Professional Affiliations

Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice attorneys are active in several international and national legal organizations, many of which maintain selective membership criteria based on invitation, peer nomination and demonstrated trial or professional experience, including the following:

ALFA International (ALFA)

ALFA International is a global network of more than 140 independent law firms. Member firms meet established standards and are of similar size, experience and commitment to client service. Baker Sterchi serves as the ALFA member firm for Kansas City, MO and Overland Park, KS.

Through ALFA, the firm collaborates with experienced trial and business counsel across the United States and internationally. This network allows Baker Sterchi to assist clients with matters that extend beyond a single jurisdiction while maintaining local accountability and direct client relationships. Clients also have access to ALFA’s educational programming and practice-group resources, including seminars, webinars and legal compendia.

Attorneys active in ALFA practice groups include Jonathan Benevides (Transportation PG), Clay Crawford (Insurance PG), Lindsey Freihoff (Young Lawyers PG, Gig Economy PG), Scott Hofer (Insurance PG), James Jarrow (Transportation PG), Scott Kreamer (Managing Partners PG), Megan Sterchi Lammert (Product Liability and Complex Torts PG), Jacqueline Longfellow (Labor and Employment PG), James Maloney (Insurance PG), Christopher Mirakian (Business Litigation PG), Thomas Rice (Employment PG), Nicholas Ruble (Labor and Employment PG), Kara Stubbs (past chair, Product Liability and Complex Torts PG), Megan Stumph-Turner (Business Litigation PG), Philip Sumner (Construction PG) and John Watt (Construction PG). 

American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)

American Board of Trial Advocates is an invitation-only organization of experienced trial lawyers and judges. Membership is limited to attorneys who meet defined civil jury trial requirements and demonstrate substantial trial experience.

Candidates are nominated and evaluated through an established membership review process. The organization focuses on preserving the right to civil jury trials, supporting judicial independence and promoting civility and professionalism within the legal community.

Member attorneys include Mark Budzinski, Clay Crawford, Scott Hofer, Michael Hunter, Jeanne Loftis and Paul Venker. 

American College of Coverage Counsel (ACCC)

American College of Coverage Counsel is an organization of lawyers from the United States, Canada and Bermuda who represent insurers and policyholders in insurance coverage matters.

Membership follows a nomination and vetting process designed to recognize attorneys with substantial experience in insurance law. The organization promotes the ethical and efficient resolution of insurance coverage and extracontractual disputes while supporting legal research, publications and professional education.

Member attorneys include Clay Crawford and Scott Hofer. 

American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL)

American College of Trial Lawyers is an invitation-only fellowship of trial lawyers from the United States and Canada. Membership is limited to attorneys who meet defined experience and professional conduct criteria and are selected through a nomination and review process.

The organization works to improve the administration of justice, support an independent judiciary, preserve trial by jury and promote professionalism within the trial bar.

Member attorneys include Mark Budzinski and Scott Kreamer. 

Association of Defense Trial Attorneys (ADTA)

Association of Defense Trial Attorneys is an invitation-only organization composed of accomplished defense trial attorneys. Membership is intentionally limited and reserved for lawyers whose practices primarily involve defense litigation for insurers and self-insured entities and who have substantial trial experience.

Prospective members are nominated and reviewed by existing members and must satisfy defined experience and practice requirements before admission. The organization fosters professional collaboration, trial advocacy and the exchange of practical litigation knowledge among defense counsel.

Member attorneys include Laura Beasley, Robert Christie, Megan Coluccio, Jeanne Loftis, John Mahon, Jr. and Jennifer Maloney. 

Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC)

Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel is a professional organization of defense and corporate counsel. Membership is limited and follows a nomination and review process, with election by the organization’s leadership based on established admissions criteria.

The organization promotes knowledge sharing, professionalism and collegiality among defense and corporate counsel and supports a balanced civil justice system.

Member attorneys include Jonathan Benevides, Mark Budzinski, Robert Christie (past president), Megan Coluccio, Clay Crawford, Scott Hofer, Scott Kreamer (past president), Jeanne Loftis, Jacqueline Longfellow, Angela Probasco, Thomas Rice and Teresa Young. 

International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC)

International Association of Defense Counsel is an invitation-only professional association of corporate and insurance defense attorneys and insurance executives.

Membership follows a nomination and peer review process based on defined professional experience and practice criteria. The organization supports professional development, collaboration among defense counsel and discussion of issues affecting civil litigation and the justice system.

Member attorneys include Robert Christie, Megan Coluccio, Scott Kreamer, Nathan Leming, Christopher Mirakian, James Seigfreid and Kara Stubbs. 

International Society of Barristers (ISOB)

International Society of Barristers is an invitation-only fellowship of trial lawyers focused on preserving trial by jury, the adversary system and an independent judiciary.

Membership is by invitation following a review process that considers trial experience, professional accomplishments and ethical standards. The organization includes fellows from throughout the United States and several other countries.

Member attorney includes Scott Hofer. 

Product Liability Advisory Council (PLAC)

Product Liability Advisory Council is a nonprofit association of product manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and legal professionals focused on product liability law and risk management.

The organization addresses developments in product liability law and regulation through conferences, webinars and collaborative forums and provides a setting for discussion of litigation and regulatory issues affecting manufacturers and other product-related businesses.

Member attorneys include Michael Hunter, Jennifer Maloney, Thomas Rice and John Watt.

Participation in these organizations reflects professional engagement in legal education, collaboration and service within the broader legal community.

Membership in professional organizations does not constitute a specialty certification or endorsement.