Cameron Roark (J.D. ’19) has left private practice to become an officer in the United States Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps. He will be spending the next two years rotating as a first tour JAG.

Cameron Roark ('19) joined the firm of Behr, McCarter & Potter, P.C. He will practice in the areas of employment law, federal civil rights, class actions, construction law and litigation.

Noah Nash ('19) joined the law firm of Lathrop Gage. Noah is part of the Insurance and Recovery and Counselling team. He will handling a variety insurance recovery matters, mass tor claims, environmental litigation, campaign finance and class action lawsuits Prior to his legal career, Nash worked as a catastrophe claims adjuster for a large insurance carrier, where he worked to provide aid to victims of natural disasters.

Garrett Pratt ('19), LL.M., has joined the law firm of Lathrop Gage. Garrett is part of the Tax and Employment Benefits team. He will be advising clients regarding federal income tax and employee benefits matters and the tax ramifications of various business transactions. He also assists clients with forming and dissolving legal entities, corporate reorganizations and advises on tax issues arising from the operation of partnerships and limited liability companies.

Jeremy Keel (J.D. ’18) has joined as an associate at the Janssen Estate Probate & Elder Law.

Zachary Parker (’18) has joined Sidley Austin LLP as a managing associate in the Chicago office. He joins the litigation practice group and primarily represents clients navigating issues related to products liability, mass torts, and other complex litigation. Since graduating, Zachary has worked on nationwide litigation representing Fortune 500 companies in state and federal court at all stages of litigation.

Kelvin Igumbor (’18) J.D.& LLM) is a new board member of the International Relations Council He currently serves as corporate manager for employee and labor relations at Dairy Farmers of America (DFA). He also serves on DFA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Board and helps champion equitable workplace/management practices and provides guidance on adherence to employment/labor laws.

Lischen Reeves ('18) joined Cerner as Corporate Counsel working with Privacy and Cybersecurity

Darrell Smith ('18) was crowned King at Operation Breakthrough's Mardi Gras luncheon. See Michelle Marvel ('07).

Carly Iverson (J.D. ‘17) joins Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC as an associate as part of the firm’s Jan. 1 merger with Foland, Wickens, Roper, Hofer & Crawford, P.C.

Amy Jackson ('17) has joined the law firm of Siro Smith Dickson PC. She represents individuals in employment litigation, including sex, age, race, religion, and disability discrimination, whistleblowing, harassment, and retaliation claims, as well as wage and hour class actions and personal injury cases. She has many years of experience representing clients in a wide range of employment matters, class actions, and complex litigation

Erica Frank (‘17) Public Service – Congratulations to our alumni who were selected for being selected for Missouri Lawyers Media Up & Coming Awards.

Lauren Dollar (‘17) Congratulations to our alumni who were selected for being selected for Missouri Lawyers Media Up & Coming Awards.

Keegan Tinney (’17) was selected as the Young Lawyers' Section delegate of the Missouri Bar to the American Bar Association House of Delegates. Tinney serves as the District 10 YLS Council representative.

Erica Frank ('17) has joined the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office in Independence as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. Erica previously served as Law Clerk to the Honorable Jennifer M. Phillips in Division 12 of the 16^thCircuit Court and is honored to continue her career with and for citizens of Jackson County.

Nirisi Angulo (’17) has joined Raytheon Technologies Corporate as a Specialist in the State Income Tax Division. She will be engaged in helping the company with various state income tax and compliance issues and audit support.

Taryn Nash (’17) who was named to Ingram’s 20 in Their Twenties She is a business-litigation associate at Lathrop GPM.

Bianca Finney (‘17) - she works full-time as an Assistant District Attorney at Unified Government of Kansas City.

Tara Moreland (J.D. ’16) joined the City of Kansas City, MO as an Assistant City Attorney in the Corporate Legal Services division. She will be assisting City departments with Missouri Sunshine Law matters and advise the City’s Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Department.

Christopher Accurso (‘14) Lon Hocker Award, 2022 MO Bar Annual Meeting

Jeffrey Mendoza ('16) has joined the U.S. Department of Labor - Office of the Solicitor as Trial Attorney. He will represent the Secretary of Labor in enforcement and interpretation of occupational and mine safety and health laws, civil rights laws, pension and health benefit laws, minimum wage and overtime requirements, whistleblower protections, and international labor standards. Additionally, he continues to serve as a Judge Advocate in the Marine Corps Reserve where he is a Senior Trial Counsel and Training Officer.

Jennipher Hawkins (‘16) Public Service – Congratulations to our alumni who were selected for being selected for Missouri Lawyers Media Up & Coming Awards.

Rachel Sterbenz (’16) was named a shareholder at Seigfreid Bingham, P.C. Her practice is corporate law including mergers & acquisitions, transactional work, franchise. 

Tara Moreland '16) has joined the firm of Guin Mundorf, LLC She previously was a Deputy County Counselor for Jackson County, Missouri. At Guin Mundorf, Tara practices education law, specifically focusing on general counsel for the firm's public education clients.

Joshua J. Cervantes (’16) has joined the law firm of Jackson Lewis P.C., where he focuses his practice on a variety of employment litigation issues. Joshua manages an active litigation docket and zealously represents his clients in all aspects of litigation, including at the commission level.

Sam Barfoot ('16) received the Robert C. Welch Volunteer Attorney Project Award for his outstanding dedication to the mission of the Adopt-A- Neighborhood (AAN)

Daniel (Dan) Schwaller, (J.D. ‘15) has made partner at Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.

JoEllen Englebart ('15) passed away on January 2, 2021. She served as an Assistant Jackson County Prosecutor in the special victim’s unit of the prosecutor's office, which included working with victims of child abuse and sex crimes.

Hon Sarah Castle ('15) was appointed by Governor Mike Parson as Circuit Judge. She is filling the vacancy created by the retirement of as Hon Sandra C. Midkiff ('75)

Justin Whitney (’15) has joined Lathrop GPM as an associate. Whitney is well-versed in assisting clients with basic and complex estate planning documents, implementing sophisticated planning techniques. He focuses on estate planning, probate and trust administration, trust and estate litigation, tax planning and the drafting of trusts, wills and corporate documents.

Jacob Lewis (J.D. ’14) was recognized by Missouri Lawyers Weekly as a Legal Champion

Robert Kinsman (J.D. ‘14) 2023 KCMBA YLS President

Ashley Grace (’14) Public Service – Congratulations to our alumni who were selected for being selected for Missouri Lawyers Media Up & Coming Awards.

Danielle M. Atchison (’14) selected for the KCMBA’s 49th Annual Bench-Bar & Boardroom Conference, Young Lawyer of the Year Award

Sara Hofeditz Christensen (’14) has joined the firm Lathrop GPM LLP as Pro Bono Counsel. She will serve as the firm’s designated attorney for all Jackson County, Missouri, indigent family court appointments and support the firm's commitment to pro bono and community service. Sara has experience representing clients in the criminal defense process, ranging from extensive pretrial preparation, bond reduction and evidentiary hearings, to bench and jury trials, and when necessary, probation violation and revocation hearings.

Jennifer Oswald Brown (’14) selected by Missouri Lawyers Media for 2021 Diversity & Inclusion Awards for her work to support and advance those initiatives

Corey Kilburn (’14) was selected as 40 under 40 2021 by the Springfield Business Journal (SBJ)

Nicholas Draper (’14) joined the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of General Counsel in August 2020 at the regional office in Kansas City, Kansas. He is a trial attorney where his practice is focused on the Fair Housing Act, the Freedom of Information Act, ethics, and litigation involving the agency. Nick was previously in private practice for four years and clerked for one and a half years for the Honorable Judge Cynthia L. Martin at the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District.

Sara Christensen ('14) Thomas J. Conway Award, KCMBA Bench Bar and Boardroom 2020 Award.

Ashley Grace, ('14) has joined the Missouri Attorney General's Office in Kansas City in February 2020. She is in the labor unit where her practice is focused on worker's compensation. Ashley was previously in private practice for four years and clerked for one year in Jackson County Circuit Court for the Honorable Janette K. Rodecap.

Sarah Lintecum (‘13) Congratulations to our alumni who were selected for being selected for Missouri Lawyers Media Up & Coming Awards.

Colin McClain (‘13) Congratulations to our alumni who were selected for being selected for Missouri Lawyers Media Up & Coming Awards.

Sarah Bradshaw (‘13) Congratulations to our alumni who were selected for being selected for Missouri Lawyers Media Up & Coming Awards.

Brandon Burkhart (’13) Passed away. Started his own firm right after graduation, focused almost exclusively on the area of Employee Rights. While attending law Brandon interned with the U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah W. Hays of the U.S. Western District of Missouri, the Community Development Office of Legal Aid of Western, and a general practice firm.

Scott A. Pummell (’13) has been named Shareholder of Lashley& Baer, P.C. Scott represents health care providers, health care providers, health care organizations, and owner-operated businesses .

Laura Van Note (’13) is a partner and shareholder of the firm as well as a change of the firm's name to Cole & Van Note. Scott Cole has been the sole owner of the firm since its inception in 1992. Laura joined the firm in 2019 as an associate and quickly became an asset to the firm inside and out of the courtroom. Laura is a skilled advocate for her clients, providing keen guidance and insight on a variety of matters including class action labor and employment, product liability, personal injury and civil rights matters. She has extensive courtroom experience, and her clients benefit from her varied background representing plaintiffs and defendants.

Crissy Del Percio ('13) recognized as an early-career professional in the public or non-profit sector

Michelle L. Cocayne ('13) recognized as an early-career professional in the public or non-profit sector

Matt Sparks ('13) recognized as an early-career professional in the public or non-profit sector

John Francis Baty (’13) passed away on Oct. 19, 2019. He practiced at the law firm of Baty Otto Coronado, PC. Alongside his father Lee Baty and his sister Laura Kaufman.

Alex Edelman (‘12) Congratulations to our alumni who were selected for being selected for Missouri Lawyers Media Up & Coming Awards.

Jennifer Cascio (‘12) joined Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. She focuses her legal practice on catastrophic personal injury, medical negligence, product liability and mass torts. Cascio was selected for the Rising Star 2020 award.

Sarah Castle (’12) was appointed to be the new associate circuit judge of Division 27. She will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Gregory B. Gillis.

Carl Scarborough (’12) retired as Chief of the Sni Valley Fire Protection District in Oak Grove, Missouri. After three decades as a paramedic, firefighter, training officer and leader, Chief Scarborough will now focus his full-time attention practicing law.

Andrew “Drew” Goodwin (’12) has joined the law firm of Joseph, Hollander, & Craft LLC. Drew is a litigator who represents individuals and business in the transportation, financial, utility and manufacturing industries. He provides general business counsel to small business clients, particularly in the areas of risk management and insurance coverage

David McCain (J.D. ’11) was recognized by Missouri Lawyers Weekly as an Influential Appellate Advocate

David McCain (’11) Public Service – Congratulations to our alumni who were selected for being selected for Missouri Lawyers Media Up & Coming Awards.

Ronald Nguyen (’11) selected for the KCMBA’s 49th Annual Bench-Bar & Boardroom Conference, Distinguished Counselor

Matt Moderson (’11) has joined Stinson, LLP. He is a commercial litigator whose practice focuses on business torts, financial services, and construction disputes.

Meg McCollister (’11) was appointed by President Joe Biden to serve as Regional Administrator for EPA Region 7. She is tasked with protecting the environment and human health in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and nine tribal nations. She previously served as a congressional intern in Representative Emanuel Cleaver’s Washington, D.C and Kansas City offices in 2007 and 2008.

David McCain (’11) selected by Missouri Lawyers Media for 2021 Diversity & Inclusion Awards for her work to support and advance those initiatives

Melissa Spearman (’11 LLM) has joined the law firm of  Chamberlin Hrdlicka. She represents individuals and businesses in all aspects of state and federal controversy. She has many years of experience representing clients in a wide range of tax matters; tax audits, tax appeals, employment tax, tax collection defense, penalty abatement request, lien withdrawal and release, installment agreements, offers-in-compromise, offshore voluntary disclosure program and streamlined domestic offshore program.

Jon H. Otto, (‘10) joined Everly in their downtown Kansas City office in August 2022 as Corporate Counsel. In his new role, Jon will provide legal advice regarding securities (Securities Exchange Act / Securities Act), finance, corporate governance, and transactional matters. Jon was previously in private practice at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, LP after beginning his legal career at Polsinelli.

Brent Dwerlkotte (’10) – Hon. Matt J. Whitworth Trial Excellence Award, KCMBA Bench and Bar and Board Room Conference 2021

JoEllen Flanagan Engelbart ( ’10) -Young Lawyer of the Year Award (posthumously), KCMBA Bench and Bar and Board Room Conference 2021   

Grant Henderson (JD ‘09) joins Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC as an associate as part of the firm’s Jan. 1 merger with Foland, Wickens, Roper, Hofer & Crawford, P.C.

Grant Henderson (J.D. ‘09) joins Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC as an associate as part of the firm’s Jan. 1 merger with Foland, Wickens, Roper, Hofer & Crawford, P.C.

Ryan L. White, (J.D. ‘09; ‘10 LLM) has joined KC Real Estate Law, an affiliate of The Biz Law Group, as of July 2022. Ryan brings litigation, estate planning, and tax practice areas to the firm’s existing practice areas of real estate transactions and raising investor money through syndications.

Philip Fuhrman (‘09) Lon Hocker Award, 2022 MO Bar Annual Meeting

Lindsey M. Vanfleet (’09) selected for the 2021 Women Who Mean Business by the Kansas City Business Journal

Robert Clarke (’09) was appointed in 2019 by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services as a Supervisory Administrative Law Judge for the Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals

Lara Krigel Pabst (’09) has been named one of the new leadership shareholders as she helps take over from the original founders Erlene Krigel (’09) and Sanford Krigel of Krigel and Krigel, P.C.

Katie Woods ('09) has been sworn in as the President-Elect of the Utah State Bar Association.

Adam L. Caine ('09) was appointed by Governor Mike Parsons appointed to the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit for Division 11. Adam was previously serving as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri.

Michael Meyer (’09) – Thomas J. Conway Award, KCMBA Bench and Bar and Board Room Conference 2021

Christopher Mirakian (J.D. ‘08) joins Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC as a Member as part of the firm’s Jan. 1 merger with Foland, Wickens, Roper, Hofer & Crawford, P.C.

Christopher Mirakian (JD ‘08) joins Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC as a Member as part of the firm’s Jan. 1 merger with Foland, Wickens, Roper, Hofer & Crawford, P.C.

Tricia Campbell, (JD ‘08) has joined Krause and Kinsman law firm in Kansas City as partner. She will continue to focus her practice on mass tort litigation, representing clients in personal injury cases involving products liability. She has many years of experience representing injured individuals in all aspects of civil litigation in both state and federal courts.

J. Kendall Seal (’08) joined Fisher Law, LLC as a Senior Litigation Associate to further strengthen the firm's family law litigation capabilities. He represents high-asset individuals in their family law matters in both Kansas and Missouri.

Amanda Smith Sodomka (’08) was recently named Chief Juvenile Officer and Assistant Court Administrator for the City of St. Louis. She currently serves as director of legal services for the Jefferson County, Mo., Juvenile Office. As St. Louis' Chief Juvenile Officer, she will direct all juvenile justice and child welfare programs under the Court’s jurisdiction.

Tricia Campbell ('08) was named partner at Langdon and Emison. She focuses her practice on mass torts litigation and representing clients in personal injury and product liability cases nationwide. She provides day-to-day oversight of the firm's mass torts litigation department and has played a lead role in expanding the firm's mass torts docket and growing the overall department.

Brennan Delaney ('08) was named partner at Langdon and Emison. He focuses his personal injury practice on cases involving product liability, premises liability, dram shop liability and other areas. He has played a critical role in a substantial number of cases that have yielded more than $40 million in verdicts and settlements for his clients.

Lisa M. Dube ('08) was selected by the judges as the new Jackson County Family Court Commissioner of Division 43. She will assume the position presently held by Commissioner David P. Kimminau.

Kendall Seal ('08) has joined the ACLU of Kansas as the Legislative and Policy Director. He previously served as Vice President and General Counsel of the Women's Foundation.

Shaun Stallworth ('08) Distinguished Counselor Award, KCMBA Bench Bar and Boardroom 2020 Award

Rory Akers (J.D. ’07) was recognized by Women We Admire in the Top 50 Women Leaders of Missouri 2023. She is the VP & ERISA Compliance Attorney for Lockton.

Michelle L. Marvel (J.D. ‘07) will receive the Presidents Award at the KCMBA’s 138th Annual Meeting on December 9, 2022.

Michelle Marvel (’07) and Nikki Cannezzaro (’00) launched Cannezzaro Marvel LLC , a litigation boutique that provides representation for personal injury and wrongful death; trucking and motor vehicle accidents; dangerous property, medical and drug injuries; defective products; and mediation.

Honorable Alisha O’Hara (‘07) was appointed as Circuit Judge for the 7th Judicial Circuit. Judge O’Hara currently serves as Associate Circuit Judge for the 7th Judicial Circuit. She will fill the Circuit Judge vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Elizabeth Davis.

Carol-Kyanka (’07) passed away on March 10, 2022. Carol was nontraditional student who obtained her law degree and passing the bar at the age of 60. She founded the Kansas City Dental Implant Society.

Meghan McKernan (’07) J.D.& LLM.) has been elected president and chief executive officer of the Gilmore & Bell, P.C law firm.

Kristi Burmeister (’07) selected for the 2021 Women Who Mean Business by the Kansas City Business Journal

Tiffany D. Gregg '('07) was appointed as the treatment court commissioner of Division 50 by the judges of the 16th Judicial Circuit at a meeting of the Court en Banc. At the time of her appointment, Gregg was serving as an attorney with the Missouri State Public Defender's Office. Gregg was appointed to fill the judicial vacancy that will occur when Commissioner David J. Fry ('85) who retired on December 31, 2020 after serving 13 years on the bench.

Hon. Kea S. Bird ('07) appointed by Missouri Governor Mike Parson to associate circuit judge of Division 27. She formerly served as Family Court Commissioner for Division 41.

Michelle Marvel ('07) was crowned Queen at Operation Breakthrough's Mardi Gras luncheon. See Darrell Smith ('18).

Hon. Cory L. Atkins ('’'07) was appointed as Circuit Judge for the 16th Judical Court in Division 17. He has filled the vacancy of the Hon. Jack R. Grate.

Rachel Rutter (’06) 2022 Missouri Lawyers Awards by Missouri Lawyers Media, Influential Lawyer

Ryan Helfrich (’06) was appointed as judge for the 20th Judicial Circuit. He was formerly a partner at Helfrich Hotz and Brandt LLC.

Gizie D. Hirsh (’06) has been promoted to partnership at Lathrop GPM. Hirsh leads the firm’s business immigration practice ande focuses her practice on representing businesses and individuals before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Department of Labor, the Department of State and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Kevin Brooks (J.D. ‘05) joins Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC as a Member as part of the firm’s Jan. 1 merger with Foland, Wickens, Roper, Hofer & Crawford, P.C.

Amy Brozenic (J.D. ‘05) from Lathrop GPM LLP has been recognized in the WTR 1000: The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals for 2023

Desarae Harrah (‘05) Law Firm Leader – Congratulations to our alumni who were selected for being selected for Missouri Lawyers Media Up & Coming Awards.

Christopher Pickett (’05) – Law Firm Leaders Award, Missouri Lawyers Awards 2021 by Missouri Lawyers Media.

Desarae Harrah (’05) 2022 Missouri Lawyers Awards by Missouri Lawyers Media, Law Firm Leader

Kristine Kappel (’05) selected for the 2021 Women Who Mean Business by the Kansas City Business Journal

Jin Liu (’05) was listed among Best Lawyers in Real Estate Law. She is the Chair of Development Industry Group at Carlton Fields; Real Estate and Finance.

Christopher H. Pickett ('05) LLM passed away on July 25, 2021, He spent his career as in-house counsel specializing in fintech companies.

Danielle Lee Elam-Jobe (’05) passed away on March 17, 2021. She found her first career employment with a corporate law firm, working in family law, where she embarked on her career. Later in her career, Danielle switched her focus from family law and went to work for Legal Aid of Western Missouri.

 Lisa Marie Demaree ('05) passed away on December 23, 2020. While in law school she was a strong advocate for the Innocence Project and after graduating she worked full time for the Innocence Project for a year and a half before taking a job with Pixis where she worked as a legislative auditor finding jobs for out of work and displaced Kansans.

Charles C. “Chuck” Curry (’05) passed away November 27th, 2020. He was a solo practitioner and in 1984, Belton, MO appointed him as Municipal Court Judge where he remained until he retired in July 2020. He served on the Missouri Municipal Judges Association in many positions including president Association in many positions including president. He was a United States Navy Veteran

Jessica Agnelly Krawczyk ('05), Litigation Practitioner Award, 2020 Missouri Lawyers Weekly for the Women's Justice Award

Jessica Agnelly Krawczyk ('05) was appointed by Governor Parsons as Associate Circuit Judge for the 16th Judicial Circuit. She is filling the judicial vacancy of Honorable Richard T. Standridge ('80) who retired June 1. 2020 after serving almost 27 years with the Jackson County Court.

Lucy McShane Davis ('05) is a partner at McShane and Brady LLC, having experience in court being both defense attorney and a prosecutor. She currently represents her clients who have been injured in vehicle accidents, slips and falls, nursing home neglects, and private medical record violations. She has also been involved with Infant Toddler Services of Johnson County, Cure of Ars School and St. Teresa’s Academy.

Desarae Harrah ('05) has founded Harrah Law. She practices in real estate, construction, business disputes, creditors rights, arbitration and mediation.

Tamara Veit (’04) selected for the KCMBA’s 49th Annual Bench-Bar & Boardroom Conference, Hon. Kelly Moorhouse Dedication to Children Award

Alicia M. Johnson (’04) is Legal Aid&'s new Executive Director. Alicia first joined Legal Aid in 2010 and has served as the Deputy Executive Director for the past seven years. In the Deputy Executive Director role, Alicia oversaw the central office move from the downtown Kansas City area into a more accessible client community. The move ensured that the organization continues to remain client-centered and client-driven.

R. Travis Willingham (’04) was appointed by Governor Mike Parson as Associate Circuit Judge for the 16th Judicial Circuit.

Phyllis Norman (J.D‘03) 2023 KCMBA President

David Buffo (’03) has been named as managing director of Dysart Taylor. His practice is business focuses on litigation, construction, transportation and logistics.

Athena Dickson ('03) Litigation Practitioner Award, 2020 Missouri Lawyers Weekly for the Women's Justice Award

Angela Kennedy (‘02) Congratulations to our alumni who were selected for being selected for Missouri Lawyers Media Up & Coming Awards.

Daniel Thomas (’02) – Legal Champions Award, Missouri Lawyers Awards 2021 by Missouri Lawyers Media.

Mara Cohara (’01) named to Ingram’s WeKC class of 2021. As a top women’s executive in Kansas City.

L. Annette Griggs(’01) selected for the 2021 Women Who Mean Business by the Kansas City Business Journal

Nikki Cannezzaro (J.D. ‘00) KCMBA 50th Anniversary of the BBBC Conference Distinguished Counselor Award.

Nikki Cannezzaro (J.D.’00) and Michelle Marvel (J.D.’07) launched Cannezzaro Marvel LLC , a litigation boutique that provides representation for personal injury and wrongful death; trucking and motor vehicle accidents; dangerous property, medical and drug injuries; defective products; and mediation.

Anne Schiavone (J.D. ’99) KCMBA 50th Anniversary of the BBBC Conference the Distinguished Counselor Award

Matt Hamilton (‘99) will compete as a Team USA track & field athlete at the upcoming World Championship in Tampere, Finland.

John Ketchum (’99) has been named president and CEO of NextEra Energy, Inc.</p

Mira Mdivani (’99) selected by Missouri Lawyers Media for 2021 Diversity & Inclusion Awards for her work to support and advance those initiatives

Ann Schiavone ('99) selected by The Kansas City Business Journal 2020 Women who Mean Business

Hon. Rebecca L. Spencer ('99) Public Service Award, 2020 Missouri Lawyers Weekly for the Women's Justice Award

Jean Peters Baker (’98) 2022 Missouri Lawyers Awards by Missouri Lawyers Media, Legal Champion

Deborah Blakely (’98) selected for the 2021 Women Who Mean Business by the Kansas City Business Journal

Travis Poindexter (’97) selected for the KCMBA’s 49th Annual Bench-Bar & Boardroom Conference, Hon. Matt J. Whitworth Trial Excellence Award

Jill Presley ('97), Litigation Practitioner Award, 2020 Missouri Lawyers Weekly for the Women's Justice Award

Ruth J. Brackney (‘97) is currently a partner and attorney at Lathrop GPM. She practices entrepreneurial services, family-owned business, trusts, estates, and legacy planning, trust and estate litigation. She is currently a board member with Big Brothers and Big Sisters. She was selected to the 32nd Class of the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City’s Kansas City Tomorrow Program, she was identified as the community leader.

Michael Kilgore (’95) – Legal Champions Award, Missouri Lawyers Awards 2021 by Missouri Lawyers Media.

Taylor Rickard (’95) – Legal Champions Award, Missouri Lawyers Awards 2021 by Missouri Lawyers Media.

Brian Gaddy ('94) was selected as the Western District of Missouri's newest U.S. Magistrate Judge. He is filling the judicial vacancy of Honorable John T. Maughmer ('80)

Clay Crawford ('93) joins Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC as a Member as part of the firm’s Jan. 1 merger with Foland, Wickens, Roper, Hofer & Crawford, P.C.

Hon. Melissa Taylor Standridge ('93) appointed by Governor Laura Kelly to the Kansas Supreme Court. Judge Standridge served on the Kansas Court of Appeals.

James L. Fahrenholtz (’92) passed away on August 20, 2021. He represented District 3 on Orleans Parish School Board 2000-2008 and was active and well known in political, legal and nonprofit circles. His most recent work was as a background actor for local television and film.

Teresa A. Moore (’92) was appointed as the Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri. She will serve in this capacity until there is a Presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed U.S. Attorney in place.

Phil C. Appenzeller, Jr. ('92) recently named to the 27th edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

John Anderson Tackes Baty (’92) passed away on Oct. 15, 2019. During his career he served as an Administrative Law Judge and Appeals Referee with the State of Missouri

Phil Appenzeller (’92) was included in the D-CEO Magazines Dallas 500 is a special edition that celebrates the most influential business leaders in Dallas-Fort Worth Texas.

Terri D. Lowdon (’91) selected for the 2021 Women Who Mean Business by the Kansas City Business Journal

Janet L. Sutton (’90) was appointed to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District. Judge Sutton previously served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Clay County and as an associate circuit court judge in the 7th Circuit Court.

Erlene Krigel (‘79) Michael R. Roser Excellence in Bankruptcy Award, 2022 MO Bar Annual Meeting

Aimee Riederer Gromowsky ('79), Pro Bono Award, 2020 Missouri Lawyers Weekly for the Women's Justice Award

Susan M. Kephart ('79) recognized for her volunteer work in the self-help clinic at the Leon Bloch Library with the Robert C. Welch Volunteer Attorney Project Award.

The Honorable Vernon E. Scoville, III (’78) passed away Monday, April 4, 2022. Judge Scoville worked as an Associate Circuit Court Judge for the State of Missouri for 22 years before his retirement in 2013. He was also a Missouri State Representative for 10 years.  

Catherine (Katy) Sweeney Hinkle (’78) passed away on October 27, 2021. After graduation she operated a solo practice of law and retired from practicing law in 2017

John R. Shank (’78) passed away on Oct. 7, 2019. John initially worked in private practice and served as an assistant public defender in Clay Co. He then practiced law with Michael Gunn and many other esteemed colleagues for 38 years

The Honorable Nancy Firestone (J.D. ‘77) passed away October 3, 2022. She was named to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in 1998 after an exemplary 20+ year career with the federal government. Nancy began work with the DOJ in 1977. Nancy quickly rose through the ranks ultimately serving as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Environment and Natural Resources Division of DOJ from 1995-1998, as a Judge on EPA's Appeals Board from 1992-1995 and as Associate Deputy Administrator of EPA from 1989-1992. Judge Firestone received the Law Alumni Achievement Award in 2017 and was an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University Law Center for more than 35 years.

Jim R. Petrie ('77) recognized for his volunteer work in the self-help clinic at the Leon Bloch Library with the Robert C. Welch Volunteer Attorney Project Award.

Nick Badgerow (’76) was honored as the 2022 recipient of the Johnson County Bar Association’s (JCBA) Justinian Award. The award is given to a lawyer who has been in practice for longer than 20 years and has exemplified a lifetime of dedication to the profession.

Donald G. Dylewski (’75) passed away on December 15, 2021. He worked forty years as Associate City Counselor for the City of St. Louis.

Hon. W.Stephen Nixon (’75) passed away on April 11, 2021. He was appointed to the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court on March 2, 1998.  After 12 years on the bench he set aside his robe and was appointed as the Jackson County Counselor for Jackson County.  Earlier, he was a solo practitioner for 22 years, His law partner was his wife Betsy Ann Stewart (’67).  He was elected as Mayor of Lake Lotawana in 1995.

Bart Strother ('75) passed away on October 19, 2020. He began his law career at the law firm of Foust, Strother and Frickleton for more than 15 years before going out on his own.

Hon. Fernando Gaitan, Jr. (’74) Spurgeon Smithson Award, 2022 MO Bar Annual Meeting

John P. Hastings ('74) recognized for his volunteer work in the self-help clinic at the Leon Bloch Library with the Robert C. Welch Volunteer Attorney Project Award.

Hon. Ronald Holliger ('74) recognized for his volunteer work in the self-help clinic at the Leon Bloch Library with the Robert C. Welch Volunteer Attorney Project Award. 

Bob Stein (J.D ’73) was inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame. Bob played for the Gophers from 1966-68, earning All-America honors two times. With the Gophers, he was a two-time All-Big Ten first team member and also played kicker. He went in the fifth round of the 1969 draft to Kansas City, going on to play eight seasons in the pros, including a Super Bowl championship in 1970 with the Chiefs.

Gerald M. Handley “Jerry” (J.D.’72) passed away on March 31, 2023. His practice area was criminal defense. He was a founder and the founding president of the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Jerry received the Lon Hocker Trial Lawyer award from the Missouri Bar Foundation in 1977. He was U.S. Army Veteran

Anita B. Johnson Butler ('72) passed away on August 8, 2020. Anita worked as a trust officer at First National Bank of Kansas City, eventually earning the title of Senior Vice President.  Upon leaving the bank she became a partner with the law firm of Slagle, Bernard and Gorman. She was a named partner in Berman, DeLeve, Kuchan & Chapman, LLC. and worked with the law firm of Krigel and Krigel PC.

Stephen Carl Caruso (’72) passed away on August 16, 2019. He practiced law in the Kansas City area for over 30 years. Steve served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Starr.

Ronald Wiesenthal (’72) of the St. Louis Mediation and Arbitration Center was named Missouri’s Best Independent Mediator in a poll of lawyers conducted by Missouri Lawyers Weekly.

Stephen S. Brown (’71) passed away on September 3, 2022. Steve joined the law firm Niewald, Risjord, & Waldeck. Though the firm's name underwent a few changes over the years, Steve remained at the firm for his entire career and, as a senior partner, helped build it into what it is today: Brown & Ruprecht. Steve dedicated his career to the defense of health care professionals. He thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of being an attorney, from trying cases in court, to working on presentations and professional publications, to encouraging and mentoring early-to-mid-career attorneys and paralegals. In 1981, Steve was a recipient of the Lon O. Hocker Memorial Trial Lawyers Award, which is given annually to outstanding trial lawyers in the state of Missouri under the age of 40.

Basil North, Jr. (‘71) has won the Icon Award from Missouri Lawyers Media.

Taylor Fields ('71) passed away on July 28, 2021. After graduating from law school, He worked as in-house counsel at Bendix Corporation. In 1974 he started his own law practice, which developed into the largest minority-owned law firm in the Kansas City area. Although lauded by many organizations, including the Kansans City Metropolitan Bar Association, the Jackson County Bar Association, and the National Bar Association, for his contributions to the legal profession, perhaps one of his proudest moments occurred when he successfully argued before the Missouri Supreme Court to establish a livable minimum wage of $15.00 per hour. Taylor served on various boards and served in numerous other community service organizations. He was a U.S. Army Veteran.

Hon. Lloyd C Loomis ('71) passed away on July 31, 2020.Judge Loomis served on the Los Angeles Superior Court, first as a Commissioner, and then as a Judge. Lloyd retired from the Bench in 2018. He was formerly a partner at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard and Smith from 2006-09, previously working at Sonnerschein Nath and Rosenthal and serving as senior corporate labor counsel at Arco.