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Overview

A.J.’s experience as a varsity baseball player influences how he approaches legal matters: with teamwork, time management and appreciation for diversity.

A.J. has represented universities and colleges in a wide variety of complex litigation, including matters of Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, state and federal employment disputes, Section 1983 claims and class action claims. A.J. has also represented clients in commercial litigation concerning employment disputes, premises liability, tort claims and contract disputes. He has frequently represented clients in mediation and settlement negotiations for these matters. A.J. has handled appellate cases both as a respondent and appellant in the course of his practice.

In addition to litigation, A.J. also works with educational entities at all levels to draft policies and procedures, comply with regulatory requirements and engage in program reviews by the U.S. Department of Education. A.J. also assists in training educational entities on compliance with various legal obligations and conducting investigations. A.J. frequently advises collegiate institutions on various athletic-related matters, including NCAA compliance and risk management.

He's excited to be working in the education industry where the stated mission for a client is to make the world a better place. In that spirit, A.J. also makes significant contributions to the firm's pro bono efforts, representing victims of human trafficking as a part of Husch Blackwell's Human Trafficking Clinic.

Industries

Services

Recognition

  • Education Law Association, August Steinhilber Award for Best Brief Writing in the Appellate Courts, 2023
  • Missouri Bar Pro Bono Wall of Fame, 2019

Education

  • J.D., University of Kansas School of Law
    • CALI Award, Business Organizations and Corporate Finance
    • Best Team Project for Civil Procedure Discovery Exercise
    • St. Thomas More Society, President
    • Kansas Journal of Law & Public Policy, Staff Editor
    • Business and Commercial Law Certificate
    • Moot Court Council Member
  • B.S.B.A., Appalachian State University
    • Finance and Banking; Risk Management and Insurance
    • Varsity Baseball, Southern Conference Champion
    • Dean’s List
    • North Carolina Excess and Surplus Line of Insurance Scholarship
    • Walker College of Business Financial Round Table Discussion speaker

Admissions

  • Missouri
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri
  • U.S. District Court, District of Kansas
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Illinois
2024 Pro Bono Contributor
Experience
  • Drafted and argued dispositive motions, motions opposing appointment of receiverships and discovery-related motions.
  • Directly managed all aspects of discovery including drafting and responding to discovery requests, defending depositions and compelling necessary responses.
Outside the Office

Baseball wasn’t the most important part of his college years: A.J. met his wife at school. They are involved in their church, and two young daughters keep them busy.

Community Leadership

A.J. had several influential sports mentors over the years and he pays that back by coaching a baseball team of 9- and 10-year-old boys. A.J. and his wife are also active in many Catholic charities.