Patrick J. Respeliers

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...

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...

Jack Wallace is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Jack practices law in Kansas City, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Jack Wallace 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 Jack Wallace is held by other lawyers.

Mark Emison is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Mark practices law in Independence, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Mark Emison since 2025. 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 Mark Emison is held by other lawyers.

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...

Christopher (Chris) McHugh defends individuals and businesses in civil and criminal litigation in Kansas and Missouri, focusing particularly on the construction and transportation industries. His representation spans from state to federal regulatory, trial, and appellate work. In one of his cases, Chris achieved a historic victory that helped determine the law applicable to moon rocks.

Tom Hershewe is one of the Midwest’s leading bad faith insurance litigators. Tom represents insureds who have had their insurance companies abandoned them after another person sued them. Even in cases where the insurance company defends its insured, Tom often serves as the insured’s personal counsel to ensure that the insurance company takes the correct steps to resolve the case. During his time at Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe, Tom has recovered more than $130 million agai...

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.

Thomas C. Jones is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs, Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs and Railroad Law. Thomas C. practices law in Kansas City, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Thomas C. Jones since 2010. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice ...