Blake D. Smith
Recognized in Ones to Watch since 2024 About Blake D. Smith
Blake D. Smith is a lawyer based in Kansas City, MO and has been recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America since 2024. Blake D. Smith is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Commercial Litigation
- Litigation - Bankruptcy
Current Firm: Spencer Fane LLP
Location: Kansas City, MO
Nearby Lawyers
Jeannie M. DeVeney represents retailers, school districts, public entities, and other employers in all types of employment law issues. She has successfully tried harassment, discrimination and retaliation cases to juries in both state and federal courts and has appeared before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Missouri Commission on Human rights, the Kansas Human Rights Commission, the Kansas City Human Relations Department and numerous other state and federal agencies. She has...
Curtis R. Summers is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Curtis R. practices law in Kansas City, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Curtis R. Summers since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Curtis R. Summers is held by other lawyers.
Andrew Schermerhorn is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Appellate Practice. Andrew, who practices law in Kansas City, Missouri, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Andrew is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area. Andrew's practice is devoted to matters that demand strategic judgment, deep procedural knowledge, and disciplined advoca...
Patrick (“Pat”) Hulla co-leads the firm’s Class Action Defense Group. Since 1993, Pat has represented employers who have been sued by current and former employees. He has led the defense in dozens of class and collective actions. Examples of his recent success include: Denial of class certification in consumer race discrimination action; Denial of national conditional certification of age discrimination claims under the ADEA; Denial of class action certification of off-the-c...
Jim Holland is managing partner of the firm’s Kansas City office. He works as a business partner with his clients and focuses his advice on helping them navigate employment issues with as little disruption to their operations as possible. Jim counsels employers about how to avoid workplace issues before they become lawsuits. When lawsuits cannot be avoided, however, Jim has litigated cases in federal and state courts across the country. Jim works with his clients to obtain practical, bu...
Grant L. Davis is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs, Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Grant L. practices law in Kansas City, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Grant L. Davis since 2001. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recogni...
John E. Franke is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. John E. practices law in Kansas City, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized John E. Franke since 2018. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which John E. Franke is held by other lawyers.
Explore and Learn
What AI Visibility Means for Lawyers
by Bryan Driscoll and Josh Rupall
AI tools increasingly interpret lawyers public information. Clear, consistent and credible sources help ensure they describe legal expertise accurately.
The Best Lawyers in Canada 2027: Recognizing the Nation's Top Legal Talent
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring established leaders and rising practitioners across Canada's legal profession.
2027 Best Lawyers Awards: Honoring Excellence in the Legal Profession
by Jamilla Tabbara
Recognizing the outstanding attorneys leading top practice areas nationwide.
Musk v. Altman: The Lawyers Behind the Case
by Jamilla Tabbara
Meet the Trial Lawyers Shaping One of AI's Biggest Legal Disputes.
Announcing the 2027 Best Lawyers Awards: Austria, Germany and Switzerland
by Jamilla Tabbara
Celebrating the legal professionals throughout Central Europe.
The Legal Teams Behind the Blake Lively–Justin Baldoni Settlement
by Grace Greer
A closer look at the legal teams and attorneys involved in the Blake Lively–Justin Baldoni litigation and its resolution.
The Best Lawyers in France 2027: Peer-Reviewed Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Seventeen editions of peer trust, a growing profession and a dynamic legal market.
Rules on Gifting Money to Family: What to Know
by Bryan Driscoll
Generosity often runs ahead of paperwork. Here's how to give to loved ones without surprising the IRS, your estate plan or your relationships.
Who Can Override a Power of Attorney?
by Bryan Driscoll
A power of attorney carries real legal authority, but it isn't absolute. Here's who can step in to revoke, restrict or set it aside.
How to Get an Eviction Off Your Record
by Bryan Driscoll
Whether an eviction can be removed, sealed or corrected depends on your state, your case and where the record appears.
