Christopher L. Kurtz

Experience

Chris is a partner whose practice focuses on litigation matters, including business litigation, construction law, general civil litigation, labor and employment, and medical malpractice defense. Chris has litigation, trial, and appellate experience in state and federal courts in Missouri and Kansas. In addition, Chris has represented clients in arbitration and serves as an arbitrator himself for the American Arbitration Association.

Chris received his undergraduate degree Magna Cum Laude from Ball State University in 2006, where he also served as Vice President of the Student Government Association and President of Phi Gamma Delta. Chris then graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law in 2009, where he was a member of the Law Review and the Moot Court Executive Board.

While attending law school, Chris volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate representing children in the Jackson County Family Court and clerked for Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman, Chtd. Upon graduation, Chris served as a law clerk to the Honorable Marco Roldan in the Jackson County Circuit Court.  Chris lives in Overland Park with his wife and two children. He volunteers for Phi Gamma Delta, working with chapters throughout Missouri and conducting educational and leadership programs throughout the Midwest. Chris also serves on numerous boards and associations.

Areas of Practice

• Litigation
• Business Litigation
• Construction Law
• Employment & Workplace
• Medical Malpractice Defense
• Mediation & Arbitration Neutrals

Activities and Memberships

• Arbitrator – American Arbitration Association
• The Missouri Bar
• Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association
• Johnson County Bar Foundation (Kansas), Trustee and Fellow
• Johnson County Bar Association (Kansas)
• Earl E. O’Connor American Inn of Court, Board Member, 2018-2023
• Leawood Chamber of Commerce,  Board Member, 2019-2023; Executive Committee, 2020-2023; Chair, 2023; Young Professionals Committee Member, 2016-2018 and Chair, 2019
• Young Professionals Board of Legal Aid of Western Missouri, Past Secretary
• Ross T. Roberts Inn of Court, 2011-2012

Honors and Recognition

• Received highest attorney rating from Martindale-Hubbell – AV Preeminent
• Selected to Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch, 2020-2023
• Selected to Benchmark 40 & Under Hot List for Litigators, 2018-2022
• Selected for Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2017-2022
• Selected as a member of Missouri Lawyers Weekly’s Up & Coming class, 2019
• Phi Gamma Delta Haynes Award (for most effective Section Chief), 2014
• Ball State University Graduate of the Last Decade Award, 2012