Leawood, Kan. – August 1, 2025: Rouse Frets White Goss Gentile Rhodes, P.C., today congratulates shareholder Mary O’Connell on her retirement following a four-decade plus legal career of work on behalf of clients in litigation, trial work, and dispute resolution.
An avid SEC fan, Mary graduated from law school at Louisiana State University. She has worked with lawyers of the law firm since 1990. Mary was the first lawyer to join the law firm after its initial founding and the first to become an equity shareholder. She sports a long list of litigation successes, including several trials. Notable was her game-changing, successful effort in securing a federal court decision requiring insurers in ERISA-governed health care policies to insure cochlear implants for the hearing impaired. Her honors included selections among the Best Lawyers in America and as a Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation.
Mary was an important contributor to the law firm’s success, bringing skill and professionalism to her work. During the past decade, she was appointed to several management positions, including seats on the firm’s Board of Directors and the firm’s Executive Management Committee.
“I have known and worked with Mary for almost 40 years. She is and has always been the kind of business partner that people dream of having but rarely find. Loyal, skilled, tireless, brilliant, spiritual, kind and always fun to be around. A great and unwavering friend in good times and bad,” said shareholder Doug Gentile. “I will miss her, but with no hesitation wish her the best as she moves into the next chapter of her life. Thanks for being a part of mine Mary!”
“I have had the privilege of knowing Mary since 1990. She is a fabulous lawyer and an even better person,” said shareholder Randall L. Rhodes. “I have enjoyed having her as a business partner. It would be impossible to summarize her countless contributions to the law firm. Mary is a top tier lawyer and an even better person. We are grateful and appreciative of her time with the firm. We are sad that she is retiring, but we wish her well.”
“It was a great 35 year run,” said Chuck Rouse, CEO of the law firm.
The firm wishes Mary the best in her next chapter and will miss her contributions as a colleague.
About the firm:
Rouse Frets White Goss Gentile Rhodes offers highly skilled lawyers in many practice areas with vast real world experience. Our clients benefit from blue-ribbon talent unencumbered by mega firm business models.
Choice of an attorney is an important decision and should not be based solely upon a website or advertisements. In reviewing achievements by the law firm or its attorneys, remember that past results afford no guarantee of future results; each matter is different and must be judged on its own merits. Although our lawyers may practice in subject areas, neither the Supreme Court of Missouri nor The Missouri Bar reviews or approves certifying organizations or specialty designations for Missouri licensed attorneys.