Track Record & Recognition
Recent Successes:
- A defense jury verdict in Jackson County, Missouri state court in a two-plaintiff case brought under the Missouri Human Rights Act ("MHRA"), brought against a family-owned grocery chain. Plaintiffs alleged that they were selected for a reduction-in-force due to their age. One of the plaintiffs worked for the company for almost 30 years and was terminated in favor of keeping a 28-year old employee who had worked for the employer for four years. After a week-long trial, the jury returned defense verdicts in both cases. The jury deliberated for less than an hour.
- A successful appeal to the West Virginia Supreme Court from the West Virginia Human Rights Commission that overturned and reversed a judgment of more than $650,000 on claims of national origin discrimination, hostile work environment, and constructive discharge.
- A defense award in arbitration claims of gender discrimination and retaliation brought by three former human resources managers against our client, an international, publically traded financial services company. Exposure to our client: $1.5 million.
- A defense jury verdict in Jackson County, Missouri state court in claims of age discrimination arising under the MHRA brought against a locally-owned family business. The Missouri Commission on Human Rights found "cause" that there was discrimination. The jury did not. Exposure to our client: the company's continued existence as ongoing enterprise.
- A defense jury verdict in Jackson County, Missouri state court alleging claims of age discrimination under the MHRA brought against a mid-sized chemical company. The evidence included an email claiming that the company would only hire employees under the age of 45. Exposure to our client: $1 million.
- A verdict in favor of the plaintiff in a declaratory judgment action involving the enforceability of a non-compete agreement under Missouri law. After a week bench trial, our client won on all claims and was awarded all attorneys' fees incurred in the case.
- A defense jury verdict in Wyandotte County, Kansas state court in claims alleging consumer fraud against a national provider of funeral services. The claim was widely publicized on local television after the plaintiff's claims were covered by a consumer advocacy reporter. The reporter – now a well-known local anchorman – testified at trial for the plaintiff. The jury found for our client.
- Motions to dismiss or summary judgment granted in at least 30 different cases involving claims of race, age, and gender discrimination, retaliation, breach of contract, violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act, misappropriation of trade secrets, and business tort claims on behalf of SBH's clients in the last 24 months.
Accolades:
- SBH was recognized by Missouri Lawyers Weekly for obtaining one of the five top employment defense verdicts in Missouri in 2011, in a case tried by Paul Seyferth and Michael Blumenthal.
- Seyferth Blumenthal & Harris LLC was designated by the Super Lawyers Business Edition (2011) as the top “small” (i.e., 2-10 attorneys) law firm in Missouri for employment law
- Paul Seyferth was recently elected a Fellow in The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. Election as a Fellow is the highest recognition by a lawyer’s peers of one’s sustained outstanding performance in the profession, exemplifying integrity, dedication, and excellence.
-
SBH was awarded "Best Law Firm in Missouri for Labor & Employment Work 2009/10" and Kansas City's "go to" law firm to handle complex commercial cases and defend difficult employment disputes by Corporate Intl Magazine in their 2009/10 US Legal Awards. - U.S. News & World Report ranked SBH as a “Tier 1” law firm in “Labor Law-Management” in Missouri.
- Chambers USA (2010) wrote that SBH "has a substantial profile for major commercial and employment litigation, and handles claims of discrimination and harassment made against elected officials, corporate executives and business leaders. Sources also praise the firm's employment counseling and management training . . . The lawyers are assured and adopt highly creative strategies; the group is utterly deserving of its reputation."
- Chambers USA (2010) recognized that SBH “is going from strength to strength, forging a fantastic reputation in advice to and defense of midsized companies.”
- Paul Seyferth, Mike Blumenthal, and Charlie Harris have been repeatedly recognized by a peer review as Missouri/Kansas “Super Lawyers” in the field of labor and employment law. Mike Blumenthal was recognized in that review as one of the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Missouri/Kansas and one of the top 50 Super Lawyers in Kansas City.
- Paul Seyferth, Mike Blumenthal, and Courtney Hasselberg have been repeatedly recognized by The Kansas City Business Journal’s peer review as “Best of the Bar” in labor and employment law.
- Paul Seyferth and Mike Blumenthal are included among Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers in Kansas City in the field of labor and employment law.
- Charlie Harris, Jr. served as President of the Missouri Bar Association, 2007-2008.
- Charlie was selected by Missouri Lawyers Weekly for the “Best Lawyer in Missouri” award.
- Four of our lawyers served as law clerks to federal judges before entering private practice.