Skip to Main Content
Overview

Kyle helps clients solve labor and employment problems: whether that’s defending them in litigation, resolving conflicts outside of court, or simply preventing disputes in the first place.

After more than two decades of experience, Kyle has seen just about every type of employment litigation. He has routinely handled cases involving the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and other alleged wage and hour violations, the Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA), restrictive covenants, disability accommodations, and discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims, and he works with clients in a wide array of industries.

While Kyle is an experienced litigator, he’s especially passionate about preventative counsel and employment law training. He’s seen enough litigation to know that it’s not usually in the best interests of either party, and he aims to help clients avoid it where possible. Kyle partners with clients to help them implement the policies and procedures that will prevent allegations of wrongdoing, and he frequently offers training to internal teams, managers, and front-line employees. Kyle believes that employment law training is a deeply worthwhile investment that every organization should make. He is also a frequent speaker at Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) events.

Kyle sees the law as simply problem solving and knows that good lawyers are good problem solvers. He chose to pursue a career in litigation not because he enjoys conflict but because he enjoys resolving it, and he is known for his skill in shepherding clients through the sometimes-complex process of litigation and agency investigations. He’s also known for building good working relationships with opposing counsel, which often help to resolve matters faster and at a lower cost for the client. Kyle takes his work seriously but not himself, and he always wants clients to feel better after talking with him.

Earlier in his career, Kyle served in an in-house role with H&R Block for eight years, handling a variety of legal matters and overseeing litigation across the country. He understands firsthand how much in-house attorneys and HR professionals are juggling, and his goal is to take as much off of clients’ plates as he can. At the end of the day, Kyle wants clients to sleep better at night because they know he has matters under control.

Industry

Services

Recognition

  • Best Lawyers in America, Litigation - Labor and Employment, 2021; Kansas Labor and Employment Lawyer of the Year, 2023
  • Chambers USA, Labor & Employment, 2022-2024

Education

  • J.D., University of Arkansas School of Law
    • magna cum laude
    • Arkansas Law Review
  • B.A., University of Missouri-Columbia

Admissions

  • Arkansas
  • Kansas
  • Missouri
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Arkansas
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Arkansas
  • U.S. District Court, District of Kansas
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Oklahoma
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Tennessee

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • Kansas Society of Human Resources Management; State Council, 2022-present; Director of Government Affairs, 2023-present
  • Society of Human Resources Management Johnson County; President, 2022; Board of Directors, 2019-present

Languages

  • Spanish, conversational
Experience
  • Achieved summary judgment in Kansas federal court on behalf of food processing company on racial discrimination and retaliation claim.
  • Achieved summary judgment in Kansas federal court on behalf of community college on multiple discrimination and retaliation claims.
  • Achieved summary judgment in Kansas federal court on behalf of bio sciences company on whistleblowing and retaliation claim.
  • Represented restaurants in class and collective actions for alleged violations of tip credit and other wage and hour laws.
  • Represented multiple clients in class and collective actions involving allegations of misclassification of exempt employees.
  • As in-house counsel for H&R Block, managed defense of multiple employment and consumer class and collective actions around the country, including instances of multidistrict litigation.
Outside the Office

Kyle is a devoted sports fan and an amateur musician: he roots for the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, and he plays both the violin and piano and sings. A lifelong learner, he likes to learn just about anything. Most recently, he’s been working to relearn the Spanish he studied in high school and college with the hope of becoming fluent.

Most of all, Kyle simply enjoys time with his family. He has three children who range from teens to young adults, and he loves going out and supporting their activities.

Community Leadership
  • Kansas Democratic Party, Rules and Bylaws Committee Chair, 2015-present
  • Johnson County Democratic Party; Chair, 2010-2014; Treasurer, 2004-2010
  • Johnson County Developmental Supports; Board Chair, 2020-2021; Board Member, 2014-present
  • St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Vestry (Board of Directors), 2009-2012
  • Gillis Center, Board of Directors, 2008-2011
In-House Counsel Experience
  • Corporate Counsel/Senior Corporate Counsel, H&R Block, 2004-2012