James B. "Jim" Betterman

Katrina Smeltzer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law and Litigation - Insurance. Katrina, 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 Katrina is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brian Finucane is a partner in the firm's Kansas City office. He has practiced exclusively in the field of labor and employment law since 1977. Brian provides a broad range of legal services in employment law, from daily client consultation designed to avoid legal problems to defending clients in complex class action litigation. He also represents clients in traditional labor law matters, negotiating contracts and handling National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) matters, union contract arbitrat...

Stacy M. Bunck is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Stacy M., 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 Stacy M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Shelley I. Ericsson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Shelley I., who practices law in Kansas City, Missouri, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Shelley I. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Samuel K. Cullan, M.D., J.D. is a medical doctor, engineer, and Board-Certified Trial Lawyer. Dr. Sam Cullan is well known as an advocate for catastrophic injury victims of trucking accidents and medical malpractice, handling difficult cases such as birth injuries and brain and spinal cord injuries in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Arizona. He graduated with honors from the United States Merchant Marine Academy with a degree in Marine Engineering and went on to be elected to the Nebraska Stat...

Sean has extensive trial and litigation experience through his 27 years of civil defense practice. He represents national transportation companies in cases involving personal injury, Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), grade crossing accidents, property damage, cumulative trauma exposure and other accident investigation and defense. His litigation experience includes a record of success in jury verdicts and pre-trial motion practice. He regularly serves on initial response teams fo...

Sharon L. Stolte is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Sharon L., 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 Sharon L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bob Kirkland is a founding partner of Kirkland Hochstetler PLLC and practices in Kansas City, Missouri. He is licensed to practice law in Missouri, Kansas and Florida. Mr. Kirkland represents individuals, families, and fiduciaries in a wide range of trusts and estates matters, including estate planning, trust formation, and estate and trust administration. His work includes the preparation of wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, durable powers of attorney, charitable trusts, and trusts fo...

Scott R. Manuel brings over 30 years of experience practicing in the areas of fiduciary litigation, estate planning, probate, trust and guardianship law to Kembell Woods & Martinsen LLP. Prior to joining KWM, Scott served as the Probate Commissioner for the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri starting in November 2014 following his initial appointment as the court’s Deputy Probate Commissioner in January 2014. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Scott was a shareholder with...

William Perry Brandt is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy) and Litigation - Securities. William Perry, who practices law in Kansas City, Missouri, has been recognized since 2001. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William Perry is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.