Overview
Experience
Perspectives

As a leader in the litigation practice group, Jenifer focuses her practice on civil litigation matters involving construction, architects and engineers, product liability, premises liability, personal injury and wrongful death. She has significant experience in defending companies and individuals in mediation, arbitration, and has represented clients in over 20 jury and bench trials. She is an effective and efficient advocate throughout the litigation process.  Her hard work and attention to early investigation of claims has enabled her to secure summary judgment, dismissals, and favorable settlements for her clients.

Prior to joining the firm, Jenifer spent over a decade as in-house counsel at one of the largest U.S. Commercial Property and Casualty insurance providers where she gained extensive experience and knowledge in all areas of litigation. Jenifer was able to expand upon that experience at SWR, where she has handled numerous cases in all areas of civil litigation including automobile accidents, construction litigation, design professional defense, employment and labor law, complex products liability and wrongful death cases. Jenifer has represented a wide range of clients from small family-owned businesses to large multi-state corporations in both state and federal courts.

Representative Matters

Housh, et al. v. City of Parkville, et al., Circuit Court of Platte County
Jenifer obtained a defense verdict in a claim where plaintiffs alleged that a large modular block retaining wall collapsed, causing ground water to rise, flooding plaintiff’s home and surrounding property. Plaintiffs alleged property damages, exposure to toxic materials from the ground water and exposure to airborne contaminants.
Lakemary Center, Inc. v. SFS Architecture, et al., District Court of Miami County, KS
Jenifer represented the contractor on a defective construction case where groundwater caused significant cracking, movement and water infiltration into a school for disabled children.
Majors v. KDOT, District Court of Shawnee County, KS
Jenifer obtained summary judgment on a hotly contested personal injury claim arising from bystander and zone of danger liability. Upheld by KS Court of Appeals and KS Supreme Court.
Michaels, et al. v. Henrietta, MO, et al., Circuit Court of Ray County
Jenifer represented the engineering company designing and overseeing the construction of an interconnecting sanitary and stormwater system for the City of Henrietta, Missouri. This matter included claims of property damage and airborne and physical contaminants.
Quick v. BP Products North America, Inc., Circuit Court of Jackson County, MO
Jenifer represented a contractor in a wrongful death claim due to exposure to benzene and benzene soluble matter.
Smith v. Nearing Staats Prelogar & Jones, Circuit Court
Jackson County, MO
Jenifer represented an architect in a claim of property and personal injury due to allegedly defective design and construction.
Thomas v. RE/Max Revolution, et al. Circuit Court of
Platte County, MO
Jenifer obtained summary judgment on behalf of a real estate agent in a claim of allegedly misrepresentations relating to the sale of an historic home. Upheld on appeal.
Vogue v. Zimmer Real Estate, et al. Circuit Court of Jackson County
Jenifer represented a property management company in the management and renovation of a large condominium complex that experienced water leaks leading to exposure to air-borne contaminants.
Bradford v. 1520 Grand, LLC
Jenifer obtained summary judgment in a wrongful death action in Jackson County, Missouri. The issue involved a landlord’s duty to protect against the criminal acts of third parties.

Professional Affiliations

  • The Missouri Bar
  • The Kansas Bar Association
  • The Johnson County Bar Association
  • Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association

Recognitions

  • UMKC Law Alumni Association Special President’s Award (2002)

Publications