Eric E. Packel

Robert (“Bobby”) Thrasher is a trial attorney at Monsees & Mayer PC in Kansas City, Missouri, representing plaintiffs in Personal Injury Litigation and Product Liability Litigation. His practice focuses on advocating for individuals harmed by the negligence and misconduct of others, including cases involving sexual abuse , motor vehicle accidents , wrongful death , and other personal injury matters. Bobby approaches each case with careful preparation, strategic litigation plan...

Brian Wallace is a trial attorney with Foster Wallace in Kansas City, Missouri, focusing on Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs . He represents individuals and families in serious injury , wrongful death , trucking accident , and complex negligence matters. Before joining Foster Wallace, Brian was a shareholder at an AmLaw 100 law firm, where he represented national companies and insurers in high-stakes litigation. He now applies that experience to helping injured clients pursue accountab...

Katrina Smeltzer is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law and Litigation - Insurance. Katrina practices law in Kansas City, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Katrina Smeltzer since 2024. 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 Katrina Smeltzer is held by other lawyers.

Josh Becker is an up and coming partner with an impressive pedigree and comprehensive knowledge of personal injury, insurance bad faith and truck crash litigation. Josh brings a unique perspective to our trucking, insurance bad faith and catastrophic injury practices. He began his legal career learning the ins and outs of personal injury litigation by defending the types of businesses and insurance companies he now prosecutes. By knowing how insurance companies evaluate and defend cases, and ...

Kansas City personal injury attorney Kirk Presley brings over four decades of legal experience to clients confronting the complexities of plaintiff’s personal injury cases. He handles situations involving trucking, aviation, and automobile accidents, alongside premises and product liability matters. Kirk Presley’s litigation practice is dedicated to advocating for clients while addressing industries with histories of wrongful or negligent actions. Kirk has in-depth knowledge in co...

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...

Scott R. Ast is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Scott R. practices law in Kansas City, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Scott R. Ast since 2024. 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 Scott R. Ast is held by other lawyers.

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.

J.J. Burns has a national reputation as a go-to-expert on truck crash litigation. Through both jury verdicts and negotiated settlements, he helps truck crash victims and their families hold truck drivers, motor carries and freight brokers accountable for their negligence. Additionally, he works continuously to introduce safer practices and more demanding safety rules in numerous states and across the country. He is currently the Editor of the Journal of Trucking Litigation, and has also serve...

John G. Schultz is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Insurance Law, Litigation - Construction, Litigation - Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. John G. practices law in Kansas City, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized John G. Schultz since 2017. 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 prof...