Timothy M. "Tim" Alvarez

Randy Coffey is a partner in the Kansas City office. He devotes his practice to the representation of management in labor and employment matters, defending employers in state and federal courts throughout the United States. Randy has litigated numerous multi-plaintiff and class-action cases, as well as cases brought by individual plaintiffs. He also provides representation before state and federal administrative agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Lab...

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...

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...

Michael Serra is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Michael practices law in North Kansas City, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Michael Serra 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 Michael Serra is held by other lawyers.

Stacy M. Bunck is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Stacy M. practices law in Kansas City, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Stacy M. Bunck since 2020. 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 Stacy M. Bunck is held by other lawyers.

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.

Rachel D. Stahle is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Rachel D. practices law in Kansas City, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Rachel D. Stahle since 2023. 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 Rachel D. Stahle is held by other lawyers.

Trina Ricketts is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Trina practices law in Kansas City, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Trina Ricketts since 2021. 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 Trina Ricketts 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...