Significant Cases

• Lead trial counsel for the plaintiff in Trence Robinson v. City of Arkansas City, Kansas, a case involving the City’s failure to increase the pay of an African American employee after he was promoted to lead the sanitation department. By the time of trial, the total wage difference was approximately $17,000. Following trial, the federal judge found that Mr. Robinson was denied procedural and substantive due process and was discriminated against because of his race and, as a result, awarded him over $275,000 (back pay, liquidated damages, front pay, prejudgment interest, and compensatory damages), in addition to his attorney fees. 

• Co-lead trial and appellate counsel for The Coleman Company, Inc. in Fleetwood Folding Trailers, Inc. v. The Coleman Company, Inc., 38 Kan. App. 2d 30, 161 P.3d 786 (2007) (affirming directed verdict, jury verdict, and judgment for Coleman on counterclaims for breach of contract and trademark infringement, with $14.5 million award of damages and treble profits plus attorneys’ fees) and Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. v. The Coleman Company, Inc., 37 Kan. App. 2d 850, 161 P.3d 765 (2007) (reversing judgment against Coleman for permanent injunction).

• Lead counsel for defendants in The John Allan Company, Inc. v. The Craig Allen Company, LLC, et al., including successful trial defense of plaintiff ’s claims for trade name and retail trade dress infringement.

• Lead counsel for The Coleman Company, Inc. in two trademark infringement and design patent infringement lawsuits in federal court against Dollar Tree Stores, arising from Dollar Tree’s sales of knock-off key chains. Both matters settled during discovery.

• Lead counsel for Viega LLC in federal court litigation, Viega LLC v. Vanguard Pipe & Fittings Ltd. et al., arising out of a share purchase agreement among the parties, including claims for trademark infringement and unfair competition under the Lanham Act and breach of contract. Achieved successful settlement for client before discovery commenced.

Community Involvement

• United Way of the Plains Young Leaders Association - Charter Member; Steering Committee, 1997-2009; Chair, 2001, 2002, 2006
• United Way of the Plains Board of Directors, 2007-2020; Campaign Cabinet, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2012; Grant Review Committee, 2001-2006, 2009-2015, 2017-present
• Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center, Board of Directors, 2000-2006, 2012-2017, 2019-present
• Wichita Women’s Initiative Network (WIN), Board of Directors, 2017-2018
• Leadership Wichita, Class of 2002, Board of Trustees, 2003-2005