Michael Pappas

David R. Morantz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. David 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 David R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Nathalie C. Elliott is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Nathalie C., who practices law in Kansas City, Missouri, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Nathalie C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Victoria R. Westerhaus is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Victoria R., who practices law in Kansas City, Missouri, has been recognized since 2012. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Victoria R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Reed has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in the courtroom, successfully trying cases as both co-counsel and lead counsel. His track record of favorable verdicts and settlements speaks to his effectiveness as a tireless advocate for justice, particularly for victims and survivors of sexual abuse. Reed approaches each case with unwavering commitment and personal investment. He pursues every matter as if it were his own, leaving no stone unturned. This is especially true in his wor...

Jeff Burns is one of the preeminent truck crash attorneys in the country. He has consulted on hundreds of cases and won his clients millions of dollars in settlements. Over the span of his career he has not only tirelessly fought for justice for his clients, but more importantly, has worked on a national level to reform and change the trucking industry to be safer. He has spent almost as much time in Washington D.C. as Kansas City educating the public and working for rule changes, stronger la...

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.

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...

Rachel D. Stahle is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Rachel D., 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 Rachel D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

While his current practice extends to different areas of tort litigation, José has represented families and individuals injured in railroad grade crossing collisions for most of his career. Before starting his own firm in 2011, he was an attorney with a renowned Kansas City law firm with a national practice in railroad litigation. Missouri Lawyer's Weekly has highlighted the results of José's work on several occasions, including his $3 million settlement of a private crossing co...