in and out of the courtroom

Rachel M. Schafer314.345.5028

The Missouri Court of Appeals for the Western District reversed and remanded the lower court's judgment in favor of the defendant, Soo Line Railroad Company, after finding that the lower court erred by allowing decedent's treating physician, who had not been designated as an expert witness, to testify at trial regarding a new causation opinion not previously disclosed in discovery.

Gregorio Silva816.448.9363

The Northern District of Texas Issued an Order and Final Judgement vacating the Consumer Financial Services Protection Bureau Rule capping late payment credit card fees after stipulation by both sides that the CFPB violated the law in enacting the same.

Alena N. Johnston314.345.5081

Baker Sterchi attorney Alena Johnston has been appointed social media vice chair of the DRI Women in the Law (WITL) Committee for the 2025 term. She also has been named the WITL liaison to the DRI Insurance Law Committee (ILC).

Gregorio Silva816.448.9363

Consumer Financial Services Protection Bureau advises the Northern District of Texas that it anticipates the parties can reach a mutually agreeable resolution to litigation challenging the CFPB's Rule capping late payment credit card fees by mid-April.

Allison M. Garrett816.488.9312

The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the district court's dismissal of several states' claims against the EEOC challenging enforcement of part of the Pregnant Workers' Fairness Act that they allege mandates them to make "reasonable accommodations" for state employees who are seeking an abortion procedure.

Lindsey R. Freihoff816.448.9394

Baker Sterchi associate Lindsey Freihoff's article, "Emojis in Court: No Laughing Matter," has been published in the March/April 2025 edition of the Kansas Bar Journal.

Michael B. Hunter314.345.5012

Manni Jandernoa Watson, they/them/theirs314.345.5092

In a matter of first impression, a Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District panel has held that mobile ride sharing apps may in appropriate circumstances qualify as "products" for purposes of products liability claims.

Steven P. Sanders314.345.5002

Baker Sterchi attorney Steve Sanders has been selected by Missouri Lawyers Media to receive the 2025 ICON Award, joining other distinguished individuals aged 60 or older who have demonstrated exemplary legal careers, long-standing commitments to the Missouri legal community, and success beyond the practice of law.

Philip V. Sumner816.460.2811

Baker Sterchi Member Phil Sumner's is a contributing author of the article, "Time's Up! Comparing Reform Efforts on Time-Limited Demands," published in the March/April 2025 edition of Claims and Litigation Management (CLM) Magazine.

Kara T. Stubbs816.471.2121

Kara Stubbs of Baker Sterchi, in collaboration with Burbidge Mitchell, secured summary judgment in a medical device product liability case before the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri.