With vast experience in complex commercial litigation, Heather skillfully navigates all stages of dispute resolution for her clients.
Overview
Heather's experience litigating a wide variety of legal disputes gives her a broad knowledge base to draw upon when handling litigation matters for her clients. Whether she is defending manufacturers against product liability claims, aircraft manufacturers against supplier claims, property owners in real estate disputes, or businesses and financial institutions in contract disputes, Heather endeavors to listen carefully to her clients' needs and find the most practical solutions to their problems. Her composed and pragmatic approach to litigation ensures that her clients obtain the best possible results in the most cost-effective manner.
She also counsels employers on issues arising under state and federal employment laws, in addition to conducting harassment and discrimination investigations and revising employee handbooks. Heather's past experience representing plaintiffs in employment disputes gives her an edge in defending her clients in employment cases.
Experience
Business Litigation
Defended aviation client against claims arising from corrosion discovered in fleet of pre-owned aircraft.
Represented client in a breach of contract and negligence case arising from failed repair of gas turbine, reaching a settlement in excess of $10 million.
Financial Services Litigation
Represented a banking client in claims arising from breach of participation agreement, reaching a multimillion dollar settlement.
Represented lenders in various claims for violation of Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA) brought by state attorney general and private plaintiffs.
Product Liability Litigation
Served as national litigation counsel for a power wheelchair manufacturer for product liability claims.
Real Estate Litigation
Represented property owners in an inverse condemnation case through trial and appeal, reaching a $3 million jury verdict in favor of the client.
Obtained damage verdict in excess of $10 million in favor of client in nuisance case.
Employment Litigation
Obtained successful settlements in single and multiple plaintiff employment discrimination cases.
Successfully defended claims for unpaid overtime under Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Successfully negotiated with Department of Labor (DOL) to address unpaid overtime claims.
News & Insights
News
Recognitions
Recognitions
Missouri Super Lawyers©, 2014-2021
Missouri Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2008, 2011-2013
Missouri Lawyers Weekly's Up and Coming Lawyer, 2009
KC Magazine's Top Young Attorney in Missouri and Kansas, 2008
Professional & Civic Activities
Professional & Civic Activities
Bethel College Board of Directors, 2011-present
- Chair, 2015 - 2016
- Vice Chair, 2013 - 2014
Practices & Industries
Admissions
- Missouri
- Kansas
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri
- U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas
- U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Eighth, Tenth and Eleventh Circuits
Education
University of Minnesota Law School, J.D., cum laude, 1999
Bethel College, B.A., summa cum laude, 1996
