Jeff is a seasoned litigator and trusted advisor to product manufacturers, construction firms and service providers responding to the aftermath of catastrophic events. His national practice focuses on high-stakes litigation involving wrongful death, serious personal injury and multimillion-dollar property damage claims. Clients rely on Jeff not only for his legal acumen but also for his steady guidance during complex and sensitive matters.
Jeff has successfully handled cases involving a broad spectrum of issues, including industrial equipment, commercial components and devices, personal protective equipment, construction and design and fire suppression and alarm systems. In addition to managing portfolio dockets, he counsels clients on commercial disputes, product warranty and recall matters and OSHA investigations.
A proactive strategist, Jeff works closely with clients to develop risk-reduction policies and procedures designed to prevent litigation before it arises. He combines practical insight with legal precision to help clients navigate both courtroom challenges and complex risk environments.
Representative Matters
Jeff provides counsel to his clients throughout the litigation process, including the following.
Claim response. Jeff is often the first call clients make after catastrophic events such as explosions or fires. He leads the response process, coordinating inspections, engaging experts and assessing liability and defenses. His early involvement frequently results in favorable resolutions before litigation begins. For example, his analysis of a client’s product in a multimillion-dollar paper mill explosion led the adverse party to abandon its claims after the initial site inspection. In another matter, Jeff’s strategic communication regarding installation and maintenance issues helped redirect a claimant’s focus to more appropriate parties.
Pretrial work. From initial pleadings through dispositive motions, Jeff protects his clients’ interests through targeted discovery, expert coordination, and persuasive advocacy. He has successfully drafted briefs that led to favorable rulings in wrongful death and property damage cases, and he brings extensive experience in arbitration, mediation and deposition strategy.
Trial. Jeff represents clients at trial when necessary. He co-tried a three-week personal injury matter in New York state court, where he argued motions, examined and cross-examined corporate representatives as well as expert and fact witnesses. Jeff was also on the trial team for a successful property damage case in Missouri state court.
Publications and Presentations
Major Incident Best Practices, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association Construction Law Committee CLE, August 7, 2025.
Document Management and Electronic Communication: Litigation Implications, Nebraska Chapters of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE), February 11, 2020.
Recent Missouri Decisions Define a New Era in Employment Discrimination, The Missouri Bar Journal, 2010 (with William Martucci).