With vast experience spearheading complex litigation, Heather skillfully and pragmatically navigates all stages of dispute resolution for her clients.
Overview
Whether she is defending manufacturers against products liability claims, aircraft manufacturers against supplier claims, or businesses and financial institutions in contract disputes, Heather listens carefully to her clients' needs and finds the most practical solutions to their problems. She advocates zealously for their interests without the gratuitous aggressiveness that is common in litigation. Clients appreciate her composed and practical approach, ensuring the best possible results in the most cost-effective manner.
While Heather’s experience allows her to effectively represent clients in a variety of disputes, she has a particular focus defending clients against products liability claims. She has coordinated national defense of a client in products liability matters, and has extensive experience selecting and managing consulting and testifying experts. Her products liability defense experience extends to a host of products, including but not limited to aircraft, Class II medical devices, personal care products, and on- and off-road vehicles.
Heather serves as the firm’s Kansas representative to TerraLex, an international network of vetted law firms, providing her clients access to quality lawyers throughout the world. When she is not defending clients, Heather spends her time at her second “full-time job”—her teenage kids' sports activities.
Experience
Product Liability Litigation
Defended off-road vehicle manufacturer in multiple product liability actions involving claims for catastrophic injuries and wrongful death in multiple jurisdictions across the country.
Defended hair care product manufacturer in products liability and deceptive trade practice claims.
Defended aviation client against claims arising from corrosion discovered in fleet of pre-owned aircraft.
Served as national litigation counsel for a power wheelchair manufacturer for product liability claims.
Business Litigation
Successfully defended manufacturer against breach of contract claims brought by supplier in state court, including obtaining partial summary judgment.
Successfully pursued claims on behalf of international client in arbitration against US-based company arising from breach of licensing agreement and false advertising, among other claims.
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.
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.
News & Insights
News
Recognitions
Recognitions
Selected to the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers in America©
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, 2011-2021
- 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
