I grew up in Jefferson City, Missouri and attended college at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. After graduating with a degree in economics, I attended the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law. After my May 1995 graduation, I remained in Kansas City to practice. I am licensed to practice in both Missouri and Kansas state courts as well as numerous federal courts throughout the country. (Click for Curriculum Vita).

In 1999, I realized my law school dream by opening my own practice. I have successfully tried numerous jury trials in federal and state courts. My office focuses on representing individuals in wage and hour issues including claims for overtime pay in complex wage and hour class action claims.

My practice differs from the majority of other law firms for several reasons. First, I limit the number of cases taken by my office. This allows me an opportunity to devote a high level of attention to my clients’ cases. Second, I take a holistic approach to my clients’ files. This is often referred to as seeing the “big picture” of a client’s case. It involves understanding the client’s needs and desires and how these relate to the realities of litigation. This approach is extremely important in providing the best advice and guidance to my clients. Finally, I prepare and work on all cases as though they are going to trial. Instead of taking a case in hopes of a quick settlement, I take a case with the expectation of going to trial. If settlement does occur, it is the bi-product of preparing the case for trial and not preparing it for settlement.

This approach has allowed me to successfully pursue wage and hour claims and other employment matters against large corporations defended by some of the biggest law firms in the country. Some examples would include:

• Barnwell, et al. v. Corrections Corp. of America, U.S. Dist. Ct. Kan. FLSA collective action on behalf of 30,000+ corrections officers, corrections counselors, case managers, and clerks located in 19 states. Confidential class wide settlement for overtime pay.
• Payson, et al. v. Capital One Home Loans, LLC, et al., U.S. Dist. Ct. Kan. FLSA collective action on behalf of 600+ loan consultants, loan processors, and loan closers. Confidential class wide settlement for overtime pay and liquidated damages.
• Staton, et al. v. Cavo Broadband Comm., Inc., et al., U.S. Dist. Ct. E.D.Mo. FLSA collective action and Rule 23 class action on behalf of cable installations technicians. Confidential class wide settlement for overtime pay and breach of contract claims.
• Morak, et al. v. CitiMortgage, Inc., U.S. Dist. Ct. E.D. Mo. FLSA collective action on behalf of 1000+ loan originators. Confidential class wide settlement for overtime pay.
• Smith, et al. v. Mill-Tel, Inc., U.S. Dist. Ct. Kansas. FLSA collective action on behalf of 1000+ cable installation technicians. Confidential class wide settlement for overtime pay and liquidated damages.
• Hamilton, et al. v. ATX Services Inc., U.S. Dist. Ct. W.D. Mo. FLSA collective action on behalf of 300+ cable installation technicians. Confidential class wide settlement for overtime pay.
• Most, et al. v. General Nutrition Centers, Inc., U.S. Dist. Ct. Kansas. FLSA collective action on behalf of 5000+ store managers at GNC nutrition center retail locations for incorrect overtime pay. Confidential class wide settlement for overtime pay.
• Cantebury, et al. v. Parsons Construction Company, U.S. Dist. Ct. W.D. MO. FLSA collective action on behalf of construction workers for one of the nation’s largest construction firms for not receiving pay for work being done off the clock. Confidential class wide settlement for overtime pay.
• Bryant v. Boys & Girls Club of K.C., Jackson County, Missouri Circuit Court. Jury trial representing Plaintiff for retaliation claim under Missouri Human Rights Act. $610,000 verdict for Plaintiff including punitives.
• Bishop v. Heartland Chevrolet, Inc., Jackson County, Missouri Circuit Court. Jury trial representing Plaintiff for wrongful termination for exercising workers compensation rights. Plaintiff’s verdict. Upheld on appeal before the Western District Court of Appeals; 152 S.W.3d 893 (Mo.App.W.D. 2005).
• Goudeaux v. Output Technologies, Inc., U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri. Jury trial representing Plaintiff in racial discrimination, racial harassment, and retaliation claim. Significant settlement prior to closing arguments.
• Bryant v. Continental Steel and Conveyor Company of Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri Circuit Court. Jury trial representing Plaintiff for wrongful termination for exercising workers compensation rights. Plaintiff’s verdict including punitive damages.