Aviation & Products Liability

Aviation products liability is a cornerstone of Rick's litigation practice. He has extensive experience representing aircraft, engine, and component manufacturers in complex litigation throughout the United States and internationally, involving both turbine-powered and piston-engine aircraft. His practice encompasses claims involving aircraft design, manufacturing, warnings, and alleged product defects, often presenting sophisticated engineering questions, technical expert testimony, and challenging jurisdictional and procedural issues.

Rick works closely with engineers, technical experts, and corporate representatives to develop and execute effective defense strategies. He understands that successfully defending aviation manufacturers requires more than knowledge of products liability law. It demands a thorough understanding of the aircraft and its systems, the engineering and manufacturing decisions behind them, aircraft certification and FAA regulations, and the operational and business considerations unique to the aviation industry.

Beyond aviation, Rick represents automotive manufacturers and manufacturers of industrial equipment, machinery, and construction-related products in products liability litigation. His approach combines careful technical analysis, strategic litigation planning, and a practical understanding of his clients' business objectives.

Commercial Litigation & Insurance Coverage

Rick represents businesses and individuals in complex commercial disputes involving contractual obligations, insurance coverage, business relationships, and significant financial interests. His clients range from closely held businesses to large corporations. His commercial litigation experience includes disputes involving commercial real estate, aviation, energy, and complex financial transactions. He also handles insurance coverage litigation involving questions of policy interpretation, coverage obligations, and the allocation of financial responsibility.

Rick approaches commercial litigation with an understanding that a favorable outcome must make sense not only legally, but also commercially. He works closely with clients to evaluate risk, identify practical solutions, and pursue litigation strategies aligned with their broader business objectives. He has represented clients in state and federal courts throughout the country.

Energy, Oil & Gas Litigation

Rick represents energy producers, operators, and other industry participants in disputes involving oil and gas operations, contractual obligations, mineral interests, and regulatory issues.  His experience includes litigation concerning oil and gas leases, royalty interests, surface rights, fractional mineral ownership, environmental disputes, and operational agreements. He also represents clients in proceedings before the Kansas Corporation Commission.
Rick played a significant role in representing Kansas energy producers and other stakeholders in one of the nation's largest oil and gas bankruptcy proceedings, helping protect their interests during a period of substantial financial uncertainty in the industry.

Bankruptcy & Creditors' Rights

For more than two decades, Rick has represented creditors, businesses, and other stakeholders in bankruptcy proceedings and creditors' rights litigation throughout the United States. His experience encompasses matters arising under Chapters 7, 11, and 13 of the Bankruptcy Code, including preference actions, secured claims, lien priorities, asset recovery, and disputes involving complex financial relationships. He regularly handles litigation in both bankruptcy and federal and state district courts.

Rick's background in commercial litigation and the energy industry provides valuable perspective when bankruptcy proceedings intersect with broader business disputes, secured transactions, and industry-specific issues. He also co-authored the Chapter 11 creditors' section of the Third Edition of the Kansas Bar Association's Bankruptcy Handbook.