in and out of the courtroom

Courtney C. Ragland618.202.5818

David B. Schneidewind618.202.5806

Following a high school basketball game, a youngster was fatally shot on school grounds, and the victim's mother filed a wrongful death action against the Kansas City Public Schools, an off-duty police officer, and others. The Circuit Court of Jackson County granted a motion to dismiss in favor of the public-entity defendants, based on sovereign and official immunity, and the Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal.

James R. Jarrow816.471.2121

Sara N. Rakowiecki816.448.9313

On Jan. 22, 2026, Baker Sterchi attorneys secured a complete defense verdict in a case brought under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act.

Brian G. Maxey206.973.8680

Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice welcomes Brian Maxey as senior counsel in the firm's Seattle office.

Megan R. Stumph-Turner816.471.2121

Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice Member Megan Stumph-Turner's article, "Pixels, Privacy and the Price of Data," appears in the January/February edition of Missouri Bankers Association's publication, The Missouri Banker, examining the growing web of privacy laws and legal risks associated with pixel tracking technology.

Jacqueline M. Longfellow816.472.7474

A Missouri federal court declined to certify an FLSA meal break collective action where plaintiffs relied on potential interruptions rather than evidence of unpaid work.

Rebecca D. Boatright206.957.9670

Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice is pleased to announce that Rebecca "Becca" Boatright has joined the firm's Seattle office as senior counsel.

Robert L. Christie206.979.3859

Megan M. Coluccio206.957.9669

On Jan. 16, 2026, after a four-day jury trial in Pierce County Superior Court, Washington, Baker Sterchi attorneys obtained a significant defense win on behalf of an individual client.

Rachel M. Schafer314.345.5028

John F. Mahon, Jr.314.345.5094

In Berk v. Choy, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that a state court healthcare affidavit of merit requirement is procedural and cannot be enforced in federal court when it conflicts with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The decision impacts healthcare litigation strategy nationwide while re-affirming the legitimacy of early suit-screening policies.

Mark Budzinski920.884.2378

Aaron Baratz608.662.1152

On January 23, 2026, Baker Sterchi's Wisconsin litigation team secured a complete defense victory in a medical malpractice action pending in Jackson County, Wisconsin, alleging a delayed cancer diagnosis against a primary care provider and her clinic.

Megan M. Coluccio206.957.9669

On Dec. 5, 2025, following a four-week trial in Walla Walla County Superior Court, attorneys with the Law Office of Andy Cooley and Baker Sterchi secured a defense verdict on behalf of Benton County, Washington.