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Overview

Kristen utilizes her extensive training in alternative dispute resolution to efficiently resolve legal disputes when appropriate, but also acts as an aggressive advocate for clients when litigation is the optimal path.

Having completed a curriculum in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), Kristen is adept at finding early and efficient options for challenging and resolving disputes. Kristen advocates for clients on the firm’s award-winning Asbestos Litigation team, which is known for strategizing innovative and cost-sensitive solutions for insurance and manufacturing clients facing challenging risk profiles and dockets. Kristen also has extensive deposition and courtroom experience concerning automotive and transportation products, along with industrial equipment. She is a skilled litigator and fierce protector of clients’ interests.

Kristen is committed to keeping an open line of communication with clients throughout the litigation process. Appreciated by clients and colleagues for her creativity, her communication skills and her ability to effectively collaborate, Kristen is able to analyze complex legal issues and offer nuanced counsel in part by staying in close contact with clients.

Industries

Services

Recognition

  • Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers, Product Liability, Rising Star, 2019-2023
  • Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association (KCMBA), Bar Leadership Academy (BLA), 2018 Class
  • Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association (KCMBA), Ross T. Roberts Trial Academy, 2019 Class
  • Missouri Bar Pro Bono Wall of Fame, 2021

Education

  • J.D., University of Missouri School of Law
    • Missouri Law Review, Associate Editor
    • ABA Arbitration National Competition, second place
    • Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys Student Chapter, President
    • Phi Alpha Delta, Vice-President
    • Dean’s List
  • B.A., University of Missouri-Columbia
    • Psychology
    • Dean's List

Admissions

  • Missouri
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri
  • Kansas
  • Illinois
  • Florida
  • Pennsylvania

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association (KCMBA), Young Lawyers Section
  • Defense Research Institute (DRI)
  • American Bar Association (ABA), Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) curriculum


*Kristen works remotely and is licensed in Florida, practicing in St. Petersburg. Contact Kristen via email or phone for in-person/virtual meetings. Use our Kansas City office address for mail/deliveries.
Experience
  • Second-chaired personal injury amputation trial spanning eight days with plaintiff requesting +3M in damages and resulting in zero-fault verdict for sole defendant, including conducting cross examinations of key fact witnesses.
  • First-chaired civil trial to verdict in property damages matter, recovering full damages requested by client.
  • First-chaired civil trial in matter of property boundary, reaching desired result for client.
Outside the Office

Kristen is the MVP of her billiards league.

Kristen and her husband recently relocated from Kansas City to Florida to spend more time scuba diving, fishing, and lounging on the beach. They continue to be avid Kansas City sports fans. Any time they are not chasing their toddler around the house, they can be found cheering on their home teams.

Community Leadership
  • Happy Birthday Inc., Board of Directors
  • Cornerstones of Care – Gillis Campus, Champion of Care volunteer
  • Wings 4 Water, Volunteer