John E. Franke

Jeremy Suhr is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Antitrust Law, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Antitrust and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Jeremy, who practices law in Kansas City, Missouri, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jeremy is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Anita Porte Robb is a Cum Laude graduate of The University of Michigan Law School. Ms. Robb is a nationally respected advocate. The National Law Journal has recognized Anita as one of the Top Ten women trial lawyers in the country, and Lawyers USA has identified her as one of five " Women of Note " nationwide. Ms. Robb has appeared frequently in the media as a spokesperson for victims’ rights. She has used issues raised in her cases as a springboard for policy debates in courts and the ...

Chris R. Pace is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Chris R., 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 Chris R. 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.

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...

Bob Kirkland is the Founding Partner of the law firm of Kirkland Woods & Martinsen LLP, which has offices in Liberty, Missouri, Springfield, Missouri and Overland Park, Kansas. He is licensed to practice law in Missouri and Kansas. He works with a variety of individual clients, handling the preparation of Wills, Living Trusts, Durable Powers of Attorney, Irrevocable Trusts, Charitable Trusts and Minor’s Trusts, and counseling clients in the areas of gifting techniques, asset protect...

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...

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.

Scott R. Ast is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Scott R., 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 R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.