in and out of the courtroom

Baker Sterchi electronic billing specialist Lori VanTroost has been appointed communications director of the Association of Legal Administrators Jacksonville Chapter Board of Directors for the 2026–27 term.

Gregory Odom618.202.5802

On behalf of the firm's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, Baker Sterchi was proud to sponsor the Autism Color Fun Run/Walk event held on April 11 in Carterville, Illinois.

Laura K. Beasley618.202.5801

Baker Sterchi Member Laura Beasley will speak at the 2026 Association of Defense Trial Attorneys (ADTA) Annual Meeting being held April 21-25 in Playa Herradura, Costa Rica.

Jeanne F. Loftis971.374.5577

Baker Sterchi Member Jeanne Loftis will serve as a panelist at the 2026 American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) National Women's Leadership Summit, April 9–12 in Savannah, Georgia.

Matthew Tillma816.448.9374

Missouri's mechanic's lien statute for new residential property contains conflicting notice provisions that can result in the loss of lien rights, even when an owner fails to record a required notice. Until courts provide guidance, contractors must take proactive steps to protect their rights.

Brian G. Maxey206.973.8680

Baker Sterchi attorney Brian Maxey of the Seattle office has been appointed to the Washington State Data Exchange for Public Safety (WADEPS) Data Governance Advisory Committee.

Megan Sterchi Lammert816.448.9358

Baker Sterchi Member Megan Sterchi Lammert is serving as program chair of ALFA International's Product Liability & Complex Torts Practice Group Regional Seminar taking place April 16 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Robert L. Christie206.979.3859

Baker Sterchi Member Bob Christie will speak at the 2026 DRI Toxic Torts and Environmental Law Seminar being held April 15-17 in Miami, Florida.

James T. Seigfreid, Jr.816.471.2121

Sara N. Rakowiecki816.448.9313

2025 presented mainly good news for defendants based on the recent data for Kansas City area jury verdicts. As the number of cases tried continues to decrease, so does the total amount awarded to Plaintiffs. Of the total verdicts in 2025, only 39% were for the Plaintiff. With fewer trials and diminishing recoveries, this evolving climate is likely to influence how civil disputes are evaluated, negotiated, and resolved.

Samantha R. Patterson816.448.9338

Rachel M. Schafer314.345.5028

Baker Sterchi attorneys Sam Patterson (Kansas City, Missouri) and Rachel Schafer (St. Louis, Missouri) graduated from the 2025-2026 Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC) National Ladder Down Program, a yearlong program devoted to the professional development of women lawyers.