Emily N.K. Monroe

Emily represents local and national companies in employment law litigation with a careful attention to each ones' preferences and needs.  Her practice includes both single-plaintiff lawsuits and class and collective action cases.  She defends employers during agency investigations and in state and federal courts against claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful discharge, whistleblowing, breach of contract, and wage and hour violations.  She also represents organizations accused of discrimination in the context of public accommodations or housing.

Emily has tried over 50 jury trials, as well as several bench trials, administrative hearings, and other contested matters.

Trained as a mediator in 2012 at Missouri State University, she has since defended the interests of dozens of employers at mediations.  She is a successful negotiator in and out of the mediation arena, having been negotiating as a litigator for almost 20 years. 

Emily also advises clients about how to avoid charges of discrimination or retaliation when making hiring, coaching, disciplinary, and termination decisions.  She enjoys providing clients with practical solutions to dilemmas they face, taking into consideration their particular labor market opportunities and legal risks.

She works with employers in a very wide range of industries, including hotels, hospitals, senior living facilities, manufacturers, contractors, restaurants, and non-profit organizations. 

Prior to joining the firm, Emily worked as a criminal defense attorney and prosecutor, where she developed and honed her skills regarding investigations, addressing issues of jury appeal, handling intense negotiations and resolving questions of fairness and equity.  She has been litigating since 2003.

The Missouri Bar

Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association