Shook Partner Receives Trial Excellence Award

Shook Partner Brent Dwerlkotte was selected to be the first recipient of the Hon. Matt J. Whitworth Trial Excellence Award from the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association (KCMBA). 

Named for the late Hon. Matt J. Whitworth, the award is reserved for the designation of a pre-eminent trial lawyer who is an outstanding litigator regularly practicing in the United States District Court of the Western District of Missouri and/or the District of Kansas. Award criteria includes noteworthy professional competence and performance as a trial lawyer, showing the qualities of industry, integrity, civility and courtesy. 

Dwerlkotte was chosen for the inaugural award based on his character and experience, both seen as exemplifying the spirit of the award. The Award will be presented at the 48th Annual Bench-Bar & Boardroom Conference held virtually May 13. Dwerlkotte will speak on the topic of “Reflections on the Practice of Law,” about his personal observations and experiences.

Dwerlkotte has been involved in nearly 30 jury trials and has represented clients in the health care, consumer products, firearms and transportation industries. He has been listed repeatedly in the “Rising Stars” category in Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers and is the recipient of Shook’s William G. Zimmerman Pro Bono Award.