston, an employee benefits, tax and estate planning attorney has joined Lathrop & Gage as a member (partner). Johnston is a noted expert in ERISA and employee benefits, taxation and estate planbrian Johnston ning law. He received his undergraduate degree in accounting and business administration from the University of Kansas and his juris doctorate from the University of Kansas School of Law. Tax Defenders, LLC IRS Tax Representation Specializing in IRS Tax Collection Issues Offer-In-Compromise Installment Agreements Currently Not Collectible Determinations Delinquent Return Preparation Retired 20+ IRS Revenue Officer years with IRS Collection Licensed to Practice before the IRS as an Enrolled Agent Member of the National Assoc. of Enrolled Agents KCMBA Associate Member Gary E. Jones, EA E. 44th Ter. Ct. S. Independence, MO (F) [email protected] Brendan J. Donelon, attorney at law. Visit us at EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION CLAIMS harassment, discrimination, retaliation, FMLA, and wrongful termination D O N E L O N, P. C. the law offices of Broadway, 7th floor, Kansas City, Missouri April 2006 KC Counselor 29

32 Brian J. Amick Lynn K. Ballew Jack T. Bangert Theodore D. Barnes James Bartimus W. H. Bert Bates Joseph Bednar Jr. Thomas V. Bender Victor A. Bergman Gail Berkowitz Sheldon Bernstein Scott S. Bethune Jonathan A. Bortnick Stephen R. Bough Hon. Pasco M. Bowman John B. Boyd Timothy L. Brake Hon. Patricia Breckenridge F. Patrick Brown Willard B. Bunch Valerie Howard Burke Jeffrey A. Burns Joseph A. Cambiano Randal O. Carlson Thomas P. Cartmell Nimrod Rod T. Chapel Jr. Michele M. Chollet John Adams Christiansen James T. Cook Steven F. Coronado John W. Cowden Danny L. Curtis Nick A. Cutrera Jason S. Dalen Grant L. Davis F. Coulter devries Anthony L. DeWitt Doug DeZube John C. Dods III Linda F. Dycus David W. Edgar John F. Edgar John M. Edgar J. Kent Emison Marc K. Erickson Terry M. Evans Hon. Arthur B. Federman James W. Fletcher Mark H. Forest Brian S. Franciskato James P. Frickleton Julie C. Frickleton Alan B. Gallas Charles W. German Reggie C. Giffin Christina E. Gondring Martin M. Gorin Stephen M. Gorny Anthony L. Gosserand Hon. Jack R. Grate Jr. Hon. Carl D. Gum Jr. Scott C. Gyllenborg Allan V. Hallquist Thomas A. Hamill Brenda G. Hamilton Gerald M. Handley Barbara E. Hecht James A. Heeter R. Denise Henning Edward J. Hershewe Andrew J. Higgins James R. Hobbs 2006 Sustaining Members Deborah D. Hodes Douglas R. Horn Bruce C. Houdek James W. Humphrey Jr. Sylvester Sly James Jr. Mark A. Jess Lynn R. Johnson John S. Johnston Thomas C. Jones Diana Moore Jordison Jill A. Kanatzar Mark D. Katz Paul F. Kavanaugh Marilyn B. Keller David V. Kenner Nancy E. Kenner C. Carl Kimbrell Larry E. Kinnamon Jr. Robert L. Knapp Thomas G. Kokoruda Christopher E. Kopecky Stephen D. Kort Christopher S. Korth Marsha Duncan Laner Robert L. Langdon Hon. Nanette K. Laughrey Christopher J. Lawler Jonathan C. Lourenco Hon. John W. Lungstrum Scott W. Mach Stanford C. Madden Hon. Michael J. Maloney Abraham E. Margolin Timothy F. Marks Cindy Reams Martin Hon. Gene R. Martin Hon. Donald L. Mason Joseph Patrick Masterson David M. Mayer Michael E. McCausland Andrew H. McCue Robert K. McDonald Lydia H. McEvoy Charles M. McKeon Timothy A. McNearney Patrick Ross Miller Richard C. Miller Stephen R. Miller Stephen B. Millin Jr. Michael J. Mohlman Timothy W. Monsees Thomas M. Moore William B. Moore James C. Morrow Dean Nash George R. O Connor Matthew J. O Connor Peter M. Ossorio I. I. Ozar John M. Parisi Cynthia Dillard Parres Mark E. Parrish Marilyn M. Pesto, J.D., MSN, R.N. N. Trey Pettlon III John R. Phillips Mary Elizabeth Phillips Duke W. Ponick Jr. Jason M. Pottenger Derek H. Potts Kirk R. Presley Andrew B. Protzman If you are a current member of KCMBA and would like to be a Sustaining Member, please visit or call (816) Donald J. Quinn II Michael C. Rader Jennifer R. Reagan Paul L. Redfearn Kevin E. J. Regan William H. Reynolds Anita Porte Robb Gary C. Robb Edward D. Chip Robertson Jr. Charles M. Rogers Andy Russell David W. Russell Hon. Mary R. Russell Hon. Howard F. Sachs Erwin R. Sackin Steven G. Sakoulas Frank F. Sallee Janet L. Sanders Stephen G. Sanders Sandra L. Schermerhorn Lisa M. Schultes Larry M. Schumaker Scott A. Shachtman J. Michael Shaffer Christopher S. Shank Hon. Lawrence E. Sheppard Cathleen A. Shine Lebert D. Shultz Hon. Christine Sill-Rogers Hon. Thomas E. Sims Hon. James M. Smart Jr. Hon. Ortrie D. Smith James A. Snyder Ray E. Sousley A. Glenn Sowders Jr. Robert T. Steinkamp Arthur H. Stoup Patrick J. Stueve Ray Sandy Sutton Hon. Rick Teitelman Jack C. Terry Robert M. Thompson Robert W. Tormohlen Anthony M. Totta Donald W. Vasos Leon Versfeld Gene E. Voigts Brett Thomas Votava Thomas W. Wagstaff Courtney B. Waits James A. Waits Michael R. Wallace Nancy Stuver Wallingford Hon. Marcia K. Walsh R. Lawrence Ward Danne W. Webb Anne S. WehageZickwolf Robert C. Welch Hon. Lee E. Wells W. Russell Welsh Victoria R. Westerhaus Hon. Dean Whipple Hon. J.D. Williamson Jr. Gary J. Willnauer Mary D. Winter Christopher B. Wirken James C. Wirken Lindsay L. Wood Christopher A. Wright James R. Wyrsch Michael T. Yonke James H. Young KCMBA recognizes the 2006 Sustaining Members for their generous contributions to the Association. These KCMBA Sustaining Members have made a financial contribution to the work of the Association beyond payment of their annual dues. Contributions are used to further the goals of KCMBA and to fund programs that help improve the administration of justice in Kansas City. All members of KCMBA owe them a debt of gratitude for their meritorious support of the legal profession. Again in sustaining member photos will be placed in the most used resource in the legal community! The Bar Directory will include photos of each Sustaining Member next to their individual listing. In addition to helping KCMBA with its initiatives, Sustaining Members are recognized in the printed and on-line KCMBA Bar Directory and this tribute in the KC Counselor. You can be a 2006 Sustaining Member for a $100 payment for the 2006 calendar year. Sustaining Membership does not carry over from year to year and must be renewed annually. The 2006 Sustaining Membership payment is valid until 12/31/2006. Sustaining Members as of March 20, Sustaining Members Mathers, Marci (Baker & Ramsey Law Offices), 1005 Broadway, Suite 2500, Kansas City, MO 64104, Ph 816/ , Fax 816/ Wacker, Greg (Wacker, McNeal & Oertel, LLP), 1125 Grand Blvd., Suite 400, Kansas City, MO 64104, Ph 816/ , Fax 816/ Swanson, Tim (Swanson & Associates, LLP), W. 76th St, Overland Park, KS 66214, Ph 913/ , Fax 913/ Sustaining Members are recognized with their photo in the KCMBA Bar Directory. 30 KC Counselor April 2006

33 Who counsels the counsel? If you feel there is nowhere to go with your problems, LCL can help. We understand the competition, constant stress and high expectations you face as If you a lawyer. feel there Dealing is nowhere with these to go demands with your and own other problems, issues KALAP can be can overwhelming. help. We understand LCL offers the free, competition, confidential constant support stress because and high sometimes expectations the most you face difficult as a lawyer. Dealing trials with lie outside these demands of the court. and other issues can be overwhelming. We offer free and confidential support because sometimes the most difficult trials lie outside of the court. KALAP Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program Helping you with life s trials

34 classified ads Office Space West Side of Plaza. We have a beautiful attorney s office available on the west side of the Plaza. The office has lots of windows, new paint and carpet with services including: secretarial/word processing, photocopiers, fax machines, high speed internet access, free parking, receptionist, Courthouse runners, state-of-the-art voice mail phone system, conference rooms, kitchen, and reasonable rates. For more information, please contact Paula Waters at (816) Convenient Mid-Town Location in attractive two-story colonial building. There is ample free parking, lots of extra law office perks and reasonable rent. Please call (816) for an appointment. 12th Floor Penntower Offices with View. Two exterior offices (16 x 16 ; 11 9 x 16 ) and adjoining interior secretary space available. Full amenities, including new state of the art digital phone system, hi-speed internet, conference, room, kitchen, and covered parking. Share overhead with eight other attorneys. For more information, call Ed at (816) Office Space Available for Sublease. From one window office (161 sq. feet) to four window offices and one secretary station (876 sq. feet). Reception services, telephone system and inner offices available. Parking is included. Three story walk-up or elevator access. Easy highway access to I-35 and I Washington Street. Contact Mike McVey at (816) or [email protected]. Westwood Office Space, 1-4 offices available. Full services include secretarial, phone answering, voic system, reception, conference room, janitorial, mail sorting, copier, fax, kitchen facilities and free parking. Several other attorneys in the building. Conveniently located just west of the Plaza in Westwood, Kans. Please call owner/ broker Jeff Jones at (913) Midtown Office Space. Rent one office or entire floor in historic building. Full bath, kitchen, reception/secretarial area, storage, and conference room. For more information, please call (816) Established AV-rated Law Firm has space available for office sharing in well-known prestigious downtown Kansas City high-rise. Includes window offices overlooking site of new Sprint Arena, secretarial/paralegal station, high-speed internet access, telephone answering, 24-hour voic system, reception, large conference room, library, copier and fax. Secretarial assistance and covered parking also available. Opportunity to receive referrals and to work alongside other attorneys in congenial and collaborative environment. Call Office Manager for more information at (816) Attorney Wanted Attorney wanted. Quality, mid-sized Plaza law firm seeks land use associate. Preferred applicants will possess strong research, analytical and writing skills. Presentation experience required. Best candidate will have three to six years experience. No book of business required. Send resume and references to: Patricia O. Curtis, Administrative Director, White Goss Bowers March Schulte & Weisenfels at 4510 Belleview, Suite 300 in Kansas City, MO Or you can [email protected] or fax to (816) Associate Attorney Kansas City. Plaza law firm has an immediate opening for two associate attorneys. One position requires one to three years experience and the other requires three to seven years experience for our litigation-oriented practice primarily representing educational institutions. Senior level applicants must be able to manage all aspects of a case. Applicants must also be able to work directly with institutional clientele in a general counsel capacity. Strong problem solving and writing skills required. Must be licensed in Missouri. Compensation is competitive and will commensurate with experience. No book of business required. Send resume and references to: Managing Attorney, Doster Mickes James Ullom Benson & Guest, LLC at 4600 Madison, Suite 711, Kansas City, Missouri Associate Wanted. Medium-size firm located in downtown Kansas City seeks a one to three year associate with interest in finance, real estate, and general transactional matters. Experience in one or more of these areas preferred. Send resume and writing sample in confidence to KCMBA, Attn: Box 0406, 1125 Grand Blvd., Ste. 400, Kansas City, MO Associate Position. Kansas City law firm interested in hiring associate with one to four years of experience in ERISA, tax, and general corporate matters. Please forward resume and writing sample to KCMBA, Attn: Box 0406, 1125 Grand Blvd., Ste. 400, Kansas City, MO Associate Wanted. Downtown Kansas City law firm seeking associate with three to five years of experience in general litigation, with emphasis in insurance defense and insurance coverage. Send resume and writing sample to KCMBA, Attn: Box 0406, 1125 Grand Blvd., Ste. 400, Kansas City, MO Associate Wanted. Medium-size Kansas City law firm seeks associate with three to five years of experience in general litigation with emphasis in construction. Send resume and writing sample to KCMBA, Attn: Box 0406, 1125 Grand Blvd., Ste. 400, Kansas City, MO Labor Negotiator City of Topeka. The Labor Relations Negotiator within the City Manager s Office will represent the City and serve as chief spokesperson in labor negotiations with employee organizations, as well as represent the City in fact-finding and arbitration hearings arising directly from labor contracts and bargaining agreements. Minimum qualifications: Juris Doctorate degree and license to practice law in Kansas preferred. Candidates licensed to practice in other states may be considered and must obtain license to practice law in Kansas within six months of employment; along with five (5) years of experience gaining knowledge and skill in the processes and principals of collective bargaining in the public sector; negotiating principles and preparation for mediation and fact-finding under the Public Employee Relations Acts; rules and procedures for representing an employer in arbitration and litigation related to employment matters. For full description of position requirements, application materials and benefit information, please visit org/humanresources/hr_info.shtml. $57K - $70K starting range, DOQ. Position open until filled; interested persons are encouraged to apply immediately. Legal Assistant/Paralegal Wanted Legal Assistant/Paralegal. Southern Overland Park office for Nationwide Insurance Companies has an opening available for a Legal Assistant/ Paralegal. This position seeks a detail-oriented individual to perform various duties unique to a legal environment. Knowledge of PC operations, legal concepts, terminology, and processes, with a HS Diploma/equivalent as well as five years experience in a law office are required. Excellent Communications skills and professional demeanor are essential. Paralegal certificate required. We offer competitive salaries and benefit packages. Interested candidates should fax a resume to Law Office of John Thompson to (913) and/or apply on line at EOE/M/F/D/V For Rent Luxurious Beachfront Condo for rent weekly or multi-week. 2 BR/2 BA, 15 steps to the beach, fabulous gulf front view, newly renovated and furnished with granite throughout. Pool, tennis, bikes and much more. Sanibel Island, FL. Summer and fall discounts available. For more information, please call (816) or (816) KC Counselor April 2006

35 attorney suppor t ser vices CRASH FORENSICS.COM APPELLATE PRACTICE in state and federal courts Glenn E. Bradford Glenn E. Bradford & Associates, P.C. The Palace Building 1150 Grand Avenue, Suite 230 Kansas City, Missouri (816) years experience in all federal and state Courts of Appeal in civil and criminal cases Briefing and/or Oral Argument by reference from trial counsel THE DAILY RECORD YOUR DAILY SOURCE FOR: Legal news and information CLE Docket Digests of opinions Legal notices Verdicts & Settlements Proud member of the KCMBA s Affinity Program Mediation Let me put a quarter century of litigation experience to work getting your case settled. G. Gordon Atcheson The Atcheson Law Office (913) business; employment; p.i. Professional Office Space Available In Business Since 1976 Hatfield Process Service is Kansas City s oldest, most experienced process service company. Phone, fax, mail or your next service requirement(s) to HPS! Rush Service Available Experienced Servers Surveillance Flat Rate Pricing Receptionist Service Phone Service Individual Offices Conference Room Spacious Lobby Courthouse Filing Mobile Notary Document Retrieval Private Investigations AND SO MUCH MORE CALL HPS FOR OUT OF TOWN PROCESS SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS 1669 Jefferson Kansas City, MO Phone: (816) Fax: (816) service@hatfieldprocess.com KC Counselor Classified Advertising Rates as low as $30 per insertion. Contact Marci McNeal at (816) or via at mmcneal@kcmba. org for more infomation. To download a Classified Ad form, visit our Web site at for more information Just a short walk to the Eastern Jackson County Courthouse! Secretary at Law A quality support team for successful attorneys... Temporary & Permanent Personnel One Year Guarantee - 10% Fee 1627 Main Street Suite 400 Mainmark Bldg., KCMO (816) FAX (816) HHS Certified Lab Drugs of Abuse Urinalysis Serving Kansas City area since 1985 Fast and Confidential Drug Screening Health Productivity Systems, Inc 1734 East 63rd Street, Suite 104 Kansas City, MO (816) [email protected]

36 endorsed RETIREMENT PLAN PROGRAM David B. Wentz, J.D., LUTCF President Ta x F a v o r e d B e n e f i t s, I n c. William G. Stapp, J.D., CRPS Executive Vice President Tax Favored Benefits, Inc. is a multi-generational, full service benefits firm committed to long-term relationships with clients through high quality service and diverse investments. TFB specializes in 401(k), Profit Sharing and Deferred Compensation Plans. R E T I R E M E N T P L A N S E R V I C E S A l l s e r v i c e s u n d e r o n e ro o f - Custom Plan Design - Participant Education - Participant Enrollments - Investment Counseling Free Review of Existing Plans Member Discounts on Plan Administration INDIVIDUAL FINANCIAL PLANNING - Personal Investments - Estate Planning 4801 W. 110th Street Suite 200 Overland Park, KS David Wentz s - [email protected] Bill Stapp s - [email protected] (913) (800) Fax (913) Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association 1125 Grand Blvd., Suite 400 Kansas City, MO Drop in Hall Directory Indicia