News
Firm Named Federal Criminal Litigation Law Firm of the Year for Missouri
The firm has been named Federal Criminal Litigation Law Firm of the Year for Missouri by the Lawyer Network Annual Awards for 2025. Each year, the Lawyer Network Annual Awards identifies and honors attorneys and law firms that “have been successful over the past 12 months and have shown excellence, not only in expertise, but also in service.” The group receives nominations through its website and then undertakes investigation and independent research to identify the award winners. Members of the White Collar Defense and Investigations Group include Jeff Morris , Shazzie Naseem , Christina M. DiGirolamo Wahl , Nick Kurt , …
Read More >Seven Lawyers Named to 2026 Edition of the Best Lawyers in America(R)
Seven Berkowitz Oliver partners have been named to the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America(R): Nick Kurt for Commercial Litigation; Jeff Morris for Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense: General Practice, and Criminal Defense: White-Collar; Shazzie Naseem for Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense: General Practice, and Criminal Defense: White-Collar; Kathleen Nemechek for Employment Law-Management; Tom Schult for Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Action – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants; John Shaw for Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Securities, and Product Liability Litigation – …
Read More >Shazzie Naseem Receives Richard S. Arnold Award for Distinguished Service at Eighth Circuit Judicial Conference
Partner Shazzie Naseem received the Richard S. Arnold Award for Distinguished Service at the Eighth Circuit Judicial Conference in Kansas City, MO, on July 31, 2025. This award is presented to individuals who embody the qualities demonstrated by Judge Arnold, including professional excellence, leadership within the legal community, dedication to volunteer legal services, peer recognition, and mentorship to less-experienced lawyers and students. Before joining Berkowitz Oliver in 2006, Shazzie served for six years on active duty as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps. As …
Read More >John Shaw Speaks to Kansas City Paralegal Association
Partner John Shaw spoke to the Kansas City Paralegal Association’s February luncheon on February 20, 2025, in commemoration of the KCPA’s 50th anniversary. Drawing from his five decades of experience working with paralegals, Shaw shared insights, memorable stories, and “avuncular advice” from his distinguished career. He left attendees with this reminder: “Never become really good at something you hate doing.” Shaw also recited “To Be of Use” by Marge Piercy, a piece celebrating hard work and perseverance. He recommended several influential reads, including “All the King’s …
Read More >Stacey Gilman Appointed to Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association Leadership Role
The Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association has selected partner Stacey Gilman to Chair its Federal Courts Advocates Section (FCAS) Membership/Social Committee . FCAS connects federal court practitioners with federal judges, clerks, and other federal lawyers through seasonal social events and outreach programs designed to enhance community awareness of the federal system. The Section also develops and executes continuing education programs to help practitioners navigate the federal courts system and stay up-to-date with relevant developments. Gilman looks forward to joining FCAS’s 2025 leadership team, and is excited to work on this year’s programming with her Vice …
Read More >Associate Stephanie Boord Joins Firm
Stephanie Boord recently joined Berkowitz Oliver as an associate. Stephanie is a 2024 graduate of the University of Kansas School of Law . While in law school, she served as Managing Editor of the Kansas Journal of Law and Public Policy. Stephanie is a 2019 graduate of the University of Iowa (Bachelor of Administration with majors in Data Analytics and Human Resource Management). During law school, Stephanie worked as a judicial intern for Magistrate Judge Angel D. Mitchell in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas and helped coordinate pro …
Read More >Eleven Berkowitz Oliver Attorneys Named Super Lawyers, Rising Stars
Eleven attorneys at Berkowitz Oliver have been named 2024 Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers or Rising Star. The following were named Super Lawyers: Stacey Gilman for Business Litigation Nick Kurt for Business Litigation Jeff Morris for Criminal Defense: White Collar Shazzie Naseem for Criminal Defense: White Collar Kathleen Nemechek for Employment & Labor Christina Wahl for Criminal Defense: White Collar Jennifer Wieland for Class Action The following were named Rising Stars: Braden Lefler for Business Litigation Blake Saffels for Criminal Defense: White Collar Diamond Thomas for Business Litigation Jasmine Ward for Business Litigation Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a patented multiphase selection process. Peer …
Read More >Associate Courtney Kroeger Joins Firm
Courtney Kroeger recently joined Berkowitz Oliver as an associate. Courtney is a 2022 graduate of Washburn University School of Law . While in law school, she served as Executive Editor of the Washburn Law Journal. She graduated magna cum laude from Truman State University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Public Communication and a minor in Business Administration. Prior to joining the firm, Courtney completed a two-year clerkship for the Hon. David E. Bruns on the Kansas Court of Appeals. During law school, she worked as a legal intern …
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