News
Chili Cook-Off Pits “Mild” against “Deadly”
The firm held its annual Chili Cook-off on October 24, 2025. The Chili Cook-off is a beloved annual event that honors firm employees Lynne Clark and Lois Steward in connection with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. John Shaw kicked off the day with a meaningful tribute to Lynne and Lois’s contributions to the firm and its culture. This year’s Chili Champion was paralegal Bekah Smith, whose chicken-based “Mild at Heart” chili took down several spicier entries, barely besting 2nd place competitor Leah Wilson’s …
Read More >Firm Sponsors Cooling Tent at AWL Golf Tournament
Berkowitz Oliver continued its perennial sponsorship of the “Cooling Tent” at the Association for Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City’s 29th annual “I’m Not Serious About Golf” tournament, held September 26 at Painted Hills Golf Course. Attorneys Jennifer Wieland , Laura Brooks , Stephanie Boord , Courtney Kroeger , and Stacey Gilman were on hand to pass out cold drinks and towels to golfers, as well as to give away prizes for winners of our infamous “duck pond” game. Partner Megan Costello , who has served on AWL’s board for seven years, served as Vice Chair of the tournament and …
Read More >David F. Oliver (1952-2025)
David Field Oliver died on September 7, 2025. David Field Oliver, a Kansas City native, graduated from Pembroke Country Day in 1970 and headed east for college. After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Haverford College in 1974 , David then received his law degree in 1977 from Boston University. Fortunately, David returned to Kansas City where he flourished as formidable lawyer and a pivotal force in the civic community. David commenced his legal career with a notable Kansas City trial …
Read More >Jennifer Wieland Participates in E-Discovery Panel at Federal Court
Partner Jennifer Wieland served as a panelist in a CLE entitled “‘Hos Long to Die in the Cold?’: Emerging Issues in E-Discovery” on September 5, 2025. The CLE was presented by the Federal Courts Advocates Section (FCAS) of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association at the Robert J. Dole Courthouse in Kansas City, Kansas. Panelists used the high-profile Karen Read trial as a springboard to discuss hot topics in e-discovery. Also on the panel were Jillian R. Dent of Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP; Stephanie Walters of Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP; and Tyson Shaw of the United …
Read More >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 …
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