Frank is a commercial litigator who focuses on oil and gas and expert-intensive litigation. His analytical background in engineering and science provide him the foundation to navigate complex and technical issues.
Overview
Frank began his career specializing in medical malpractice defense, which provided him extensive trial experience. It also prepared him for technical and expert-driven litigation, which is instrumental in his practice today.
Even before a lawsuit is filed, Frank is constantly working to develop a deep understanding of his clients’ businesses in the oil and gas, finance, refinery and health care industries. If a client is sued, Frank compiles a professional team consisting of skilled assistants, paralegals and attorneys. This approach allows him to employ an aggressive approach while being efficient.
Frank has tried numerous jury and bench trials, working on trials and cases exceeding well over $10 million in alleged damages. He has been successful at each stage of litigation, obtaining temporary and permanent injunctions, summary judgment on individual claims and entire cases, motions to dismiss on procedural issues, jury verdicts, verdicts on bench trials and appeals.
Experience
Oil and Gas
Recovered damages and attorneys’ fees for operator in dispute with driller involving catastrophic event during drilling operations.
Obtained summary judgment against alleged partner regarding allegations of existence of joint venture and area of mutual interest for oil and gas exploration and production.
Represented and negotiated friendly settlement for pipeline company in wrongful death lawsuit involving gas explosion.
Obtained summary judgment on breach of contract and conversion claims involving allegations of unauthorized disposal of off-lease saltwater from oil production.
Obtained friendly settlement for investors in failed oil exploration partnership involving claims of fraud, conversion, and breach of fiduciary duty after successfully attaching defendant's assets pre-judgment.
Commercial and Financial Services Litigation
Litigated and negotiated favorable settlement for developer regarding breach of contract claim in sales tax and revenue (STAR) bond project.
Represented unsecured creditor in loan dispute and successfully obtained writ of execution, partition, and forced sale of real property.
Successfully tried and obtained permanent injunction for senior water right holder involving case that ultimately defined "impairment" and helped shape the procedure for prosecuting an impairment claim and the application of the prior appropriation doctrine in Kansas.
Represents lenders in commercial foreclosure and collection actions.
Medical Malpractice Defense
Obtained defense verdict in jury trial for cardiologist involving negligence claims after plaintiff suffered a stroke during heart catheterization.
Obtained favorable settlement for pharmacy in wrongful death lawsuit involving allegations of negligently dispensing opioids.
News & Insights
News
Speaking Engagements
"Lender Liability: The Borrower's Blame Game and How to Avoid Becoming a Participant," Kansas Bankers Association Annual Conference for Lenders, Fall 2018
"Daubert Comes to Kansas: Three Lessons from Federal Practice," KADC annual meeting
"Ethical Implications of Social Media," Business Law Update Seminar, 2018
Publications
"Daubert's Wake and Other Ripples of S.B. 311", Kansas Defense Journal, 2015
"The Expert Deposition: Back to the Basics," DRI's The Whisper, Volume 10, Issue 12, 2015
Recognitions
Recognitions
Selected to the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers in America©
Recognized as a Young Professional in Legal Services, Wichita Business Journal, 2022
Professional & Civic Activities
Professional & Civic Activities
American Bar Association
Kansas Bar Association
Kansas Association of Defense Counsel
Civil Procedure Committee for the Wichita Bar Association
DRI
Young Professionals of Wichita
Pro bono adult guardianships
Practices & Industries
Admissions
- Kansas, 2011
Education
University of Kansas School of Law, J.D., 2011
- Kansas Journal of Law and Public Policy, Staff Articles Editor
Kansas State College of Engineering, B.S., 2008
