Chris calls this the best professional compliment of his career.  Instead of fearing a potentially large verdict and caving to a seven-figure settlement demand, Chris argued to the court that his client be dismissed from the case.  Before that hearing, the opposing lawyer pulled Chris aside and said, “Why are you fighting so hard?  It’s not your money, Chris!”  To this, Chris kindly, but firmly, replied, “It’s not yours, either.”  Later that day, the judge dismissed Chris’s client from the case*.

Chris recognizes the value of his clients’ hard-earned reputation and assets.  With that recognition comes Chris’s commitment to strategically represent, inform, and negotiate for his clients.  Some circumstances prevent an intelligent resolution and, in those times, Chris draws from his experience in high-stakes jury trials and appeals in various hot bed jurisdictions.

Chris particularly embraces complex litigation involving technical engineering, scientific and medical issues involving products, premises and professionals.  Although his trial experience has centered in large metropolitan venues, he enjoys litigating cases in smaller counties, having handled litigation in nearly half of Missouri’s 46 judicial circuits.  In addition to serving as local counsel and lead counsel in Missouri litigation, Chris has similar experience in Kansas District and Appellate Courts, as well as federal District Courts and Courts of Appeals.

Chris is a Missouri Rule 17 mediator and is on the Approved Outside Mediators List for the US District Court – Western District of Missouri.  He enjoys sharing his experience as a regular CLE presenter for the Missouri Bar, the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association and the UMKC Law School.

* Settlements, verdicts and dismissals depend on the facts of each case. Past success does not guarantee success in any future cases. 

ADMISSIONS

Missouri • Kansas • Illinois • Pennsylvania • US Court of Appeals (8th Circuit) • US District Court – Western District of Missouri • US District Court – District of Kansas • US District Court – Eastern Missouri