Craig S. O'Dear
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2008
About Craig S. O'Dear
Craig S. O'Dear is a lawyer based in Kansas City, MO and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2008. Craig S. O'Dear is recognized in the following practice areas:
-
Kansas City, Missouri
- Commercial Litigation
- Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
- Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
- Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs
Current Firm: Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
Education: Vanderbilt University, J.D., graduated 1982
Location: Kansas City, MO
Nearby Lawyers
Daniel P. Wheeler is a partner with the firm of Kembell Woods & Martinsen LLP. Mr. Wheeler focuses his practice on fiduciary litigation, probate administration, adult and minor guardianships, and mediation in cases throughout Missouri and Kansas. Mr. Wheeler served as a Probate Commissioner for the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri for more than fourteen years. As Probate Commissioner, he presided over family and fiduciary disputes in trust and probate matters, including fiduciary...
William S. Robbins, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Labor Law - Management. William S., who practices law in Kansas City, Missouri, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Scott Long is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. Scott, who practices law in Kansas City, Missouri, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Scott is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Todd A. Scharnhorst is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. Todd A., who practices law in Kansas City, Missouri, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Todd A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Melody Rayl is a partner in the Kansas City office. Melody counsels and advocates for private and public-sector employers in all aspects of employment litigation and traditional labor law. Melody regularly advises and counsels her clients through difficult situations with an eye to preventing litigation before it occurs and provides training to supervisory and management level personnel on a variety of employment related topics. When litigation does occur, Melody works with employers in defen...
Attorney Samuel Wendt is a founding member of Wendt Law Firm P.C. and has dedicated his practice to representing injured people and their families. Sam has successfully represented countless people involved in automobile and commercial vehicle accidents, victims of medical malpractice and nursing home neglect, and wrongful death claims. He has also represented hundreds of clients injured by defective pharmaceuticals and medical devices, such as Yaz/Yasmin, Avandia, and Actos, to name a few. S...
Jesse J. Camacho is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property and Patent Law. Jesse J., who practices law in Kansas City, Missouri, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jesse J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
James D. Griffin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. James D., who practices law in Kansas City, Missouri, has been recognized since 1997. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
