News
Firm Chili Cook-off Brings the Heat
The firm held its annual Chili Cook-off on October 26, 2024. The Chili Cook-off is an annual event that honors firm employees Lynne Clark and Lois Steward in connection with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year’s Chili Champion was Carson Hinderks , whose “In my Smoked Era Chili” topped the seven spicy entries. Also competing with chili entries were Jennifer Wieland , Kirk Peterson , Braden Lefler , Courtney Kroeger , Alex DeMasi , and Stephanie Boord . Carson took home the coveted Pepper Belt Buckle. The event also featured our fourth-annual Cornbread Bake-off, …
Read More >Associate Alex DeMasi Joins Firm
Alex DeMasi recently joined Berkowitz Oliver as an associate. Alex is a 2017 graduate of Creighton University School of Law . While in law school, he served as Executive Editor of the Creighton International and Comparative Law Journal, and graduated Order of the Barrister. He also graduated from Creighton University in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Finance. Alex is a skilled litigator with experience in state and federal courts across the country. He has been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in Kansas and …
Read More >Eight Lawyers Named to 2025 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America(R)
Eight Berkowitz Oliver partners have been named to the 2025 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; David Oliver , for Commercial Litigation and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants; Thomas P. Schult , for Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, …
Read More >Firm Hosts “Camp Berkowitz” Happy Hour
Following in its long tradition of family-focused summer events, the Firm hosted its first-ever Camp Berkowitz Happy Hour for children and grandchildren of attorneys and staff on August 6, 2024. Kids participated in a firm-wide scavenger hunt, made trail mix, played games, and explored all the nooks and crannies of the Firm’s Crown Center office. Wearing orange backpacks and shining flashlights, they took over the office for a fun-filled afternoon!
Read More >Shazzie Naseem Speaks to Kansas City Paralegal Association
Partner Shazzie Naseem spoke at the Kansas City Paralegal Association’s July luncheon at Lidia’s in Kansas City on July 23, 2024. Naseem spoke to the paralegals on a variety of topics related to mind mapping. He provided suggestions, tips, and tricks for mental models, time blocking, and implementing The 12 Week Year into workflow and their daily lives. Naseem reminded the paralegals: “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” Paralegals were left with strategies to leverage in making their work lives more organized and efficient. …
Read More >Associate Stephan Skepnek Joins Firm
Stephan Skepnek recently joined Berkowitz Oliver as an associate. Stephan is a 2015 graduate of the University of Kansas School of Law. He also graduated from the University of Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in Germanic Studies in 2009. Stephan has extensive experience representing businesses and consumer financial services clients in both Kansas and Missouri and throughout the country. He also completed the KCMBA’s Ross T. Roberts Trial Academy in 2020.
Read More >Firm Hosts Hispanic Bar Association of Greater Kansas City’s February Happy Hour
On February 22, 2024,, the firm hosted members of the Kansas City community for a networking happy hour with the Hispanic Bar Association of Greater Kansas City (HBAGKC). The firm partnered with HBAGKC for an evening of food, drinks, and music. Associate Yasmin Herdoiza is a board member for HBAGKC and was very excited for the opportunity to host the group’s first event of the year at the firm. Herdoiza said “I am grateful to work in an environment that supports our organization. It was nice to see members of the firm present …
Read More >Firm Chili Cook-off Kicks Off Super Bowl Weekend
The firm held its annual Chili Cook-off on February 9, 2024. The Chili Cook-off is an event held every year to honor firm employees Lynne Clark and Lois Steward. While it is typically held in October to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this year, a delay to February meant it was also an opportunity to celebrate our hometown Kansas City Chiefs on Red Friday. Firm employees were encouraged to wear red or pink. This year’s Chili Champion was Diamond Thomas , …
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