Kansas

Foulston Siefkin

One of the oldest and established firms in the state of Kansas is Foulston Siefkin, whose deep bench of litigators cover a spectrum of practice areas within numerous industry sectors. Veteran litigators Amy Lemley and Jay Fowler represent the Wichita Firemen’s Relief Association in an ongoing seven-year insurance coverage dispute where the accidental death policy and failure to pay insurance benefits without just cause are primary claims. This is a significant case for future insureds, as no other court interpreting Kansas law has held that ignorance of Kansas law constitutes a good faith legal controversy. David Rogers currently defends Jakel Motors, Inc. in a product liability case on allegations that the motors installed in the plantiffs’ bathroom fans throughout a housing project were defective and unreasonably dangerous. The suit, which came about after fires began in two of the housing units, alleges a variety of product liability and warranty claims for damages from the fires and the costs to replace the remaining fans. The case is currently pending before the Kansas Court of Appeals after defendant’s motion for summary judgment was sustained based upon the economic loss doctrine. Commercial litigation experts Michael Norton and Todd Tedesco represented Spirit AeroSystems for an alleged breach of contract action initiated by Systec Business Systems. The suit claimed Spirit was contractually obligated to issue a requirement that all suppliers must use Systec’s program. However, the client asserted that it performed its obligations under the contract, but that the program did not perform as promised and therefore, termination of the contract was appropriate and allowed by the express terms of the agreement. A favorable settlement on behalf of the client was reached. Jeffery Jordan represents Montgomery County, Kansas in a property tax dispute over the proper classification of property used by the taxpayer as a nitrogen fertilizer plant. At stake is excess of $10 million per year in tax revenue. Montgomery County prevailed at the trial level, with the Court of Tax appeals upholding the classification of the property as real property as well. After an appeal to the Kansas Court of Appeals, the case was remanded and the now Board of Tax Appeals reversed the original decision. Montgomery County has since appealed and the matter is ongoing. Holly Dyer represents Aeroflex Wichita Inc., now Cobham AvComm, in an intellectual property and trade secrets litigation. After a six-week trial, a jury awarded Aeroflex $3.3 million for damages caused by alleged tortious interference and improper use and disclosure of client’s confidential and proprietary business information. Punitive damages are set to be determined at a later date. Wyatt Hoch, an accomplished construction litigator, represented Win Construction on a construction and federal procurement and disadvantaged business enterprise matter arising from a $3.9 million subcontract for interior metal panels incorporated into the $105 million Wichita Eisenhower National Airport Terminal project. The lawsuit, valued at approximately $1.9 million, proceeded in parallel with an investigation conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration Inspector General’s office. The case was settled after a mediation and follow-up negotiations. 

Hite Fanning & Honeyman

Hite Fanning & Honeyman has more than 20 attorneys in its Wichita office. It has earned its reputation as one of the top insurance and medical malpractice defense firms in the state. Litigation lies at its core. Its professionals handle many subject areas including business torts, intellectual property, creditors’ rights, employment, healthcare, toxic torts, aviation, defamation, securities fraud, professional liability, construction litigation, personal injury, product liability, workers’ compensation, and insurance-coverage disputes. The majority of the firm’s attorneys are litigators. Founding member and senior partner Richard Hite’s practice primarily concerns business, commercial, and oil and gas litigation. He also appears as an arbitrator and mediator in business, contract, environmental, and professional-liability affairs. Closing in on a 50-years career, founding partner Richard “Dick” Honeyman primarily focuses on civil litigation with an emphasis on disputes. He frequently serves as an alternative dispute resolution mediator. F. James “Jim” Robinson, Jr. comes with nearly 30 years of experience behind him. He has successfully litigated many high-profile cases, currently concentrating in business, construction, professional liability, and product liability. He has additional experience with contracts and corporate law. The senior partner represents clients who reflect many industries, including banking, aerospace, construction, equipment manufacturers, health care, and oil and gas.