It can happen. Defendants get resentful that someone is pursuing them or may try to dodge their responsibility. Unfortunately for the claimant, there is an exclusion in every insurance policy – auto or homeowners – that if an insured does not cooperate with the insurance company, the insurance company either: (1) declines coverage all together […]

I write to ask for your vote for the Missouri Bar Board of Governors. If elected I will work to improve services the Bar provides to us lawyers and ensure issues that concern us are heard and promptly addressed. The election begins Tomorrow – Friday, July 19 and ends on Thursday, August 15. Votes will […]

You need to ask venirepersons about any prejudices or personal feelings which could prevent a panelist from following the court’s instructions. State v. Henderson, 750 S.W.2d 555 (Mo. App. 1988). In particular: A plaintiff seeking money for personal injuries has a right to inquire whether anyone has any prejudices or beliefs about the amount or […]

A party “is entitled to a full panel of qualified jurors before being required to make peremptory challenges and that there is prejudicial error in failing to sustain a meritorious challenge for cause.” State v. Wacaser, 794 S.W.2d 190, 193 (Mo. banc 1990). So after voir dire, lawyers ask the court to strike jurors for […]

The cornerstone of our judicial system lies upon the constitutional right to a fair and impartial jury, composed of twelve qualified jurors. Williams v. Barnes Hosp., 736 S.W.2d 33, 36 (Mo. Banc 1987). It is fundamental that jurors should be thoroughly impartial. Kendall v. Prudential Inc. Co., 327 S. W. 2d 174, 177 (Mo. 1959). […]

This past week was the tenth anniversary of my paralegal Casey and I working together and a simple bio in my newsletter is not long enough to tell everyone what she does on a daily basis for my firm. Ever have someone you love working with, who seems like she can read your mind, and […]

This year we welcomed attorney Genavieve Fikes to the firm. She has nearly a decade of litigation experience, and is not afraid to go to trial on any case, large or small. Although the majority of our cases settle, sometimes they do not. Then, we are forced to go to trial to prove to the […]

From our CLE, Debbie champion and I did a fantastic ethics presentation. Here are the top 6 answers to ethics questions I find lawyers and lay people have. 1.What are the two most often reported rule violations? RULE 4-1.3: DILIGENCE A lawyer shall act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client. RULE 4-1.4: […]