Bio

Don is a seasoned trial attorney with a proven track record of success, having participated in over 60 jury trials throughout his career and most always occupying the first-chair position. A Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, Don’s inclusion in this prestigious organization is by peer vote and limited to less than 1% of lawyers in any given state. He concentrates his practice on defending medical malpractice, legal malpractice, personal injury, and legal ethics matters, regularly handling high-stakes cases involving multi-million-dollar claims. Don is the lead attorney for several of the firm’s largest clients and has successfully handled multiple appellate cases that have shaped important legal precedents in Kansas (13 reported decisions).

In addition to his trial work, Don is a respected educator and speaker, frequently lecturing to legal, healthcare, and insurance professionals. His insights are highly sought after due to his extensive experience and deep understanding of complex legal issues.

An avid outdoorsman, Don enjoys marathons, long-distance hiking, hunting, fishing, and camping. 

Education

• University of Kansas, B.A., 1981, with honors
• University of Kansas School of Law, 1984
• Year Started Practicing: 1984

Appellate Decisions

• Thompson v. Harold Thompson Trucking, 12 Kan. App. 2d 449, 748 P.2d 430 (1987)

• Northern Assurance Company of America v. Farm Bureau Mut. Ins. Co., Inc., 249 Kan. 662, 822 P.2d 45 (1991)

• Hess v. St. Francis Regional Medical Center, 254 Kan. 715, 869 P.2d 598 (1994)

• Adamson v. Davis Moore Datsun, Inc. and USF&G Co., 19 Kan. App. 2d 301, 868 P.2d 546 (1994)

• Adams v. St. Francis Regional Medical Center, 264 Kan. 144, 955 P.2d 1169 (1998)

• Schmidt v. Shearer, 26 Kan. App. 2d 760, 995 P.2d 381 (1999)

• Halsey v. Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co., 275 Kan. 129, 61 P.3d 691 (2003)

• O’Donoghue v. Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co., 275 Kan. 430, 66 P.3d 822 (2003)

• Maunz v. Perales, 276 Kan. 313, 76 P.3d 1027 (2003)

• Rose v. Via Christi Health System, Inc., 276 Kan. 539, 78 P.3d 798 (2003) modified on rehearing, 279 Kan. 523, 113 P.3d 241 (2005)

• Pullen v. West, 278 Kan. 183, 92 P.3d 584 (2004)

• Tharp v. Lee, 32 Kan. App. 2d 628, 87 P.3d 323 (2004)

• Walker v. Regehr, 41 Kan. App. 2d 352, 202 P.3d 712 (2009)

• Morgan v. Healing Hands, Kan. Ct. App., No. 119,147 (2019)

Court Admissions

• Kansas, 1984
• U.S. District Court, District of Kansas, 1984

Honors

• Best Lawyers In America 2025®, Medical Malpractice Law
• Best Lawyers In America 2025®, “Lawyer of the Year” award in Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
• Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
• Top Rated Lawyer, 2013; Healthcare Law, American Lawyer Media and Martindale-Hubbell
• Best Lawyers in America®, 2009-2024; Medical Malpractice Law – Defense
• Best Lawyers in America®, 2013 and 2015; Wichita Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants "Lawyer of the Year"
• Ranked by Chambers USA, 2013 as a leading lawyer in the practice area of General Commercial Litigation
• Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ Rating
• Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers®, 2009-2020 Editions

Professional Memberships

• Wichita Bar Association (WBA) Member: 1984-Present
• Kansas Bar Association (KBA) Member: 1984-Present
• American Bar Association (ABA) Member: 1984-Present
• American College of Trial Lawyers,  State Chair, 2022- Present

Community Involvement

• Big Brothers Big Sisters, 2005-2011
• Outdoor Youth Mentor Program, current
• RiverWalk Church of Christ
• American Heart Association (Wichita) board member 2020-