Live From KTLA: 2020 Annual Meeting & CLE Seminar Day 1-4
Published by Kansas Trial Lawyers Association
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Schedule: Monday, December 7, 2020 - Friday, December 11, 2020
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Summary
Don't miss Live from KTLA: 2020 Annual Meeting & CLE Seminar! This year's virtual format comes with new opportunities. More presenters - both your local favorites and national standouts, as always. More days of the Annual Meeting to spread out the learning, keep you off of a screen all day, and allow time daily for you to focus on your busy practice. More CLE hours (pending) of high-quality presentations for one all-inclusive price. And new opportunities to engage with your KTLA friends and colleagues in new and fun ways through online social events.
Programs Included in this Bundle
Live From KTLA: 2020 Annual Meeting & CLE Seminar Day 1
Don't miss Live from KTLA: 2020 Annual Meeting & CLE Seminar! This year's virtual format comes with new opportunities. More presenters - both your local favorites and national standouts, as always. More days of the Annual Meeting to spread out the learning, keep you off of a screen all day, and allow time daily for you to focus on your busy practice. More CLE hours (pending) of high-quality presentations for one all-inclusive price. And new opportunities to engage with your KTLA friends and colleagues in new and fun ways through online social events.
Presenters
Richard W. James
2020-21 KTLA President and Annual Meeting Presenter - DeVaughn James Injury Lawyers
Richard W. James has a proven track record of success in obtaining maximum recoveries for his clients. His past case results... Read MoreRichard W. James has a proven track record of success in obtaining maximum recoveries for his clients. His past case results caused him to be recognized by other lawyers as an AV Attorney (the highest possible rating) from Martindale in the areas of personal injury law and litigation.
Richard has successfully tried cases in both State and Federal Courts. When the Wichita Public Schools were forced to bring lawsuits against certain contractors for faulty construction, they chose to hire Richard as lead trial counsel. After a lengthy two-year battle in litigation the defendants agreed to pay more than *$2.4 million dollars in damages. In 2010, in a commercial litigation case, he obtained a verdict in the amount of *$265,992.00 against an advertising firm. In this case, he was successful in obtaining a verdict that "pierced the corporate veil" and held the president of the company personally liable. Prior to trial, the defendant only offered $10,000.00 to settle the case.
In a case that concluded in 2010, Richard and Dustin tried a three-week jury trial between two companies and obtained a verdict in excess of *$1,000,000.00. Immediately prior to trial, the defendant offered nothing in settlement and asserted that no recovery would be obtained for their client. The defendants even appealed the case to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver, Colorado. The Tenth Circuit denied their appeal, entered judgment against the defendants and added additional attorney fees and expenses for the conduct of the defendants.
Richard is a native of Kingman, Kansas, received his undergraduate degree in business administration from York College, York, Nebraska (B.S., Cum Laude, 1997) and obtained his legal education at Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas (J.D. with honors, 2000).
While attending York College, he was president of the student government and captain of the men's basketball team. While attending Washburn, he was a member of the Washburn Law Journal and his case was published and recognized as the best in the 1999-2000 issues of the Washburn Law Journal.
Richard and his wife Rachel, have one daughter, Abbey and one son, Jackson, and are very active in the community and their local church. He serves on the Board of Trustees of York College and formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Carpenter Place (formerly known as Maude Carpenter Children’s Home) in Wichita, as Chairman of the Church Finance Committee and as a Deacon at his church. Read Less
James B. Bartimus
Since founding the firm in 1977, Jim Bartimus has been recognized as a premier medical malpractice attorney, representing... Read MoreSince founding the firm in 1977, Jim Bartimus has been recognized as a premier medical malpractice attorney, representing plaintiffs nationwide in complex negligence and pharmaceutical cases.
Jim’s creativity and advocacy has helped hundreds of families over the past four decades. Beyond individual matters, his work has changed law and medical procedures across the United States.
In Jackson County, Missouri, he represented a woman whose fetus died while she was laying on a gurney in a hospital waiting to be seen. Because the existing law said a child must have “the breath of life” for there to be a wrongful death case, the woman had no cause of action against the hospital. Working on her behalf, Jim filed a lawsuit that ultimately reached the Missouri Supreme Court; after his argument, the court reversed its standing 7-0 and found wrongful death for a viable fetus. This case changed the state’s law and gave rights to grieving families.
In California, Jim tried one of the country’s first organ transplant malpractice cases. He represented the family of a woman who received a kidney transplant and died from malignant melanoma 90 days later; an investigation revealed the donor site did not perform any disease screening. After this litigation, the organ network changed its intake process worldwide and now screens all donors for skin cancer.
Other high-profile matters include representing the state of Missouri in litigation against tobacco companies and serving as lead counsel for Kansas in Medicare fraud cases. Regardless of the size of a project, however, Jim said he has a personal mission to handle all client cases with precision and care: “Every day, people walk in who have suffered a catastrophe or a tragedy. My motivation is to try and help them.”
He has served on the board of directors for the Center for Practical Bioethics, the University of Kansas City Trustees and the Kids and Cars Organization, and he is a past president of five organizations, including the International Society of Barristers, Civil Justice Foundation, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Foundation and the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys.
Jim is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and played catcher on a competitive baseball team until he was 42 years old, when he broke his knee on a play at home plate while in a tournament in Florida. He made the out. Read Less
James R. Howell
James has long subscribed to a conviction that every person who has been injured is entitled to the best representation... Read MoreJames has long subscribed to a conviction that every person who has been injured is entitled to the best representation available. It doesn’t matter who they are, the cost, the severity of the injury, or how complex the litigation. His focus has always been to build a sincere professional and personal relationship with those he represents. He works hard to win them fair and just compensation to help them recover from financial loss, physical injury and mental suffering. His care and concern continue long after his clients’ recovery.
Through a number of professional legal associations, James is a frequent lecturer at legal seminars, a prolific writer of legal articles, and enjoys extensive involvement in various local, state and national bar associations. To promote affordable and quality education, he also serves on the Board of Trustees of Butler Community College.
He enjoys spending time related to his wife and two children, music, vintage car restoration, carpentry, and landscaping. Read Less
Melissa Tucker Pope
Melissa A. Tucker Pope is passionate about being an advocate for others. She has devoted her career to being the voice for... Read MoreMelissa A. Tucker Pope is passionate about being an advocate for others. She has devoted her career to being the voice for individuals that are faced with a truly unfortunate incident that has left them injured.
Prior to joining DeVaughn James Injury Lawyers, Melissa spent time assisting individuals throughout the probate process and ensuring that all their estate planning needs were met. It was through this experience that she developed her passion for helping and advocating for individuals that are facing difficult times.
The youngest of four children, Melissa was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas. She received her undergraduate degree from Washburn University (B.A. 2003), where she majored in communications with an emphasis in broadcast journalism. Melissa’s background in television and time in front of the camera make her an excellent advocate in presenting cases before a jury.
Melissa received her Juris Doctorate from Washburn University School of Law in 2012. While attending Washburn law, she was a student advocate and served as the vice president of Women’s Legal Forum. She is licensed to practice law in Kansas and the United States District Court of the District of Kansas. She is a member of the Wichita Bar Association, the Kansas Bar Association, and the Wichita Young Lawyers Association. She lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband and two adorable daughters. She is ready and willing to show you pictures! Read Less
Susan Steinman
Sue Steinman is the Senior Director of Policy and Senior Counsel at the American Association for Justice (AAJ) where she... Read MoreSue Steinman is the Senior Director of Policy and Senior Counsel at the American Association for Justice (AAJ) where she fights to protect the Seventh Amendment right to trial by jury. As an advocate, Sue represents the rights of injured people to have their day in court. With specialties in health care and medical liability, preemption, and civil procedure issues, Sue’s advocacy includes traditional shoe-leather lobbying in the halls of Congress as well as strategic management of complex policy issues before Congress, the executive branch, and the federal courts. Sue understands how small changes to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Evidence can impact your case and trickle over to the state courts. Sue is an expert at advocating a pro-plaintiff position to the Judicial Conference, the policy making arm of the U.S. courts, and coaching trial lawyers to testify and make a difference. Sue is also responsible for developing civil justice research grants for the AAJ Robert L. Habush Endowment and facilitating research and education projects to protect the Seventh Amendment.
Prior to joining AAJ, Sue served as Legislative Counsel for the Montgomery County Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly and as a bill drafter for the Maryland General Assembly. Sue holds a law degree from the George Washington University in Washington, DC and a B.A. in political science from Tufts University. Read Less
Governor Laura Kelly
On January 14, 2019, Laura Kelly became the 48th Governor of the State of Kansas.
Governor Kelly grew up in a... Read MoreOn January 14, 2019, Laura Kelly became the 48th Governor of the State of Kansas.
Governor Kelly grew up in a military family and learned the importance of service, integrity and accountability at a young age. She lived all over the world, but she and her family wanted to put down roots in a place with great public schools and vibrant communities. Kansas was an obvious choice.
Governor Kelly was a longtime executive director of the Recreation and Park Association in Kansas. Her role gave her an opportunity to travel to every corner of Kansas, where she gained extensive knowledge of the state and developed a passion for improving Kansas communities and Kansans quality of life.
As a state senator for 14 years, Kelly was a leading voice in promoting healthy families in Kansas, and the importance of top-notch public schools in communities of all sizes. She built a reputation as a no-nonsense leader who worked with Democrats and Republicans alike to get things done.
As governor, Kelly has worked tirelessly to rebuild the state’s broken foundation. Since taking office, she fulfilled her promise to fully fund public schools, she led the passage of a comprehensive 10-year infrastructure plan, and she has rebuilt Kansas’ economic development recruitment tools. All while balancing the state’s budget two years in a row, as promised.
She continues to pursue policies good for Kansas families, and is fighting to expand affordable healthcare to approximately 150,000 Kansans.
Kelly and her husband Ted Daughety, a doctor of pulmonary and sleep disorders were married in 1983. They have two grown daughters, Kathleen Daughety and Molly Daughety.
Kelly has made it her life’s work to fight for children and families in her community, on the job, as a four-term state senator and now as Governor. Read Less
Brad Prochasca
SEMINAR CO-CHAIR - Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC Law Firm
Founding PHP Partner Bradley J. Prochaska is a personal injury and medical malpractice attorney at Prochaska, Howell &... Read MoreFounding PHP Partner Bradley J. Prochaska is a personal injury and medical malpractice attorney at Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC Law Firm. Founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 1985, PHP Law Firm now serves clients in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Illinois and Colorado.
Early on, Bradley developed a reputation for winning the tough cases other attorneys turned down, especially medical malpractice cases. Today, his clients are typically the victims of catastrophic injuries. He has settled six medical malpractice cases in Kansas for more than $4 million each, a track record no other Kansas medical malpractice attorney has achieved.
Bradley treats every client with friendship and respect, and they put their trust and faith into his talents. His goal is to obtain maximum justice and full compensation for each one of his clients. His mother-in-law died from medical malpractice, so he knows first-hand how devastating it can be on the lives of victims and their families. He litigates only a few large cases a year in order to devote the time necessary to obtain the best results for each client.
Bradley is the former president of the Kansas Association for Justice and a longstanding member of the Leaders Forum of the American Association for Justice. He was also the national co-chairman of the Birth Trauma Litigation Group and is currently the national co-chairman of the Professional Negligence Group. Read Less
Lynn Johnson
SEMINAR CO-CHAIR - Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman
Lynn joined SJB as an associate in 1970 and became a partner in 1974. He quickly became nationally recognized as a trial... Read MoreLynn joined SJB as an associate in 1970 and became a partner in 1974. He quickly became nationally recognized as a trial attorney for his life-long devotion to the protection of individual rights and the enforcement of individual and corporate responsibility. As a trial attorney, he has devoted his career to representing individuals by fighting for their rights for safe products, safe health care and safe lives through the civil justice system.
Raised on the family farm in western Kansas, Lynn learned the importance of individual responsibility. He learned early on to be responsible for his own conduct. If something that he did had an impact on someone else, he took responsibility for it. That basic moral and legal concept directly relates to Lynn’s work as a trial attorney fighting to protect the rights of individual consumers when they are injured as a result of irresponsible conduct by others.
Lynn’s formal education, which began in a one-room country schoolhouse in Kanona, KS, led to an undergraduate degree from Kansas State University in 1967 and Juris Doctorate degree with honors from Washburn University School of Law in 1970. He is a life member of the Alumni Associations of both universities and has served as President of the Washburn Law School Association.
Lynn is married to Jacqueline Lovelace Johnson. Jackie has served for many years as Chair of the Board of Directors of Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute in Albuquerque, NM, the second largest respiratory research institute in the United States. Jackie and Lynn have one son, William Randolph (Randy) Johnson Lovelace.
Lynn has been recognized for many years by his peers in Kansas, Missouri and the United States as one of the best trial attorneys in the country. Lynn is currently rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell and has been rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell since 1976.
Lynn shares his expertise by being a frequent lecturer/presenter at trial attorney continuing legal education events throughout the country. Over his career he has made more than 100 CLE presentations. Read Less
Live From KTLA: 2020 Annual Meeting & CLE Seminar Day 2
Don't miss Live from KTLA: 2020 Annual Meeting & CLE Seminar! This year's virtual format comes with new opportunities. More presenters - both your local favorites and national standouts, as always. More days of the Annual Meeting to spread out the learning, keep you off of a screen all day, and allow time daily for you to focus on your busy practice. More CLE hours (pending) of high-quality presentations for one all-inclusive price. And new opportunities to engage with your KTLA friends and colleagues in new and fun ways through online social events.
Presenters
Jonathan Voegeli
Jon got called up to Slape & Howard after a stint in the California Penal League, where he spent time in Del Norte County... Read MoreJon got called up to Slape & Howard after a stint in the California Penal League, where he spent time in Del Norte County assisting public defenders and inmates at the infamous Pelican Bay State Prison. He never ran into “Wild Thing” Rick Vaughn. Since joining the firm in 2013, he has won a number of awards and cases, successfully argued cases in front of the Appellate Court, and damaged every office chair that has been assigned to him. The running tally is three lost chairs, and no one mentions the mysterious exploding coffee pot. What he lacks in grace he makes up for in tenacity, making his multitasking skills impeccable. He is generally found reading through a statute book while talking to a client and e-mailing an unlucky recipient a very strongly worded letter.
He is quite persuasive and considers his greatest accomplishment convincing his wife (who is an aspiring nurse and assures us that he is mostly normal) to leave northern California and come to Kansas. Jon also recently learned how to play Pokémon with Liam and Riley, his two seven-year-old children. This is a skill that he repeatedly assures us has real world value and should be taken seriously. In the rare moments that he has any free time, Jon can be found on his mountain bike dodging trees on a few local trails, showing off his mildly competent basketball skills, and explaining the difference between a Miyota 9015 and an ETA 2824 to anyone who will listen.
Jon graduated from Kapaun Mt. Carmel in 2000. He went on to study political science at Wisconsin Lutheran College and received his undergraduate degree in 2004. Jon then passed his Series 7 and Series 66 FINRA exams, licensing him to work buying and selling securities. Jon went to law school at Washburn University, where he graduated with Dean’s Honors in 2011. He is licensed to practice law in Kansas and California. His security licensing has lapsed. Read Less
Roger Riedmiller
Roger’s law practice concentrates in the areas of personal injury and workers compensation. He is also the host and creator... Read MoreRoger’s law practice concentrates in the areas of personal injury and workers compensation. He is also the host and creator of “Lawyer on The Line®,” a live question and answer television show which airs Sunday nights at 10:35 p.m. on KAKE-TV, Channel 10. Born in Traverse City, Michigan, Roger received his B.A. from Wichita State University in 1984 and his J.D. from Washburn University in Topeka in 1987. In 1987, he was admitted to the Kansas Bar Association and the U.S. District Court, District of Kansas. He is currently a member of the Wichita Bar Association, the Kansas Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Kansas Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Trial Lawyers Association (n/k/a/ the American Association for Justice). Roger and his family live in Wichita. Read Less
Phillip Slape
Phil is an immensely experienced workers compensation and personal injury lawyer, with the distinction of having occupied... Read MorePhil is an immensely experienced workers compensation and personal injury lawyer, with the distinction of having occupied almost every office in our building over the last 18 years. When Phil isn't checking out someone else’s digs with an eye on relocation, you'll find him talking to his clients for hours on end or heading off to court to “storm the castle,” as he likes to put it. Over the course of his legal career, there is scarcely a civil law that Phil hasn’t read, digested, and recited to his legal assistants (while they’ve struggled to stay awake). While workers compensation and personal injury cases are excessively complex, luckily for us, these are two areas where Phil has a deep arsenal of knowledge and experience.
Away from work, Phil spends his time with his wife, Lisa, and his two kids, Ryan, and Malia. When asked about his favorite pastime of chasing his kids around, Phil’s motto is: “What’s the point of being a dad if you can’t relive your childhood!” So, Phil helps coach his son’s basketball and baseball teams, and he roots for his daughter’s cheer squad at events around the country. His wife, Lisa, the office manager at Slape & Howard, tells us that Phil enjoys sports and activities every bit as much as the kids. You’ll find him most Saturdays on the sidelines of Ryan’s basketball games, demonstrating his enthusiasm to officials (loudly) and jumping up and down with every shot. Phil graduated from Wichita East High School in 1988. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada Las Vegas in 1994. In 1995, Phil lived in Seoul, South Korea, where he worked in a world class hotel owned by the Samsung Corporation. He graduated from Washburn Law School in 1998 with excellent grades and was recognized by the National Bankruptcy Institute as the 1998 Student of the Year. He joined the Law Offices of Slape & Howard that same year. Read Less
Jeff K. Cooper
Jeff Cooper was born in Kansas and attended Pittsburg State University where he played football and obtained his... Read MoreJeff Cooper was born in Kansas and attended Pittsburg State University where he played football and obtained his undergraduate degree. He graduated from Washburn University School of Law in 1985, where he graduated with honors, and was admitted to the bar in the same year. He is also admitted to practice before the U.S Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit, U.S. District Court, and District of Kansas. Jeff has been working for injured workers, exclusively in Kansas, for over thirty years. Jeff has also taught workers’ compensation as an adjunct law professor at Washburn School of Law. While Jeff currently only represents injured workers, his past experience includes representing insurance companies, self-insured employers, and individual employers in workers compensation issues for over 30 years. Having extensive experience handling claims from all sides in the past provides a broad understanding of the process and how to maximize recovery for injured workers. Jeff lives in Berryton, Kansas with his wife, Geni. His three children are grown, and he recently became a grandfather for the first time. Jeff is very active within his community, as well as at home, working on numerous projects for his family. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and attending his sons' baseball games. Read Less
Mark Kolich
Hon. Bruce Moore
ALJ Bruce E. Moore was born in South Dakota but grew up in Kansas. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1977, and the... Read MoreALJ Bruce E. Moore was born in South Dakota but grew up in Kansas. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1977, and the University of Kansas School of Law in 1980. He is married, has three grown children, and one grandchild. He has served as an Administrative Law Judge for the Division of Workers’ Compensation since 1995. Before becoming a workers’ compensation judge, ALJ Moore had served as an Assistant Saline County Attorney, prosecuting a general criminal caseload.? Before that, while living in Johnson County, ALJ Moore was engaged in the private practice of law, having worked both as a claimant’s/plaintiff’s attorney and as an insurance defense attorney. The National Judicial College in 2008 awarded ALJ Moore a Certificate in Judicial Development for Administrative Law Judge Adjudication Skills and in 2009 a Certificate in Judicial Development for Dispute Resolution Skills. ALJ Moore has served on the NJC faculty since 2009.? In 2016, ALJ Moore was inducted as a Fellow in the College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers. He is the immediate Past President of the National Association of Workers’ Compensation Judiciary. His hobbies include restoring/maintaining his 1954 Chevrolet half-ton pickup and fostering cats and kittens for the Salina Animal Shelter. Read Less
Travis Ternes
Richard W. James
2020-21 KTLA President and Annual Meeting Presenter - DeVaughn James Injury Lawyers
Richard W. James has a proven track record of success in obtaining maximum recoveries for his clients. His past case results... Read MoreRichard W. James has a proven track record of success in obtaining maximum recoveries for his clients. His past case results caused him to be recognized by other lawyers as an AV Attorney (the highest possible rating) from Martindale in the areas of personal injury law and litigation.
Richard has successfully tried cases in both State and Federal Courts. When the Wichita Public Schools were forced to bring lawsuits against certain contractors for faulty construction, they chose to hire Richard as lead trial counsel. After a lengthy two-year battle in litigation the defendants agreed to pay more than *$2.4 million dollars in damages. In 2010, in a commercial litigation case, he obtained a verdict in the amount of *$265,992.00 against an advertising firm. In this case, he was successful in obtaining a verdict that "pierced the corporate veil" and held the president of the company personally liable. Prior to trial, the defendant only offered $10,000.00 to settle the case.
In a case that concluded in 2010, Richard and Dustin tried a three-week jury trial between two companies and obtained a verdict in excess of *$1,000,000.00. Immediately prior to trial, the defendant offered nothing in settlement and asserted that no recovery would be obtained for their client. The defendants even appealed the case to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver, Colorado. The Tenth Circuit denied their appeal, entered judgment against the defendants and added additional attorney fees and expenses for the conduct of the defendants.
Richard is a native of Kingman, Kansas, received his undergraduate degree in business administration from York College, York, Nebraska (B.S., Cum Laude, 1997) and obtained his legal education at Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas (J.D. with honors, 2000).
While attending York College, he was president of the student government and captain of the men's basketball team. While attending Washburn, he was a member of the Washburn Law Journal and his case was published and recognized as the best in the 1999-2000 issues of the Washburn Law Journal.
Richard and his wife Rachel, have one daughter, Abbey and one son, Jackson, and are very active in the community and their local church. He serves on the Board of Trustees of York College and formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Carpenter Place (formerly known as Maude Carpenter Children’s Home) in Wichita, as Chairman of the Church Finance Committee and as a Deacon at his church. Read Less
Live From KTLA: 2020 Annual Meeting & CLE Seminar Day 3
Don't miss Live from KTLA: 2020 Annual Meeting & CLE Seminar! This year's virtual format comes with new opportunities. More presenters - both your local favorites and national standouts, as always. More days of the Annual Meeting to spread out the learning, keep you off of a screen all day, and allow time daily for you to focus on your busy practice. More CLE hours (pending) of high-quality presentations for one all-inclusive price. And new opportunities to engage with your KTLA friends and colleagues in new and fun ways through online social events.
Presenters
Stanton Hazlett
Stanton A. Hazlett is the Kansas Disciplinary Administrator in Topeka, Kansas. Prior to his time as Disciplinary... Read MoreStanton A. Hazlett is the Kansas Disciplinary Administrator in Topeka, Kansas. Prior to his time as Disciplinary Administrator, Mr. Hazlett earned his B.G.S. from the University of Kansas and his J.D. from Washburn University School of Law. He was previously engaged in private practice in Lawrence. Mr. Hazlett has been employed by the Disciplinary Administrator’s Office since 1986 and has served as Kansas’ Disciplinary Administrator since 1997. Read Less
Adam Malone
Adam Malone is based in Atlanta, Georgia and dedicates his entire practice to helping families with issues involving brain... Read MoreAdam Malone is based in Atlanta, Georgia and dedicates his entire practice to helping families with issues involving brain injury, spinal cord injury, burns, amputation, and wrongful death throughout the state of Georgia. His efforts over the last two decades have produced over $500 million in compensation for injured victims and their families and have helped change careless corporate practices to keep us all safer.
Adam has obtained record jury verdicts, including a $24.5 million verdict in a case involving an above-knee amputation for a young athlete which is reported to be the largest personal injury verdict ever returned in Albany, Georgia. In addition to his trial skills, Adam has also earned a reputation for excellence in the appellate courts. Due to Adam’s work, the Georgia Supreme Court struck down the state’s cap of $350,000 on non-economic damages in medical negligence cases as violating the constitutionally guaranteed right to trial by jury. This ruling not only permitted his client to recover the amount of damages determined by the jury in that case – it was much more important than that. This decision ensured that all patients harmed by preventable medical errors have the right to trial by jury and the right to be completely compensated in an amount determined by jurors driven by the actual evidence, not by politicians driven by campaign contributions.
To have your work recognized by your peers is among the highest of honors. In 2018, Adam was voted by his peers through Super Lawyers as one of the top 10 trial lawyers in the state of Georgia. The prestigious Melvin M. Belli Society recently honored Adam with their coveted Mel Award for his creative advocacy, innovation, and paradigm-shifting trial techniques. Best Lawyers honored Adam by naming him the 2016 Lawyer of the Year in medical negligence. The Southern Trial Lawyers Association has honored Adam for his teaching and publications in the field of trial and appellate advocacy by presenting him with the Professor W. McKinley Smiley, Jr. Lighthouse Award.
Adam is also recognized and included annually in the peer-reviewed editions of Best Lawyers in America. Adam is rated by Martindale-Hubbell as AV Preeminent, the highest rating available for ethics and legal ability. He is board certified by the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys (ABPLA) and the National Board of Trial Advocates (NBTA), and he is frequently invited to write, publish, and teach continuing legal education to lawyers and professional groups all over the country.
Adam is currently serving as Officer of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association and the Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group for the American Association for Justice. He is a Past President of the Southern Trial Lawyers Association, Past President of the Melvin M. Belli Society, Past Chairperson for the Professional Negligence Section of the American Association for Justice, and Past Chairperson of the General Practice and Trial Section of the State Bar of Georgia. Adam served for many years on the Board of Governors and its Executive Committee for the American Association for Justice (AAJ) – the nation’s largest and most effective organization for lawyers representing injured people and their families. He has served as an officer and on the board of the AAJ Trucking Litigation Group, the AAJ Professional Negligence Section, and the AAJ Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group. He also serves on the Board of Directors for his alma mater, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, and the Savannah Law School. He is also an Honorary Board Member of the Special Olympics of Georgia and an ardent supporter of the Shepherd Brain and Spinal Center. Read Less
Tobias L. Millrood
Mr. Millrood brings 25 years of complex litigation experience, with a focus on pharmaceutical and medical device litigation.... Read MoreMr. Millrood brings 25 years of complex litigation experience, with a focus on pharmaceutical and medical device litigation. Through his tireless dedication and careful attention to his client’s cases, Mr. Millrood has earned the accolades of his peers, clients, and Courts.
The first to file a Hormone Therapy lawsuit in the nation in 2002, Mr. Millrood dedicated the next twelve years to the litigation. Mr. Millrood served as Plaintiffs’ Lead Liaison Counsel in In Re Hormone Therapy Litigation, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. He was also on the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in MDL 1507 – In Re Prempro Products Liability and was Chair of the American Association for Justice (AAJ) Hormone Therapy Litigation Group. Mr. Millrood tried four Hormone Therapy cases, obtaining jury verdicts for the Plaintiffs in all four, including verdicts in November 2009 for $34.3 million and December 2011 for $72.6 million. Mr. Millrood also played an integral role in major appellate victories in the litigation, ranging from the state courts of Pennsylvania and Minnesota, to the Eighth Circuit.
Mr. Millrood has served in numerous Court-appointed leadership positions in other pharmaceutical and medical device litigations. Most recently, he was appointed by Hon. F. Dennis Saylor as Co-Lead Counsel in In re Zofran (Ondansetron) Products Liability Litigation, MDL 2657 and by Hon. Rebecca Pallmeyer as Co-Lead Counsel in In re Zimmer Nexgen Knee Products Liability Litigation, MDL 2272. He was also appointed Co-Lead in the Pennsylvania Opioid Litigation, Del. Cty. vs Purdue Pharma, et al. In addition, he has served in other Court-appointed leadership positions, including the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committees of In re Stryker Rejuvenate Hip Stem and ABG Modular Hip Litigation, Bergen County, NJ (also Discovery Chair) and In re Consolidated Fresenius Cases – Superior Ct. Mass. (also Discovery Chair). Mr. Millrood speaks frequently at various seminars, on the topics of Mass Tort Litigation, Expert Witnesses, Direct and Cross-Examination, the Ethics of Settling Mass Tort Cases, Trial Strategies and Electronic Discovery.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Millrood garnered several notable achievements, including serving as co-counsel in a $22 million medical malpractice verdict in Wallace v. Fraider (Phila. CCP Mar. 2001), one of the highest in state history.
Mr. Millrood is President of the American Association for Justice (AAJ) for 2020-21. He also is a member of the Pennsylvania Association for Justice (PAJ) Board of Governors, as well as the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers (PTLA) Board of Directors. He is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, the District of New Jersey, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the Court of Federal Claims and the Third Circuit.
Mr. Millrood resides in suburban Philadelphia with his wife and three sons. Read Less
Anne Pankratz
Anne Pankratz was admitted to the Bar in 1986. She obtained her law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law and... Read MoreAnne Pankratz was admitted to the Bar in 1986. She obtained her law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law and Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and Master of Arts in Health Administration from Wichita State University. Anne, a licensed registered nurse, has focused her legal career on medical malpractice and personal injury cases. She is currently admitted to practice law before the United States Supreme Court, U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit; U.S. District Courts, District of Kansas and Northern District of Oklahoma.
Ms. Pankratz was raised in the small Kansas community of Kingman. After obtaining her nursing license, Anne worked several years at a large Wichita hospital, where she became a devoted patient advocate. This basic concept continues to guide Anne's legal practice - to achieve justice for patients when they have been injured by the conduct of physicians, nurses, or hospitals. Ms. Pankratz is committed to the philosophy that all cases are important, no matter how large or small; and no matter how complex the medical facts involved. Combining her medical and legal knowledge, Ms. Pankratz has consistently been able to obtain excellent results for her clients.
Anne has been involved in litigation for over 25 years. While she occasionally handles personal injury cases and complex product liability cases, Anne has primarily focused her practice on medical malpractice. In the past, Anne has litigated birth injury cases involving cerebral palsy caused by a failure to timely deliver the baby; shoulder dystocia resulting from a mismanagement of the final stages of labor; birth injuries caused by a mother being prescribed inappropriate and contraindicated drugs during her pregnancy; hypoglycemic brain injury caused by a failure to properly monitor a newborn's blood sugar after the child's birth; brain injury caused by a failure to appropriately and timely resuscitate a baby after its birth; and traumatic birth injuries which result in severe brain injury.
Anne has cases in both state and federal courts in Kansas and Oklahoma. In addition, she has litigated and settled more than 100 cases in Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Colorado, Ohio, New York, and Mississippi. Some of the Ms. Pankratz's cases reported by state and federal courts include:
Bennett v. Fieser, 1993 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 21589
Lemuz by & Through Lemuz v. Fieser, 1996 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 6477
Garcia v. Estate of Arribas, 363 F. Supp. 2d 1309 (2005)
Swinger v. Warner-Lambert Co., 1999 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 14985
Utley v. Wray, 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 68413
Safeco Ins. Co. of Am. v. Billingsley, 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 53969
Berndt v. Levy, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 103546
Weese v. Schukman, 1994 WL 326660, (D. Kan. Jun 23, 1994);
Dodd-Anderson By and Through Dodd-Anderson v. Stevens, 905 F.Supp. 937 (D. Kan. Oct 31, 1995)
Stucky By and Through Stucky v. Bates, 2 F.Supp.2d 1434 (D. Kan. Apr 24, 1998)
Aldoroty v. HCA Health Services of Kansas, Inc. 962 P.2d 501 (Kan. July 10, 1998)
Endorf v. Bohlender, 995 P.2d 896 (Kan. App. Jan 14, 2000)
Moore ex rel. Moore v. Memorial Hosp. of Gulfport, 825 So.2d 658 (Miss. Sep 5, 2002)
Linnstaedter v. McFarland, 2004 WL 3592866, Kan. Dist. Ct., July 21, 2004 (No. 03-CV-2107)
Warhurst v. Stevens, 2005 WL 319934, Kan. Dist. Ct. May 9, 2005 (No. 03-CV-1906)
It has always been Anne's practice to maintain good communication and personalization with her clients in order to achieve a successful legal practice with satisfied clients.
Anne is a member of the Wichita and Kansas Bar Associations, the Kansas Association for Justice, and the American Association of Justice. Ms. Pankratz is also currently a member of the Kansas State Board of Nursing. In her spare time, Anne enjoys family activities with her husband and two sons, running, and playing the piano. Read Less
Brad Prochasca
SEMINAR CO-CHAIR - Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC Law Firm
Founding PHP Partner Bradley J. Prochaska is a personal injury and medical malpractice attorney at Prochaska, Howell &... Read MoreFounding PHP Partner Bradley J. Prochaska is a personal injury and medical malpractice attorney at Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC Law Firm. Founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 1985, PHP Law Firm now serves clients in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Illinois and Colorado.
Early on, Bradley developed a reputation for winning the tough cases other attorneys turned down, especially medical malpractice cases. Today, his clients are typically the victims of catastrophic injuries. He has settled six medical malpractice cases in Kansas for more than $4 million each, a track record no other Kansas medical malpractice attorney has achieved.
Bradley treats every client with friendship and respect, and they put their trust and faith into his talents. His goal is to obtain maximum justice and full compensation for each one of his clients. His mother-in-law died from medical malpractice, so he knows first-hand how devastating it can be on the lives of victims and their families. He litigates only a few large cases a year in order to devote the time necessary to obtain the best results for each client.
Bradley is the former president of the Kansas Association for Justice and a longstanding member of the Leaders Forum of the American Association for Justice. He was also the national co-chairman of the Birth Trauma Litigation Group and is currently the national co-chairman of the Professional Negligence Group. Read Less
Lynn Johnson
SEMINAR CO-CHAIR - Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman
Lynn joined SJB as an associate in 1970 and became a partner in 1974. He quickly became nationally recognized as a trial... Read MoreLynn joined SJB as an associate in 1970 and became a partner in 1974. He quickly became nationally recognized as a trial attorney for his life-long devotion to the protection of individual rights and the enforcement of individual and corporate responsibility. As a trial attorney, he has devoted his career to representing individuals by fighting for their rights for safe products, safe health care and safe lives through the civil justice system.
Raised on the family farm in western Kansas, Lynn learned the importance of individual responsibility. He learned early on to be responsible for his own conduct. If something that he did had an impact on someone else, he took responsibility for it. That basic moral and legal concept directly relates to Lynn’s work as a trial attorney fighting to protect the rights of individual consumers when they are injured as a result of irresponsible conduct by others.
Lynn’s formal education, which began in a one-room country schoolhouse in Kanona, KS, led to an undergraduate degree from Kansas State University in 1967 and Juris Doctorate degree with honors from Washburn University School of Law in 1970. He is a life member of the Alumni Associations of both universities and has served as President of the Washburn Law School Association.
Lynn is married to Jacqueline Lovelace Johnson. Jackie has served for many years as Chair of the Board of Directors of Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute in Albuquerque, NM, the second largest respiratory research institute in the United States. Jackie and Lynn have one son, William Randolph (Randy) Johnson Lovelace.
Lynn has been recognized for many years by his peers in Kansas, Missouri and the United States as one of the best trial attorneys in the country. Lynn is currently rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell and has been rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell since 1976.
Lynn shares his expertise by being a frequent lecturer/presenter at trial attorney continuing legal education events throughout the country. Over his career he has made more than 100 CLE presentations. Read Less
Richard W. James
2020-21 KTLA President and Annual Meeting Presenter - DeVaughn James Injury Lawyers
Richard W. James has a proven track record of success in obtaining maximum recoveries for his clients. His past case results... Read MoreRichard W. James has a proven track record of success in obtaining maximum recoveries for his clients. His past case results caused him to be recognized by other lawyers as an AV Attorney (the highest possible rating) from Martindale in the areas of personal injury law and litigation.
Richard has successfully tried cases in both State and Federal Courts. When the Wichita Public Schools were forced to bring lawsuits against certain contractors for faulty construction, they chose to hire Richard as lead trial counsel. After a lengthy two-year battle in litigation the defendants agreed to pay more than *$2.4 million dollars in damages. In 2010, in a commercial litigation case, he obtained a verdict in the amount of *$265,992.00 against an advertising firm. In this case, he was successful in obtaining a verdict that "pierced the corporate veil" and held the president of the company personally liable. Prior to trial, the defendant only offered $10,000.00 to settle the case.
In a case that concluded in 2010, Richard and Dustin tried a three-week jury trial between two companies and obtained a verdict in excess of *$1,000,000.00. Immediately prior to trial, the defendant offered nothing in settlement and asserted that no recovery would be obtained for their client. The defendants even appealed the case to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver, Colorado. The Tenth Circuit denied their appeal, entered judgment against the defendants and added additional attorney fees and expenses for the conduct of the defendants.
Richard is a native of Kingman, Kansas, received his undergraduate degree in business administration from York College, York, Nebraska (B.S., Cum Laude, 1997) and obtained his legal education at Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas (J.D. with honors, 2000).
While attending York College, he was president of the student government and captain of the men's basketball team. While attending Washburn, he was a member of the Washburn Law Journal and his case was published and recognized as the best in the 1999-2000 issues of the Washburn Law Journal.
Richard and his wife Rachel, have one daughter, Abbey and one son, Jackson, and are very active in the community and their local church. He serves on the Board of Trustees of York College and formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Carpenter Place (formerly known as Maude Carpenter Children’s Home) in Wichita, as Chairman of the Church Finance Committee and as a Deacon at his church. Read Less
Live From KTLA: 2020 Annual Meeting & CLE Seminar Day 4
Don't miss Live from KTLA: 2020 Annual Meeting & CLE Seminar! This year's virtual format comes with new opportunities. More presenters - both your local favorites and national standouts, as always. More days of the Annual Meeting to spread out the learning, keep you off of a screen all day, and allow time daily for you to focus on your busy practice. More CLE hours (pending) of high-quality presentations for one all-inclusive price. And new opportunities to engage with your KTLA friends and colleagues in new and fun ways through online social events.
Presenters
David R. Morantz
David is a trial attorney representing the victims of general torts, with an emphasis in transportation, medical negligence... Read MoreDavid is a trial attorney representing the victims of general torts, with an emphasis in transportation, medical negligence and products liability cases. David has represented clients in federal and state courts and has argued cases before the Kansas Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.
David is a member of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys and the Kansas Association for Justice, which recognized David in 2013 with the Thomas E. Sullivan Award in recognition of significant promise and commitment as a developing leader for the association.
David joined the firm in 2005 after graduating from the University of Kansas School of Law, where he was an articles editor on the Kansas Law Review and was honored as the top student in the area of intellectual property during his final year of law school.
Prior to law school, David worked as a newspaper reporter for The Associated Press and for the Omaha World-Herald. David focused his reporting on exposing shortcomings in municipal services. He won several awards in recognition of outstanding reporting and writing. While in law school, David helped teach reporting and editing at KU’s William Allen White School of Journalism.
Besides journalism stints in South Carolina and Nebraska, David has always called the Kansas City area home. He earned his undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Kansas. When not at work, David enjoys spending time with his wife, Carrie, and their children, Lucy, Rebecca and Stanley. David also enjoys coaching and playing soccer, cycling, and cooking. Read Less
Rachel Smith
Rachel Smith founded the law firm in 2005. She handles nursing home cases, wrongful death, car wrecks, motorcycle wrecks,... Read MoreRachel Smith founded the law firm in 2005. She handles nursing home cases, wrongful death, car wrecks, motorcycle wrecks, truck wrecks, boat wrecks, ATV accidents, bike accidents, and premises liability (slip and fall) cases. She recently won a substantial verdict in a negligent hiring case. She also handles many brain injury cases. Ms. Smith also handles sexual assault and abuse of the elderly or those with intellectual disabilities. Her firm has obtained millions of dollars in recoveries for folks who have been injured. She is committed to protecting the injured from corporate insurance companies and will take her clients’ cases to trial.
Rachel is also a certified mediator and is often asked to act as a neutral third party to try and resolve civil cases.
Ms. Smith is admitted to practice law in both Kansas and Missouri. The law firm will handle wrongful death and nursing home cases nationally
Ms. Smith is very active in her community. She was an executive member of the Board of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Kansas City for many years and continues to volunteer time and financial support to the agency. Ms. Smith is a member of the BBBSKC Ambassador program and Smith Mohlman sponsored the BBBSKC Empowerment breakfast in 2019 and is currently sponsoring the Draft Month campaign. Rachel Smith and Mike Mohlman founded Smith Mohlman Foundation, a foundation that helps Kansas City community efforts. A portion of every fee is donated to the foundation. She chairs the Circle of Red supporting AHA research initiatives to fight heart disease in women. She is a member of the Women’s Employment Network Legacy Circle and the Women’s Foundation. She also supports WIN for KC, supporting the empowerment of girls through sports. Ms. Smith also supports Arts KC
Rachel has been selected as a “Superlawyer” every year since 2009. She was also selected as one of the “40 under 40” by the National Trial Lawyers and was selected as a “Woman Who Means Business” by the Kansas City Business Journal in 2012. She has been honored as “Best of the Bar”, and a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association. The law firm was awarded the “25 under 25” award in 2019, honoring the top 25 companies in Kansas City with fewer than 25 employees.
Ms. Smith is a graduate of the Keenan Trial Institute.
Ms. Smith Graduated from Kansas State University with Honors, And Then Obtained Her Juris Doctorate And Masters Of Business From The University Of Kansas. Read Less
Keith Mitnik
Keith R. Mitnik was born in Eustis, Florida in 1959. He graduated from Eustis High School in 1977. He graduated from UCF... Read MoreKeith R. Mitnik was born in Eustis, Florida in 1959. He graduated from Eustis High School in 1977. He graduated from UCF Magna Cum Laude in 1981 with a degree in Allied Legal Services. He graduated from FSU Law School with honors 1984. Upon graduation he was selected to train under one of the premier Trial Attorneys in Central Florida. Within two years he was named a partner by his mentor. He remained in the firm of Robertson, Williams, Mitnik and McDonald until 1992, when he formed The Law Firm of Peed and Mitnik. In 1997 he joined the Law Firm of Morgan & Morgan and is now one of the owners.
Keith Mitnik is Senior Trial Lawyer for Morgan & Morgan. He is designated to assist other members of the firm on their trials; as a result, he tries a large number of cases a year.
He has handled many high-profile cases and has been interviewed by Mike Wallace on 60 Minutes. Over the years, his list of clients included judges, elected officials, law firms, and world-famous musicians. He has handled such high profile cases as the suit against Britney Spears by her former manager, the suit by the Backstreet Boys against their former manager, the suit by Harlem Globetrotters legends including Curly Neal and Meadowlark Lemon against The Harlem Globetrotters, the civil suit against Casey Anthony, and the “Tailwind” case against CNN and Time Magazine (one of the leading defamation cases of the last decade). He has been honored as a member of the Florida Legal Elite, Florida’s “Super Lawyers”, Best Lawyers in America (2013 Lawyers of the Year), and Martindale’s Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers.
Mr. Mitnik has obtained a long list of verdicts in excess of a million dollars. In the last few years, he has jury verdicts of $1 Million, $1.35 Million, $2.4 Million, $2.7 Million, $5.1 Million, $18.1 Million, $27 million, $40 Million, and a $90 Million (which was the 7th largest verdict in America for 2010).
He is a frequent seminar presenter for plaintiff’s lawyers in Florida and across the country sharing his cutting-edge lawsuit strategies. Read Less
Brad Prochasca
SEMINAR CO-CHAIR - Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC Law Firm
Founding PHP Partner Bradley J. Prochaska is a personal injury and medical malpractice attorney at Prochaska, Howell &... Read MoreFounding PHP Partner Bradley J. Prochaska is a personal injury and medical malpractice attorney at Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC Law Firm. Founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 1985, PHP Law Firm now serves clients in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Illinois and Colorado.
Early on, Bradley developed a reputation for winning the tough cases other attorneys turned down, especially medical malpractice cases. Today, his clients are typically the victims of catastrophic injuries. He has settled six medical malpractice cases in Kansas for more than $4 million each, a track record no other Kansas medical malpractice attorney has achieved.
Bradley treats every client with friendship and respect, and they put their trust and faith into his talents. His goal is to obtain maximum justice and full compensation for each one of his clients. His mother-in-law died from medical malpractice, so he knows first-hand how devastating it can be on the lives of victims and their families. He litigates only a few large cases a year in order to devote the time necessary to obtain the best results for each client.
Bradley is the former president of the Kansas Association for Justice and a longstanding member of the Leaders Forum of the American Association for Justice. He was also the national co-chairman of the Birth Trauma Litigation Group and is currently the national co-chairman of the Professional Negligence Group. Read Less
Lynn Johnson
SEMINAR CO-CHAIR - Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman
Lynn joined SJB as an associate in 1970 and became a partner in 1974. He quickly became nationally recognized as a trial... Read MoreLynn joined SJB as an associate in 1970 and became a partner in 1974. He quickly became nationally recognized as a trial attorney for his life-long devotion to the protection of individual rights and the enforcement of individual and corporate responsibility. As a trial attorney, he has devoted his career to representing individuals by fighting for their rights for safe products, safe health care and safe lives through the civil justice system.
Raised on the family farm in western Kansas, Lynn learned the importance of individual responsibility. He learned early on to be responsible for his own conduct. If something that he did had an impact on someone else, he took responsibility for it. That basic moral and legal concept directly relates to Lynn’s work as a trial attorney fighting to protect the rights of individual consumers when they are injured as a result of irresponsible conduct by others.
Lynn’s formal education, which began in a one-room country schoolhouse in Kanona, KS, led to an undergraduate degree from Kansas State University in 1967 and Juris Doctorate degree with honors from Washburn University School of Law in 1970. He is a life member of the Alumni Associations of both universities and has served as President of the Washburn Law School Association.
Lynn is married to Jacqueline Lovelace Johnson. Jackie has served for many years as Chair of the Board of Directors of Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute in Albuquerque, NM, the second largest respiratory research institute in the United States. Jackie and Lynn have one son, William Randolph (Randy) Johnson Lovelace.
Lynn has been recognized for many years by his peers in Kansas, Missouri and the United States as one of the best trial attorneys in the country. Lynn is currently rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell and has been rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell since 1976.
Lynn shares his expertise by being a frequent lecturer/presenter at trial attorney continuing legal education events throughout the country. Over his career he has made more than 100 CLE presentations. Read Less
Caroline Gurney
Richard W. James
2020-21 KTLA President and Annual Meeting Presenter - DeVaughn James Injury Lawyers
Richard W. James has a proven track record of success in obtaining maximum recoveries for his clients. His past case results... Read MoreRichard W. James has a proven track record of success in obtaining maximum recoveries for his clients. His past case results caused him to be recognized by other lawyers as an AV Attorney (the highest possible rating) from Martindale in the areas of personal injury law and litigation.
Richard has successfully tried cases in both State and Federal Courts. When the Wichita Public Schools were forced to bring lawsuits against certain contractors for faulty construction, they chose to hire Richard as lead trial counsel. After a lengthy two-year battle in litigation the defendants agreed to pay more than *$2.4 million dollars in damages. In 2010, in a commercial litigation case, he obtained a verdict in the amount of *$265,992.00 against an advertising firm. In this case, he was successful in obtaining a verdict that "pierced the corporate veil" and held the president of the company personally liable. Prior to trial, the defendant only offered $10,000.00 to settle the case.
In a case that concluded in 2010, Richard and Dustin tried a three-week jury trial between two companies and obtained a verdict in excess of *$1,000,000.00. Immediately prior to trial, the defendant offered nothing in settlement and asserted that no recovery would be obtained for their client. The defendants even appealed the case to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver, Colorado. The Tenth Circuit denied their appeal, entered judgment against the defendants and added additional attorney fees and expenses for the conduct of the defendants.
Richard is a native of Kingman, Kansas, received his undergraduate degree in business administration from York College, York, Nebraska (B.S., Cum Laude, 1997) and obtained his legal education at Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas (J.D. with honors, 2000).
While attending York College, he was president of the student government and captain of the men's basketball team. While attending Washburn, he was a member of the Washburn Law Journal and his case was published and recognized as the best in the 1999-2000 issues of the Washburn Law Journal.
Richard and his wife Rachel, have one daughter, Abbey and one son, Jackson, and are very active in the community and their local church. He serves on the Board of Trustees of York College and formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Carpenter Place (formerly known as Maude Carpenter Children’s Home) in Wichita, as Chairman of the Church Finance Committee and as a Deacon at his church. Read Less