• The four conditions employers must meet before they may lawfully request that their employees take a polygraph test;
• Whether a performance improvement plan could be considered an adverse employment action, and the basis for an age discrimination case;
• Whether recent completion of a drug rehab program necessarily qualifies an employee for protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act; and
• Whether someone who is extended a job offer, only to see it withdrawn when it’s discovered she’s commenced a lawsuit against her former employer, is protected as an employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Mike Jones - Mike joined Martin Pringle in 1990 and is highly experienced in defending products liability actions, having participated in cases filed in federal and state courts throughout the United States.  He represents aircraft manufacturers and servicers, aircraft-components manufacturers, manufacturers of recreational products, and industrial equipment manufacturers in cases involving personal injury and wrongful death claims, as well as property damage claims.  Mike has served as the 2010 Program Chair for DRI's national Product Liability Conference.

Bill Oliver - Bill has more than 40 years experience and has participated as counsel in product liability cases filed in the United Kingdom, France, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines among other nations. He is well versed in the defenses applicable to those cases, including the General Aviation Revitalization Act (GARA) defenses, the government contractor defense, and procedural issues such as jurisdiction and forum non conveniens. Bill has worked in product liability insurance renewals for 35 years.

Jeff Spahn - Jeff has more than 25 years experience and has represented aircraft and aircraft- components manufacturers, distributors, and service facilities in products liability actions and a variety of commercial litigation matters.  He has an active practice litigating disputes involving breach of contract claims under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), warranty claims, and aircraft repossession, among other issues. He has participated in numerous arbitration proceedings before the AAA and ICC, giving him a thorough understanding of the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process.

David Wooding - David has more than 30 years of litigation experience and has extensive experience in products liability matters, defending products liability actions in federal and state courts throughout the United States.  His products liability experience includes representing pharmaceutical companies, manufacturers of medical devices, aircraft manufacturers, and aircraft components manufacturers against personal injury and wrongful death claims.  David has been active in the Products Liability Advisory Counsel, including serving on PLAC’s conference planning committee in 2006. 

Founded in 1951, Martin, Pringle, Oliver, Wallace & Bauer, L.L.P is one of the largest law firms in Kansas. With more than 40 attorneys in Wichita and Overland Park, Kansas, Martin Pringle provides creative, cost-effective solutions for its clients’ legal problems. Martin Pringle offers a full-range of legal services including, Adoption, Appellate Practice, Aviation Law, Banking, Bankruptcy, Business Practice, Civil Litigation, Construction Law, Creditor’s Rights, Elder Law, Employment Law, Environmental Law, Estate Planning, Immigration Law, Insurance Defense, Medical Malpractice Defense, Oil & Gas Law, Personal Injury/Wrongful Death, Products Liability, Real Estate Law, Taxation, Technology & Computers and Workers Compensation.

• The implications of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling against the plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit against Wal-Mart;
• We explain how the final EEOC regulations broaden the legal meaning of the word “disability”; and
• We examine one case that illustrates the dangers of an employer mishandling the critical details of FMLA leave.

"We are extremely proud of our 60 years in business and to have our headquarters in Wichita. This donation is a way to give back to the city, while also honoring our founders Bob Martin and Kenneth Pringle," said Jeff Kennedy, Martin Pringle’s Managing Partner.

Martin Pringle employees will work with employees from the City of Wichita’s Park and Recreation department to plant 26 of the trees on the lawn south of the Hyatt Hotel on Sunday, October 30, 2011 from 2-4pm. The remaining 34 trees will be planted by City employees in Old Town as a part of the downtown revitalization project.

Founded in 1951, Martin, Pringle, Oliver, Wallace & Bauer, L.L.P is one of the largest law firms in Kansas. With 45 attorneys in Wichita and Overland Park, Kansas, Martin Pringle provides creative, cost-effective solutions for its clients’ legal problems. Martin Pringle offers a full-range of legal services including, Adoption, Appellate Practice, Aviation Law, Banking, Bankruptcy, Business Practice, Civil Litigation, Construction Law, Creditor’s Rights, Elder Law, Employment Law, Energy Law, Environmental Law, Estate Planning, Immigration Law, Insurance Defense, Medical Malpractice Defense, Oil and Gas Law, Personal Injury/Wrongful Death, Products Liability, Real Estate Law, Taxation, Technology & Computers and Workers Compensation.

Thomas A. Hamill has more than 35 years experience handling litigation of commercial cases, including both complex and routine cases. He has been recognized by Super Lawyers in the area of business litigation.                                                                                                                 

Jeff Kennedy has more than 25 years experience and focuses his practice on a wide range of energy and natural resource matters, including zoning and land use matters and commercial litigation focusing on real property issues. He currently serves as the firm’s Managing Partner, and has been recognized by Super Lawyers in the area of energy and natural resources.                                                                                                            

Terry L. Mann has 25 years experience and focuses her practice on employment law matters, representing employers. She has been recognized by Super Lawyers in the area of employment & labor law.

Stan J. Smith has more than 25 years experience and focuses his practice on insurance defense, personal injury and wrongful death, energy law and medical malpractice defense. He has been recognized by Super Lawyers in the area of personal injury defense.

Jeff C. Spahn has more than 25 y ears experience and focuses his practice on aviation law, products liability and employment law matters. He has been recognized by Super Lawyers in the area of civil litigation defense.

W. Rick Griffin joined the firm in 2002, and was elected partner in 2010. His practice focuses on products liability, aviation law, insurance defense, creditor’s rights, civil & commercial litigation, and oil and gas law . He has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers in the area of business litigation.

Megan S. Monsour joined the firm in 2007, and focuses her practice on adoption law, as well as estate administration and probate. She has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers in the area of family law.

Law & Politics performs the polling, research and selection of Super Lawyers in a process designed to identify Kansas lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based on a peer-review survey of 1.8 million confidential evaluations by the top attorneys in the country.

Founded in 1951, Martin, Pringle, Oliver, Wallace & Bauer, L.L.P is one of the largest law firms in Kansas. With 45 attorneys in Wichita and Overland Park, Kansas, Martin Pringle provides creative, cost-effective solutions for its clients’ legal problems. Martin Pringle offers a full-range of legal services including, Adoption, Appellate Practice, Aviation Law, Banking, Bankruptcy, Business Practice, Civil Litigation, Construction Law, Creditor’s Rights, Elder Law, Employment Law, Energy Law, Environmental Law, Estate Planning, Immigration Law, Insurance Defense, Medical Malpractice Defense, Oil & Gas Law, Personal Injury/Wrongful Death, Products Liability, Real Estate Law, Taxation, Technology & Computers and Workers Compensation.

• Whether the Fair Labor Standards Act covers high school coaches and similar volunteers;
• Why failing to exercise objectivity in a job review could leave the employer vulnerable in a lawsuit;
• How the customer is not “always right” when it comes to employee discrimination and harassment at the hands of customers; and
• Whether the termination of a pregnant but newly hired worker for frequent absences is a “constructive discharge” in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

Thomas Hamill has more than 35 years experience handling litigation of commercial cases, including both complex and routine cases. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in the area of commercial litigation. 

Eric Hansen has more than 35 years experience developing strategies for his estate planning, tax and business clients. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in the area of tax law. 

Mike Jones joined Martin Pringle in 1990 and focuses his practice on a wide range of commercial litigation matters, including aviation law, products liability law, as well as technology-related matters including intellectual property. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in the area of commercial litigation.

Jeff Kennedy joined Martin Pringle in 1986 and focuses his practice on a wide range of energy and natural resource matters, including zoning and land use matters and commercial litigation focusing on real property issues. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in the area of energy law, environmental law, mining law and oil and gas law.

Terry Mann joined Martin Pringle in 1986 and focuses her practice on employment law matters, representing employers. She has been recognized by Best Lawyers in the area of employment & labor law.

Brent Mitchell has nearly twenty years experience and focuses his practice on corporate and business transactions, business succession planning, estate planning, and trust and estate administration. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in the area of estates and trusts.

Ron Rose has more than 30 years experience practicing law in the areas of taxation, business planning, estate planning, probate, corporate, partnership, real estate and transactional law. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in the area of elder law.

Jeff Spahn has more than 25 years experience and has represented aircraft and aircraft- components manufacturers, distributors, and service facilities in products liability actions and a variety of commercial litigation matters. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in the area of products liability litigation and commercial litigation.

David Wooding has more than 30 years experience and focuses his practice on complex litigation matters, including aviation law, products liability law and medical malpractice defense. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in the area of medical malpractice.

Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based on a peer-review survey of 1.8 million confidential evaluations by the top attorneys in the country.

Founded in 1951, Martin, Pringle, Oliver, Wallace & Bauer, L.L.P is one of the largest law firms in Kansas. With more than 40 attorneys in Wichita and Overland Park, Kansas, Martin Pringle provides creative, cost-effective solutions for its clients’ legal problems. Martin Pringle offers a full-range of legal services including, Adoption, Appellate Practice, Aviation Law, Banking, Bankruptcy, Business Practice, Civil Litigation, Construction Law, Creditor’s Rights, Elder Law, Employment Law, Environmental Law, Estate Planning, Immigration Law, Insurance Defense, Medical Malpractice Defense, Oil & Gas Law, Personal Injury/Wrongful Death, Products Liability, Real Estate Law, Taxation, Technology & Computers and Workers Compensation.

• Whether an employer can be held liable for the discriminatory bias of supervisors who influenced an adverse employment decision;
• Whether an employer can be held liable for the discriminatory bias of supervisors who influenced an adverse employment decision;
• Whether a spiritual pilgrimage constitutes medical care under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA); and
• Whether a terminated employee’s alcoholism constituted a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or a serious health condition under the FMLA.

Market recommendation from clients and peers forms the basis of inclusion and coverage in the Chambers Client Guide.

Sources who recommended the firm and Terry Mann in the area of labor and employment said, “the employment team has healthy experience in dealing with various state and federal bodies including the EEOC, Kansas Human Rights Commission, Kansas Department of Human Resources, the DOL and OSHA.” Martin Pringle is a “traditional and proficient firm with recognized expertise.” “Terry Mann is a regular courtroom fixture and is rated highly for employment defense work. She is definitely a cornerstone of the practice, and exhibits delightfully accurate judgment.”

Those who recommended the firm and Jeff Spahn and David Wooding in the area of general and commercial litigation said Martin Pringle “has a wide-ranging civil and commercial litigation practice that is able to handle various complex multiparty tort cases. Particular areas of experience include insurance defense, personal injury, oil and gas, environmental disputes, employment disputes and workers' compensation claims among others. Sources point to Jeff Spahn and David Wooding as a pair of "smart and savvy lawyers." Spahn has a broad practice incorporating product liability and employment law as well as civil and commercial litigation, while Wooding is an experienced medical malpractice defense lawyer.

Founded in 1951, Martin, Pringle, Oliver, Wallace & Bauer, L.L.P is one of the largest law firms in Kansas. With more than 40 attorneys in Wichita and Overland Park, Kansas, Martin Pringle provides creative, cost-effective solutions for its clients’ legal problems. Martin Pringle offers a full-range of legal services including, Adoption, Appellate Practice, Aviation Law, Banking, Bankruptcy, Business Practice, Civil Litigation, Construction Law, Creditor’s Rights, Elder Law, Employment Law, Energy Law, Environmental Law, Estate Planning, Immigration Law, Insurance Defense, Medical Malpractice Defense, Oil and Gas Law, Personal Injury/Wrongful Death, Products Liability, Real Estate Law, Taxation, Technology & Computers and Workers Compensation.

Thomas Hamill has more than 35 years experience handling litigation of commercial cases, including both complex and routine cases. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in the area of commercial litigation. 

Eric Hansen has more than 35 years experience developing strategies for his estate planning, tax and business clients. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in the area of tax law.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Jeff Kennedy joined Martin Pringle in 1986 and focuses his practice on a wide range of energy and natural resource matters, including zoning and land use matters and commercial litigation focusing on real property issues. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in the area of energy law, environmental law, mining law and oil and gas law.

Terry Mann joined Martin Pringle in 1986 and focuses her practice on employment law matters, representing employers. She has been recognized by Best Lawyers in the area of employment & labor law.

Ron Rose has more than 30 years experience practicing law in the areas of taxation, business planning, estate planning, probate, corporate, partnership, real estate and transactional law. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in the area of elder law.

Jeff Spahn has more than 25 years experience and has represented aircraft and aircraft- components manufacturers, distributors, and service facilities in products liability actions and a variety of commercial litigation matters. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in the area of products liability.

Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based on a peer-review survey of 1.8 million confidential evaluations by the top attorneys in the country.

Fernando Avelar (Wichita) recently completed his first year at the University of Kansas School of Law, where he is the President of the Intellectual Property Law Student Association. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin in 2009.

Scott Burrus (Wichita) recently completed his first year at Washburn University School of Law, where he received a full academic scholarship as a University of Kansas Scholar. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Strategic Communication from the University of Kansas in 2008.

Josh Carpenter (Kansas City) recently completed his first year at the University of Kansas School of Law, where he received the Payne and Jones award for best oral advocate. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Florida in 2010.

Rachael Doyle (Wichita) recently completed her second year at Wake Forest University School of Law and is Executive Director of the Wake Forest Law Review. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Kansas State University in 2009.

Samantha Heady (Wichita) recently completed her first year at University of Kansas School of Law, and is a Karl T. Wiedemann Scholarship in Law recipient. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Sociology from Pittsburg State University in 2010.

Clarissa Howley (Wichita) recently completed her first year at the University of Kansas School of Law, where she is a member of OUTlaws & Allies, and Women in Law groups. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in English from Kansas State University in 2010.

Matt Kincaid (Kansas City) recently completed his third year in the Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration program, a four year study of law and business administration, at the University of Kansas. He completed his Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Economics and Psychology from the University of Kansas in 2008.

Matt Spahn (Wichita) recently completed his first year at Washburn University School of Law, where was awarded the Legal Research and Writing Top Paper in the Fall of 2010.  He completed his Bachelor of Business Administration from Kansas State University in 2010.

Martin Pringle’s summer law clerk program began in the mid 1970s and offers law students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience at a full service law firm. Since inception, more than 120 law students have taken advantage of this opportunity. Martin Pringle currently has 15 attorneys that participated in the summer law clerk program.

Founded in 1951, Martin, Pringle, Oliver, Wallace & Bauer, L.L.P is one of the largest law firms in Kansas. With more than 40 attorneys in Wichita and Overland Park, Kansas, Martin Pringle provides creative, cost-effective solutions for its clients’ legal problems. Martin Pringle offers a full-range of legal services including, Adoption, Appellate Practice, Aviation Law, Banking, Bankruptcy, Business Practice, Civil Litigation, Construction Law, Creditor’s Rights, Elder Law, Employment Law, Environmental Law, Estate Planning, Immigration Law, Insurance Defense, Medical Malpractice Defense, Oil & Gas Law, Personal Injury/Wrongful Death, Products Liability, Real Estate Law, Taxation, Technology & Computers and Workers Compensation.

The topics to be covered are:

• Social Media in the Workplace
• Immigration: Social Security No Match Letters
• Workers Compensation: Changes in the 2011 Kansas Workers Compensation Act

The topics to be covered are:

• Social Media in the Workplace
• Immigration: Social Security No Match Letters
• Workers Compensation: Changes in the 2011 Kansas Workers Compensation Act

Download form to register

Mr. Jack practices in the areas of business law, banking law, creditor’s rights and real estate. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Kansas, his Master of Business Administration from Baker University and went on to receive his J.D., from Washburn University School of Law. He is admitted to practice in Kansas and Missouri and is a member of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association as well as the Johnson County Bar Association.

Founded in 1951, Martin, Pringle, Oliver, Wallace & Bauer, L.L.P is one of the largest law firms in Kansas. With 45 attorneys in Wichita and Overland Park, Kansas, Martin Pringle provides creative, cost-effective solutions for its clients’ legal problems. Martin Pringle offers a full-range of legal services including, Adoption, Appellate Practice, Aviation Law, Banking, Bankruptcy, Business Practice, Civil Litigation, Construction Law, Creditor’s Rights, Elder Law, Employment Law, Environmental Law, Estate Planning, Immigration Law, Insurance Defense, Medical Malpractice Defense, Oil & Gas Law, Personal Injury/Wrongful Death, Products Liability, Real Estate Law, Taxation, Technology & Computers and Workers Compensation.

• Why it’s important to keep the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) in mind when a civilian company evaluates the job performance of a military service member;
• How a company that tries to address sexual harassment in the workplace may find itself being sued for not trying hard enough;
• Whether a worker’s resignation is actually a “constructive discharge” if it occurs immediately following a disciplinary hearing; and
• Whether requiring employees to repay training costs if they resign within a certain time frame constitutes a kickback under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

• Whether an employer’s use of a recorded conversation violated the federal Wiretap Act;
• We show what happened when an attorney, representing a woman claiming discrimination on national-origin grounds, appealed to the jury by disparaging another national group; and
• We look at a case in which an employee sued over the need for an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, and another in which only periodic sexual harassment was alleged.

The board will aid the transition from a two-year residency program, to a full four-year program, and is charged with promoting the expansion of the KU Medical School’s Wichita campus.

Mr. Kennedy is a KU alumnus, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the KU National Alumni Association, as well as the Wichita Chapter of the KU Alumni Association. He also serves on the Dean’s Steering Committee for the KU School of Medicine-Wichita. Mr. Kennedy is on the Advisory Board of the Wichita Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Directors for the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission and is a Board of Trustees member for the Wichita Art Museum.

Mr. Kennedy has 27 years experience and focuses his practice on a wide range of energy and natural resource matters, including zoning and land use matters and commercial litigation focusing on real property issues. He has been recognized as a Kansas Super Lawyer since 2006, and by Best Lawyers in America since 2007.

Ms. Adams joined Martin Pringle in 2001. After living briefly in New Jersey, where she worked as a federal law clerk, Ms. Adams returned to Martin Pringle in 2008. Her practice primarily focuses on litigation support and briefing in both state and federal courts. She provides legal analysis, research and writing in various civil litigation matters, including contested adoptions, oil and gas matters, products liability, and medical malpractice defense. She received her undergraduate degree from Duke University and went on to receive her J. D. from Pace University School of Law, cum laude. Ms. Adams is admitted to practice in Kansas and offers 16 years of legal experience.

Ms. Jennings joined the firm after having clerked at Martin Pringle for two summers during law school and joined the firm after graduating from the Washburn University School of Law, cum laude, in 2005. Her practice focuses on civil litigation, including employment litigation, where she represents clients in a wide range of matters, including breach of employment contract actions, covenant-not-to-compete claims, workers compensation retaliation claims, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance. Ms. Jennings litigation experience also includes insurance defense, trust and probate litigation and intellectual property law. She is active in the Society for Human Resource Management, the Wichita Bar Association, the Defense Research Institute and she serves on the Board of Trustees for Young Professionals of Wichita. Ms. Jennings is admitted to practice in Kansas and Missouri.

Founded in 1951, Martin, Pringle, Oliver, Wallace & Bauer, L.L.P is one of the largest law firms in Kansas. With 43 attorneys in Wichita and Overland Park, Kansas, Martin Pringle provides creative, cost-effective solutions for its clients’ legal problems. Martin Pringle offers a full-range of legal services including, Adoption, Appellate Practice, Aviation Law, Banking, Bankruptcy, Business Practice, Civil Litigation, Construction Law, Creditor’s Rights, Elder Law, Employment Law, Energy and Environmental Law, Estate Planning, Immigration Law, Insurance Defense, Medical Malpractice Defense, Oil & Gas Law, Personal Injury/Wrongful Death, Products Liability, Real Estate Law, Taxation, Technology & Computers and Workers Compensation.

• The importance of objectivity in evaluating a pregnant employee’s ability to perform her job;
• Whether directing an emotionally volatile employee to take a fitness-for-duty exam violates the Americans with Disabilities Act;
• How a court regarded an employer’s claim that an employee’s gender-based discriminatory treatment and verbal insults were just “minor annoyances;” and
• Whether a nursing home can practice racial segregation of its employees to satisfy the preferences of its residents.

Joseph Y. Holman, Eric L. Hansen, Richard S. Wetzler, William A. Mallory, Thomas A. Busch, Stephen B. Horner and Kelly J. H. Clark joined October 1, 2010 and will be moving their offices to Martin Pringle’s Overland Park office – 6900 College Blvd, Dr., Overland Park, KS. Their practice areas include, banking law, business law, corporate law, real estate law, litigation, communications, family law, probate law, estate & tax planning, municipal law and insurance defense.

Founded in 1951, Martin, Pringle, Oliver, Wallace & Bauer, L.L.P is one of the largest law firms in Kansas. With 43 attorneys in Wichita and Overland Park, Kansas, Martin Pringle provides creative, cost-effective solutions for its clients’ legal problems. Martin Pringle offers a full-range of legal services including, Adoption, Appellate Practice, Aviation Law, Banking, Bankruptcy, Business Practice, Civil Litigation, Construction Law, Creditor’s Rights, Elder Law, Employment Law, Environmental Law, Estate Planning, Immigration Law, Insurance Defense, Medical Malpractice Defense, Oil & Gas Law, Personal Injury/Wrongful Death, Products Liability, Real Estate Law, Taxation, Technology & Computers and Workers Compensation.

Mr. Legvold practices in the areas of civil and commercial litigation, focusing on employment law and products liability. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wartburg College, and went on to receive his J.D., from the University of Kansas School of Law. He is admitted to practice in Kansas and is a member of the Kansas and Wichita Bar Associations as well as the Young Professionals of Wichita.

Founded in 1951, Martin, Pringle, Oliver, Wallace & Bauer, L.L.P is one of the largest law firms in Kansas. With 43 attorneys in Wichita and Overland Park, Kansas, Martin Pringle provides creative, cost-effective solutions for its clients’ legal problems. Martin Pringle offers a full-range of legal services including, Adoption, Appellate Practice, Aviation Law, Banking, Bankruptcy, Business Practice, Civil Litigation, Construction Law, Creditor’s Rights, Elder Law, Employment Law, Environmental Law, Estate Planning, Immigration Law, Insurance Defense, Medical Malpractice Defense, Oil & Gas Law, Personal Injury/Wrongful Death, Products Liability, Real Estate Law, Taxation, Technology & Computers and Workers Compensation.

Thomas A. Hamill has more than 35 years experience handling litigation of commercial cases, including both complex and routine cases. He has been recognized by Super Lawyers in the area of business litigation.

Jeff Kennedy has 25 years experience and focuses his practice on a wide range of energy and natural resource matters, including zoning and land use matters and commercial litigation focusing on real property issues. He currently serves as the firm’s Managing Partner, and has been recognized by Super Lawyers in the area of environmental law.

Terry L. Mann has more than 20 years experience and focuses her practice on employment law matters, representing employers. She has been recognized by Super Lawyers in the area of employment & labor law.

Jeff C. Spahn has more than 25 y ears experience and focuses his practice on aviation, products liability and employment law matters. He has been recognized by Super Lawyers in the area of civil litigation defense.

Law & Politics performs the polling, research and selection of Super Lawyers in a process designed to identify Kansas lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based on a peer-review survey of 1.8 million confidential evaluations by the top attorneys in the country.

Founded in 1951, Martin, Pringle, Oliver, Wallace & Bauer, L.L.P is one of the largest law firms in Kansas. With 43 attorneys in Wichita and Overland Park, Kansas, Martin Pringle provides creative, cost-effective solutions for its clients’ legal problems. Martin Pringle offers a full-range of legal services including, Adoption, Appellate Practice, Aviation Law, Banking, Bankruptcy, Business Practice, Civil Litigation, Construction Law, Creditor’s Rights, Elder Law, Employment Law, Energy Law, Environmental Law, Estate Planning, Immigration Law, Insurance Defense, Medical Malpractice Defense, Oil & Gas Law, Personal Injury/Wrongful Death, Products Liability, Real Estate Law, Taxation, Technology & Computers and Workers Compensation.

Martin Pringle was formed in Wichita in 1951 and currently has 43 attorneys between their Overland Park and Wichita offices. Martin Pringle opened its Overland Park office in 1996.

Holman Hansen & Colville formed in 1980 and their attorneys practice in the areas of banking, business, corporate, real estate, litigation, communications, family, transactions, probate, estate & tax planning, municipal law and insurance defense. Seven attorneys and all current support staff have joined Martin Pringle's Overland Park office - 6900 College Boulevard, Suite 700. Holman Hansen & Colville attorneys who joined Martin Pringle include: Joseph Y. Holman, Eric L. Hansen, Richard S. Wetzler, William A. Mallory, Thomas S. Busch, Stephen B. Horner, and Kelly J.H. Clark.

Martin Pringle engages in general civil, trial and appellate practice in a wide range of areas, including aviation law, business and commercial law, employment law (including workers compensation defense), banking, creditors' rights, medical malpractice defense, environmental law, insurance defense law, insurance coverage disputes, energy law, products liability, construction law and personal injury (including automobile defense). Lawyers in the firm also have experience in the areas of bond failure and condemnation. The firm’s practice includes a considerable amount of litigation in federal and state courts, including many proceedings outside the State of Kansas.

In addition to the litigation practice, Martin Pringle has a significant business and regulatory compliance practice. The services provided include counseling and representation in the areas of business planning, business incorporations and reorganizations, taxation, real estate, communications, franchising, health law, intellectual property issues, mergers and acquisitions, bankruptcy, immigration, municipal finance, and technology law.

We also provide counsel and representation to individuals in adoptions, estate planning, and elder law.

• Whether an employer who fires an older person for sexual harassment might find itself accused of age discrimination;
• Whether a religious discrimination suit might result from religious beliefs conflicting with workplace safety regulations;
• Whether a medication’s side effects can trigger protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act; and
• We discuss one case affirming that organizational restructuring cannot be an excuse for racial discrimination

• The ever-perplexing matter of exempt vs. nonexempt employee classifications;
• Whether an employee disability can excuse poor behavior;
• What constitutes an improper pre-employment medical inquiry; and
• The limits of making an employment decision on the basis of physical appearance.

• How tricky it can be for an employer to determine whether time is compensable,
• Why a charge of employee theft in one case might have been pretextual,
• Whether a leave of absence constitutes “reasonable accommodation,” and
• Factors that courts consider in employee-vs.-independent-contractor disputes.

Market recommendation from clients and peers forms the basis of inclusion and coverage in the Chambers Client Guide.

Founded in 1951, Martin, Pringle, Oliver, Wallace & Bauer, L.L.P is one of the largest law firms in Kansas. With nearly 40 attorneys in Wichita and Overland Park, Kansas, Martin Pringle provides creative, cost-effective solutions for its clients’ legal problems. Martin Pringle offers a full-range of legal services including, Adoption, Appellate Practice, Aviation Law, Banking, Bankruptcy, Business Practice, Civil Litigation, Construction Law, Creditor’s Rights, Elder Law, Employment Law, Energy Law, Environmental Law, Estate Planning, Immigration Law, Insurance Defense, Medical Malpractice Defense, Personal Injury/Wrongful Death, Products Liability, Real Estate Law, Taxation, Technology & Computers and Workers Compensation.

Mr. Rose started at Martin Pringle in 1999 and worked in the Accounting department. He was later promoted to the Information Techology department where he worked as a Network Support Specialist and has now been promoted to Director of Special Projects. Jason is a true asset to the Martin Pringle team and we are happy to have him on board.

Founded in 1951, Martin, Pringle, Oliver, Wallace & Bauer, L.L.P is one of the largest law firms in Kansas. With nearly 40 attorneys in Wichita and Overland Park, Kansas, Martin Pringle provides creative, cost-effective solutions for its clients’ legal problems. Martin Pringle offers a full-range of legal services including, Adoption, Appellate Practice, Aviation Law, Banking, Bankruptcy, Business Practice, Civil Litigation, Construction Law, Creditor’s Rights, Elder Law, Employment Law, Energy Law, Environmental Law, Estate Planning, Immigration Law, Insurance Defense, Medical Malpractice Defense, Personal Injury/Wrongful Death, Products Liability, Real Estate Law, Taxation, Technology & Computers and Workers Compensation.

• Why it’s important for employees to maintain ongoing communication with their employers — whether it involves reporting worker harassment, or suggesting a different workplace accommodation if an employer’s suggestion isn’t feasible
• We show that an employee’s actual innocence of the employer’s proffered accusation might not be sufficient in an age discrimination case

Mr. Haines is one of 22 partners at the firm and has been with Martin Pringle since 2004. He practices in the areas of bankruptcy, focusing on work for creditors with a major emphasis on acting as counsel for Chapter 7 Trustees. He also practices in the area of real estate focusing on unlawful detainer actions, and the handling of bankruptcy matters for commercial real estate clients. His commercial litigation practice focuses on matters including foreclosures, collection and replevins.

Mr. Haines received his J. D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Law and is admitted to practice in Kansas and Missouri. He is a member of the Commercial Law Committee for the Missouri Bar, an Advisor in the Missouri Bar Mentoring Program, is a member of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association and also received their Volunteer Attorney Project Award in 2007.

Mr. Griffin is one of 22 partners in the firm and practices in the areas of commercial litigation, focusing on individual and commercial contract disputes, products liability, energy law and creditor’s rights bankruptcy litigation. He started at Martin Pringle in 2002 as a summer law clerk while finishing law school at the University of Kansas School of Law. He is admitted to practice in Kansas and serves on the board of directors for the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce, is the Chair of Young Professionals of Wichita and is active in the Wichita Bar Association.

Martin, Pringle, Oliver, Wallace & Bauer, L.L.P is proud to announce that Scott Haines has been elected into partnership. read more

Mr. Urban practices in the areas of civil litigation, creditors rights, and business law. He also has experience working with the legislature and other local and state governmental entities. Mr. Urban was previously an Assistant Attorney General at the Office of the Kansas Attorney General. For the State of Kansas, he litigated Kansas Consumer Protection Act claims, civil rights actions, and oversaw charities and non-profit enforcement issues. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Rockhurst University and went on to receive his J. D. from the Creighton University School of Law. He is admitted to practice in Kansas and Missouri.

Mr. Longhofer practices in the areas of taxation, estate planning, including trust and estate administration, as well as business practice law. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University and went on to receive his J.D., as well as Certificates in Tax Law and Business and Transactional Law, both with distinction from the Washburn University School of Law. He is admitted to practice in Kansas and is a member of the Kansas and Wichita Bar Associations as well as the Young Professionals of Wichita.

Mr. Lippelmann’s primary practice area is civil litigation focusing on business law, energy law and insurance defense. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from The University of Kansas and went on to receive his J.D. from the Washburn University School of Law. Mr. Lippelmann is admitted to practice in Kansas and is a member of the Kansas and Wichita Bar Associations as well as the Young Professionals of Wichita.

• SOX and suits: Whistleblower provisions at issue in retaliatory termination case
• Reduction in force or age-based discrimination?
• Imputing ugly staff conduct to the employer
• Ignorance isn't bliss for employer in FMLA lawsuit

• The Age Discrimination in Employment Act: Supreme Court rules on age as key factor
• At issue: Allegedly discriminatory hiring procedures
• Do salary deductions negate overtime exemption?
• Employer terminates worker before end of FMLA leave

• Who's watching the watcher? Discrimination suit puts EEOC under scrutiny
• Independent contractor vs. employee: Another battle is fought in the IT realm
• Workforce reduction cuts along gender lines
• Regarding guns, OSHA and the workplace...

• New wage bias act reverses Supreme Court's Ledbetter decision
• Did employee's cooperation lead to employer's retaliation?
• The Family and Medical Leave Act: Think twice before firing someone on qualified leave
• Acting in good faith at question in FLSA case

• New rules interpret the Family and Medical Leave Act
• Something in the air: Employee's perfume prompts ADA dispute
• The Pregnancy Discrimination Act: Treating workers equally is key
• What constitutes salary for FLSA overtime rules?

• ADA amendments expand coverage: How your business may be affected
• Criticized professor alleges discrimination and retaliation
• Does merely calling in sick trigger FMLA protection?
• Employers beware: Don't let emotion get the best of you when making a firing decision

If you have any questions about beneficiary designations or your estate plan generally, please feel free to contact us at your convenience, and have a very Happy New Year.

• Against the clock: Proximity of harassment complaints to firing is key in retaliation case
• FBI agent says PTSD interfered with the major life activity of sleeping
• Husband alleges retaliation after wife settles FMLA suit
• For ADA protection, must an employee request accommodation?

• When must employers pay for commuting time?
• Employee fired for on-the-job sleeping alleges retaliation
• Offensive language can create a hostile work environment
• Beware of pretextual firing reasons
• New act bars genetic discrimination

• The addition or change in circumstances of a child or a grandchild;
• A change in employment or place of residence;
• Retirement from work or changes in health;
• The loss of a spouse or other family member;
• A change in marital status;
• Receipt of an inheritance; and
• Acquisition of real estate.

Please consider whether your estate plan and your parents' estate plan are current.  Keeping your estate plan current is as important as having a plan in the first place.

• Does job title exempt an employee from overtime pay?
• Sexual harassment suit hinges on physician's employment status
• Employer needn't provide Sabbath observer's preferred accommodation
• Diabetes and the ADA

• Location, location, location: In discrimination cases, where a promotion is offered can make a difference
• Is depression covered by the ADA and FMLA?
• A professor's alleged in-office pornography leads to multiple claims
• WARN Act doesn't require double payment of wages

• "Sexual harasser" vs. "Retaliation victim": Court focuses on pretext, timing and connections
• Employer didn't violate duty to accommodate Sabbath observer
• Is direct notice required for FMLA leave?
• Handbooks must be clear to average employee

• Is obesity a disabling impairment under the ADA?
• Definitions key in determining FMLA eligibility
• Internal affairs: Don't leave your business open to disparate-treatment changes
• Harassers needn't know victim's actual national origin
• Involving the police held to be protected conduct

Becoming involved in legal disputes concerning evidence of medical matters can be a time-consuming and even stressful experience.  Recognizing that mutual cooperation of physicians and attorneys is essential to the orderly resolution of such disputes, the Wichita Bar Association and the Medical Society of Sedgwick County have adopted the Sedgwick County Medical-Legal Code.  This Code contains a declaration of standards of conduct for both attorneys and physicians involved in such matters.