in and out of the courtroom

Kansas Law Blog:Kansas amends its rules of evidence to align with Federal Rule 702 and Daubert

MAY 5, 2026

Kansas amends its rules of evidence to align with Federal Rule 702 and Daubert

On April 7, 2026, Kansas Governor Kelly signed SB 398, amending the Kansas Rules of Evidence to require proponents of expert testimony to demonstrate the opinion will "more likely than not" assist the trier of fact to understand evidence before the witnesses may testify.

Recognition:Tom Rice Selected for 2026 Missouri Lawyers Media ICON Award

MAY 4, 2026

Tom Rice Selected for 2026 Missouri Lawyers Media ICON Award

Missouri Lawyers Media has selected Baker Sterchi Member Tom Rice as a recipient of its 2026 ICON Award.

Speaking Engagements:Heather Shore to Lead, Speak at KBA Construction Law CLE Conference

MAY 4, 2026

Heather Shore to Lead, Speak at KBA Construction Law CLE Conference

On June 5, Baker Sterchi Member and Kansas Bar Association Construction Law Section President Heather Shore will help lead and co-present at the KBA Construction Law CLE Conference in Olathe, Kansas.

Firm News:Baker Sterchi Welcomes Amber Nations as Director of Accounting

MAY 1, 2026

Baker Sterchi Welcomes Amber Nations as Director of Accounting

Baker Sterchi welcomes Amber Nations as the firm's Director of Accounting, based in the Kansas City office.

Firm News:Jim Maloney Appointed Co-Chair of Baker Sterchi Insurance Coverage & Bad Faith Practice Group

APR 30, 2026

Jim Maloney Appointed Co-Chair of Baker Sterchi Insurance Coverage & Bad Faith Practice Group

Baker Sterchi Member Jim Maloney has been named co-chair of the firm's Insurance Coverage & Bad Faith Practice Group, succeeding Michael Shunk and joining Clay Crawford, who continues to serve as co-chair.

Results:Court of Appeals for the Western District Affirms Summary Judgment in Favor of Firm Client in Case Involving Forklift Injury

APR 30, 2026

Court of Appeals for the Western District Affirms Summary Judgment in Favor of Firm Client in Case Involving Forklift Injury

On April 21, 2026, the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Western District affirmed summary judgment entered in favor of a firm client in a negligence suit arising from a fall from the elevated platform of a raised forklift.

Speaking Engagements:Laura Beasley to Speak on Reptile Litigation at IDC Damages Conference

APR 29, 2026

Laura Beasley to Speak on Reptile Litigation at IDC Damages Conference

On May 14, Baker Sterchi Member Laura Beasley will co-present at the Illinois Defense Counsel (IDC) Damages Conference in Chicago, Illinois.

Firm News:Baker Sterchi Welcomes Kym Johnson as Director of Financial Systems and Integrations

APR 29, 2026

Baker Sterchi Welcomes Kym Johnson as Director of Financial Systems and Integrations

Baker Sterchi welcomes Kym Johnson as the firm's Director of Financial Systems and Integrations, based in the Kansas City office.

Firm News:Jim Maloney Accepts Invitation to Join American College of Coverage Counsel

APR 27, 2026

Jim Maloney Accepts Invitation to Join American College of Coverage Counsel

Jim Maloney, a Member in Baker Sterchi's Kansas City office, has accepted an invitation to join the American College of Coverage Counsel (ACCC) as a Fellow.

Missouri Law Blog:Missouri Supreme Court affirms exclusion of expert testimony under Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 490.065 (the state law analogue to Federal Rule of Evidence 702), emphasizing failure to show reliability

MAR 12, 2026

Missouri Supreme Court affirms exclusion of expert testimony under Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 490.065 (the state law analogue to Federal Rule of Evidence 702), emphasizing failure to show reliability

The Missouri Supreme Court has reaffirmed that expert testimony must meet the requirements of Section 490.065 that the opinion be the product of reliable principles and methods, reliably applied.