Clients and peers praise Stephanie's work ethic, describing her as "quick to respond, attentive and very helpful with her opinions," "a diligent student of the law and a substantially effective trial lawyer" and "bright, responsive and a pleasure to work with."
Overview
First and foremost a strategic legal advisor, Stephanie provides her clients with practical business and legal solutions in all areas of employment law compliance. Stephanie's focus is always on the business objectives of her clients in reaching the best possible outcome. Whether she is defending employment litigation cases, AIR-21 claims before OSHA, wage and hour claims before the Department of Labor, or providing daily employment counseling on a variety of complex employment issues, including reductions in force, WARN Act compliance, and disability and religious accommodations, Stephanie takes a refreshingly straightforward approach when navigating challenging legal issues.
In addition to her broad-based litigation experience, Stephanie has specialty practice areas including helping federal government contractors and subcontractors navigate the nuances of recent Executive Orders that impact employers. She provides consulting, training and audits on a variety of employment law compliance issues, including development and implementation of legally compliant, pay equity evaluations, personnel policies and procedures, and diversity programs. Stephanie also represents companies in high-stakes internal investigations related to various employment issues including sexual harassment, misconduct and assault allegations. In addition, she utilizes her experience to serve as lead labor and employment specialty counsel in M&A transactions as well as to advise on public company ESG issues.
Experience
More than 25 years’ experience successfully representing a global aviation manufacturing company and advising on a variety of federal and state employment matters as well as defending employment administrative charges, litigation matters, and appellate matters before the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, including the defense and successful resolution of gender and age discrimination claims, DOL audits and EEOC-filed disability discrimination class action lawsuit.
Representation of global aerospace manufacturing and assembly company in all facets of employment and labor including experience successfully advising and defending employment administrative proceedings, and state and federal litigation matters. Stephanie also provides support for strategic collective bargaining negotiations, labor arbitrations, strikes, and day-to-day labor relations issues, as well as employee benefits, immigration, safety, internal investigations and government audits and claims.
News & Insights
News
Publications
"Balancing Inclusion, Legal Compliance in 2025: Dual Perspectives from Legal and HR," Wichita Business Journal, February 2025
Recognitions
Recognitions
Consistently recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Labor and Employment – Management and Litigation – Labor & Employment. Selected as a Lawyer of the Year in 2022 and received Women in the Law recognition in 2017.
Recognized with the highest ranking in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business.
Listed as a Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyer for Employment Litigation: Defense.
Received recognition in the Wichita Business Journal's Women Who Lead series.
Recognized for her community involvement by being selected to the Wichita Business Journal's "40 Under 40" recognition.
Awarded the "President's Award" in recognition for her service on the Wichita Bar Association's Diversity Action Plan Drafting Committee who worked to develop a Plan to promote diversity in the legal community in Wichita.
Professional & Civic Activities
Professional & Civic Activities
Mark Arts, Board of Directors, Executive Committee, 2022-present
Kansas and Wichita Women Attorneys Association
Society for Human Resource Management Member and Frequent Speaker
Dress For Success Wichita, former President and Vice President
Practices & Industries
Admissions
- Kansas
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
Education
University of Kansas, J.D.
- Kansas Journal of Law & Public Policy
Kansas State University, B.S., Business Administration, Human Resources Management, cum laude