Early in Todd’s career, two trial attorneys at the firm where he worked were selected to judgeships. As a result, Todd quickly became immersed in a very active and hands-on litigation practice. Today he is an experienced and respected trial attorney, having successfully tried dozens of jury trials, prosecuted and defended arbitrations and bench trials, and handled numerous appeals.

Todd has been successful in litigating claims pertaining to wrongful death, bodily injuries, insurance bad faith, insurance coverage issues, legal malpractice, real estate broker/agent malpractice, intra-family disputes involving estate and probate matters, and business succession disputes. Todd has also been involved in actions to enforce and void no-compete agreements, address premises liability claims, challenge land use and zoning decisions, and obtain compensation for businesses and individuals suffering casualty losses.

Todd has also completed training as a Mediator and assists in the resolution of litigation through alternative dispute resolution. Having participated in more than 100 mediations¬—as either counsel for a party or as the Mediator—he has the experience to find solutions that are not necessarily readily apparent.

Todd has extensive experience investigating and prosecuting allegations of misconduct within the judicial arena. He has been a Special Prosecutor in attorney and court reporter matters, and for many years Todd served as the Examiner for the Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct. In that role he handled judicial complaints throughout the State of Kansas. And in each instance of judicial discipline, Todd appeared before the Kansas Supreme Court.

The writing skills that Todd developed while obtaining his journalism degree and working as a journalist before attending law school have been helpful in all aspects of his practice, but of particular import in his appellate practice. Todd blends clarity of expression, legal reasoning, and common sense practicality for the benefit of his clients. He takes special pride in the fact that during his career he has been called on by a number of fellow attorneys, and by several judges, to represent them in their personal legal matters.

Todd has been selected to membership in the American College of Trial Lawyers. Fellowship in the College is extended by invitation only and only after careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality. Lawyers must have a minimum of fifteen years trial experience before they can be considered for Fellowship. Membership in the College cannot exceed one percent of the total lawyer population of any state or province. In addition, Todd is a member of the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys, which invites only one defense trial attorney to be its prime member per one million in population for each city, town, or municipality across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

Todd is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, an honorary organization of lawyers, judges, and legal scholars whose public and private careers have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the welfare of their communities and to the highest principles of the legal profession. He is also a Fellow of the Kansas Bar Foundation, and was elected by the Board of Trustees to serve as President of the Board of the Foundation for the 2016-2017 year.

• University of Kansas, B.S. Journalism
• University of Kansas School of Law, J.D.

• Kansas
• U.S. District Court of Kansas
• U.S. District Court of Missouri, Western District
• Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals
• Supreme Court of the United States

• American College of Trial Lawyers, Fellow
• Association of Defense Trial Attorneys, member
• Kansas Association of Defense Counsel, Past President and current member
• Defense Research Institute, member
• Judge Hugh Means Inn of Court, Past President and current member
• American Bar Foundation, Fellow
• Kansas Bar Foundation, Fellow, Trustee, and former President
• American Bar Association, member
• Kansas Bar Association, member
  • Served on the Nominating Committee, the Insurance Committee, and the Continuing Legal Education Committee
• Douglas County Bar Association, Past President and current member
  • Served on the Ethics & Grievances Committee, the Bench-Bar Committee, and the Local Rules Revisions Committee
• Seventh Judicial District Nominating Commission, elected to multiple terms
• Martindale-Hubbell, AV Rating

• Information Network of Kansas (“Kansas.gov”) (former Board Chair for two terms)
• Lawrence Chamber of Commerce (member, and former Board member)
• Lawrence Rotary Club (Past President; Group Study Exchange Committee member and host) 2015 Rotarian of the Year
• Douglas County United Way (2004 Drive Chair)
• Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association (Past President)
• Douglas County 4-H Foundation (Past President)
• Douglas County Extension Council (Past President for two terms)
• Health Care Access (former Board member)
• Hilltop Child Development Center (former Board member)
• Leadership Lawrence (graduate and former Board member)
• University of Kansas Law Society Board of Governors (former Board member)
• University of Kansas Alumni Association, Lifetime Member

• “ADR in The New Millennium” (Kansas Bar Association)
• “Alternate Dispute Resolution: Strategic Planning for Clients” (Kansas Bar Association)
• “Arbitration – Procedures, Pros and Cons” (Kansas Bar Association)
• “Avoiding Bad Faith Claims” (Kansas Claims Association)
• “Bad Faith Issues” (Farm Bureau Insurance Field Adjusters Seminar)
• “Discovery in the Age of Electronic Information” (State of Kansas Department of Administration Legal Section CLE seminar)
• “Dram Shop Liability Revisited” (Kansas Association of Defense Counsel)
• “Effective Appellate Practice” (Kansas Bar Association Annual Meeting)
• “Ethical Considerations in Fiduciary Fees” (Kansas Bankers Association)
• “Following The Paperless Trail Without Tripping: Ethical Issues Confronting Lawyers Dealing With Discovery In The Age of Electronic Information” (Kansas Association of Defense Counsel Annual Meeting)
• “High Technology in Litigation” (Kansas Bar Association)
• “Hot Topics In Internet Law” (Kansas Bar Association Annual Meeting)
• “Insurance Law” (Kansas Bar Association)
• “Internet Law – Webs and Nets Set Traps for the Unwary Attorney” (Kansas Bar Association)
• “Kansas Defamation Law: An Update”, 59 J.K.B.A. 258 (1985)
• “Misrepresentation in the Application for Life Insurance: Lies in the Eyes of the Beholder”, Insurance Counsel Journal, p. 282 (April 1985), Co-author with Fred N. Six
• “The Paper Trail Has Gone Digital: Discovery in the Age of Electronic Information”, 71 J.K.B.A. 16 (2002)
• “Pattern Instructions: P.I.K.ing Your Jury” (Kansas Bar Association)
• “Real Life Ethics in Personal Injury Practice” (Kansas Bar Association)
• “Tips from the Trenches” (Kansas Association of Defense Counsel Annual Meeting)

• Brief (co-author) (summary docket), Kansas Court of Appeals, Brink v. Brink, No. 24-128079-A (2025). Obtained removal of Co-Trustee, leaving client as sole Trustee, which was affirmed on appeal.
• Brief and oral argument, Kansas Court of Appeals, Sutherland v. Sutherland Trustee (GST) and Sutherland Trustee (REV), 23-126959-A (2025). Obtained summary judgment for client, which was affirmed on appeal.
• Brief (co-author), Kansas Court of Appeals, First Presbyterian Church of Lawrence v. City of Lawrence and Fountain Residential Partners LLC, No. 24-128108-A (Fountain II) (2025). Obtained judgment preserving favorable municipal ruling on zoning interpretation and site plan, which ruling was affirmed on appeal.
• Brief and oral argument, Kansas Supreme Court, In the Matter of Meghan Rogers, CCR, No. 1721 (2024), serving as Special Disciplinary Counsel. Action originated before the State Board of Examiners of Court Reporters.  Resulted in public reprimand.
• Brief (co-author), Kansas Court of Appeals, First Presbyterian Church of Lawrence v. City of Lawrence and Fountain Residential Partners LLC, No. 124855-A (Fountain I) (2023). Obtained judgment preserving favorable municipal ruling on zoning interpretation and site plan, which ruling was reversed and remanded for additional discovery, but subsequently affirmed on appeal.
• Brief (co-author), Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, Bertels v. Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company, 23-3276 (2024) (Bertels II). Obtained summary judgment for client on standing and insurance bad faith issues, with the standing ruling affirmed on appeal, thereby rendering moot the other grounds on which summary judgment was granted.
• Brief (co-author), Kansas Court of Appeals, Spencer v. Ziegler, No. 23-126848-A (2024). Easement and boundary line dispute, with easement being sustained for client, but boundary line being adjusted.
• Brief and oral argument, Kansas Supreme Court, An Inquiry Concerning a Court Reporter, Jessica K. Belcher, CCR, Nos. 1536-01-2017 and 1536-01-2018 (2024), serving as Special Disciplinary Counsel. Action originated before the State Board of Examiners of Court Reporters.  Resulted in revocation of Reporter’s Certificate.
• Brief and oral argument, Kansas Supreme Court, In the Matter of Dana Burkdoll, CCR, Nos. 1364-07-2021, 1364-08-2021, and 1364-01-2022 (2023), serving as Special Disciplinary Counsel. Action originated before the State Board of Examiners of Court Reporters.  Resulted in probation for twelve months.
• Brief and oral argument, Kansas Supreme Court, In the Matter of April C. Shepard, CCR, No. 1318 (2019), serving as Special Disciplinary Counsel. Action originated before the State Board of Examiners of Court Reporters. Resulted in public reprimand.
• Brief and oral argument, Kansas Court of Appeals, Lenard, et al, v. Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Case No. 120,628 (2019). Obtained summary judgment for our client on insurance coverage issue, which was affirmed on appeal.
• Brief (co-author), Delaware Township and High Prairie Township v. City of Lansing, Kansas and Leavenworth Board of Commissioners, No. 122,582 (2021), representing City of Lansing in termination of fire district.
• Brief for appellant (co-author) and oral argument, Phillips, et al. v. Farm Bureau Mutual Ins. Co., Kansas Court of Appeals, Case No. 105,349-A. Obtained the reversal of a garnishment judgment in excess of $2,500,000 against an insurer resulting from an alleged bad faith failure to settle.
• Brief and oral argument, Kansas Supreme Court, serving as Examiner, Commission on Judicial Conduct, In re Cullins, Case No. 20-122565-S. Judicial discipline proceeding.
• Brief for appellee McGinnis, Dupass v. McGinnis, Kansas Insurance, Inc., Thomas County Insurance Agency, and Moeder, Case No. 20-122926-A. Obtained summary judgment for client in a failure to procure / bad faith type action, which was affirmed on appeal.
• Brief for appellant garnishee, Kansas Court of Appeals, Parent JJ, et al. v. Neeley v. Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company, Case No. 20-122793-A. Case involved insurance policy exclusions for damages arising out of sexual abuse and/or molestation, and exclusions for intentional acts.  Reversal obtained for client, and garnishment set aside.
• Brief and oral argument, Kansas Court of Appeals, Russell v. Treanor Investments L.L.C. et al., Case No. 17-117973-A, 466 P.3d 481, 2020 WL 3481328 (June 26, 2020). Dispute over restrictive covenants.  Obtained summary judgment for our client, Treanor Investments, L.L.C., which was affirmed by the Kansas Court of Appeals and the Kansas Supreme Court.
• Brief and oral argument, Kansas Supreme Court, Kudlacik v. Johnny’s Shawnee, Inc. and Barley’s LTD., 309 Kan. 788, 440 P.3d 576 (2019). Case involved a claim by plaintiff seeking to have Kansas courts create a dram shop liability against alcohol dispensers. The district court granted judgment on the pleadings to our client, Barley’s, and the Kansas Court of Appeals and the Kansas Supreme Court affirmed.
• Brief and oral argument, Kansas Supreme Court, serving as Examiner, Commission on Judicial Qualifications, In re Trigg, Case No. 118,527 (2018). Judicial discipline proceeding.
• Brief and oral argument, Kansas Supreme Court, serving as Examiner, Commission on Judicial Qualifications, In re Henderson, Case No. 15-114488-S (2016). Judicial discipline proceeding.
• Brief and oral argument, Kansas Supreme Court, serving as Examiner, Commission on Judicial Qualifications, In re Henderson, 301 Kan. 412, 343 P.3d 518 (2015). Judicial discipline proceeding resulting in suspension.
• Brief for appellee Philip Morris International Inc. (co-author), Kansas Court of Appeals, Smith v. Philip Morris Companies, Inc. (n/k/a Altria Group, Inc.), et al, Case No. 12-108,491-A. Involved issues regarding the Kansas Restraint of Trade Act.  District Court granted summary judgment to the firm’s client, and was affirmed by the Court of Appeals.
• Brief for appellee (co-author), Kansas Court of Appeals, S. Bank v. Estate of Dowty, et al., Case No. 11-105869. Involved issues of real estate title arising from a claimed common law marriage in defense of a mortgage foreclosure action, which claims were rejected by the District Court.
• Brief for appellant (co-author) and oral argument, Kansas Court of Appeals, Phillips, et al. v. Farm Bureau Mutual Ins. Co., Case No. 10-105,349-A (2013). Obtained the reversal of a garnishment judgment in excess of $2,500,000 against an insurer resulting from an alleged bad faith failure to settle.
• Brief for appellee (co-author) and oral argument, Kansas Court of Appeals, Blanco-Diaz v. Maus and Farm Bureau Mutual Ins. Co., Case No. 10-103916-A. Involved an alleged bad faith failure to settle claim wherein the District Court granted judgment to our client, the insurer, after trial and was affirmed on appeal.
• Brief for appellee (co-author), U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, Dool, et al. v. Burke, et al., Case No. 10-3320. Involved constitutional challenges to the Kansas Supreme Court Nominating Commission, the rejection of which by the District Court was affirmed on appeal.
• Brief for amicus curiae Kansas Association of Defense Counsel (co-author), Kansas Supreme Court, Critchfield Physical Therapy v. The Taranto Group, Inc., Case No. 09-101949. Involved class action litigation and the criteria for certifying a class.
• Brief for appellant (co-author), Kansas Court of Appeals, Intellisports, L.L.C. v. Fitzgerald, et al., Case No. 08-100196-A (2009). Involved misappropriation of trade secrets and the methods for calculating damages.
• Brief for appellee, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, Jeanne Huber-Happy, et al. v. Estate of Pauline Rankin, Case No. 06-3356 (2007). Involved trust and estate issues and the lower court’s award of attorney fees to the appellee.
• Brief for appellee, Kansas Court of Appeals, Schaefer, et al. v. Jones, et al., Case No. 06-96508-A (2006). Involved alleged real estate and broker malpractice arising from issues related to legal descriptions and seller disclosures, and addressed issues relative to claims for specific performance.
• Brief for amicus curiae Legislative Coordinating Council (co-author), Kansas Supreme Court, Montoy, et al. v. Kansas, et al., Case No. 04-92032-S (2006). Involved constitutional issues regarding school financing.
• Brief and oral argument for appellees, Kansas Court of Appeals, Coleman, et al. v. Logan, et al., Case No. 07-98099-A (2008). Involved premises liability issues arising from a fatal shooting outside a night club.
• Brief for appellee (co-author), Kansas Court of Appeals, Fleetwood Folding Trailers, Inc. v. The Coleman Company, Inc., Case No. 05-94950 (2007), 38 Kan. App. 2d 30, 161 P.3d 786 (2007). Involved trademark, trade secrets, and licensing issues.
• Brief, Kansas Court of Appeals, McIntosh, et al. v. Rhine, Case No. 07-98805-A (2008). Involved allegations of real estate broker and agent malpractice, and parol evidence rule issues.
• Brief for appellees, Kansas Court of Appeals, Ek Real Estate, Inc. and Maurice Schmidt in Schaefer, et al. v. Jones, et al., Case No. 06-96508-A (2006). Involved a claim for specific performance in a real estate transaction.
• Brief and oral argument for appellee, Kansas Court of Appeals, Jerby, et al v. Truck Insurance Exchange, Case No. 05-94863-A (2005). Involved insurance policy interpretation and coverage relative to workers’ compensation liens and subrogation rights.
• Brief and oral argument for appellant, Kansas Court of Appeals, Gordon v. Williams, Case No. 05-94899-A (2005). Involved interpretation of statute providing for payment of attorney fees.
• Brief for appellee (co-author), Kansas Court of Appeals, Lowder v. Meyer, Case No. 03-91110-A (2003). Involved statute of limitations issues.
• Brief for appellee (co-author), Kansas Court of Appeals, Hatke v. Heartland Homecare Services, Inc., Case No. 03-90117-A (2003). Involved Consumer Protection Act and Medicare issues.
• Brief and oral argument for appellee, Kansas Court of Appeals, Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co., Inc. v. Enterprise Leasing Company of Kansas, Case No. 01-87644-A (2002). Involved insurance policy interpretation and coverage relative to rental cars.
• Brief and oral argument for appellee, Kansas Court of Appeals, Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co., Inc. v. Tatum, et al., Case No. 01-86484-A (2001). Involved insurance policy interpretation and coverage issues relative to an automobile dealership.
• Brief and oral argument for appellee, Kansas Court of Appeals, Wieland v. Dunn, Case No. 00-86381-A (2001). Involved procedural and evidentiary issues.
• Brief and oral argument for appellee, Kansas Court of Appeals, Elliott v. Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co., Inc., Case No. 98-81001-A, 26 Kan. App. 2d 790, 995 P.2d 885 (1999). Involved class action over insurance policy interpretation and coverage issues relative to PIP coverage.
• Brief for appellee, Kansas Court of Appeals, Weroha v. Craft, et al., Case No. 96-77431-A, 24 Kan. App. 2d 693, 951 P.2d 1308 (1997). Involved premises liability claims arising from a criminal attack.
• Brief and oral argument for appellee, Kansas Court of Appeals, Angell v. Hocking, Case No. 96-76083-A (1996). Involved statute of limitations issues based on defective service of process.
• Brief and oral argument for appellee, Kansas Court of Appeals, Hildebrandt v. Schwartz, Case No. 95-74073-A (1995). Involved adverse possession and boundary line issues.
• Brief and oral argument for appellee, Kansas Court of Appeals, Hatfield v. Taylor, et al., Case No. 92-68981-A (1993). Involved fraud and consumer protection issues in the sale of real estate.
• Brief and oral argument for appellee, Kansas Court of Appeals, Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co., Inc. v. Herken, et al., Case No. 93-69432-A (1993). Involved insurance coverage issues in a wrongful death action.
• Brief and oral argument for appellee, Kansas Court of Appeals, Ferrell v. Stephens Real Estate, Inc., et al., Case No. 92-69053-A (1993). Involved fraud and consumer protection issues in the sale of real estate.
• Brief and oral argument for appellee, Kansas Court of Appeals, Brown v. City of Baldwin City, Kansas, Case No. 91-66474-A (1992). Involved eminent domain, nuisance and land use issues.
• Brief and oral argument for appellant, Kansas Court of Appeals, Allen Realty, Inc. v. City of Lawrence, et al., Case No. 89-63596, 14 Kan. App. 2d 361, 790 P.2d 948 (1989). Involved historic preservation and land use issues, and was settled while on appeal.
• Brief and oral argument for appellant, Kansas Court of Appeals, Lawrence Preservation Alliance, Inc. v. Allen Realty, Inc., et al., Case Nos. 91-65622 and 91-65623, 16 Kan. App. 2d 93, 819 P.2d 138 (1991). Involved historic preservation and land use issues, and resulted in reversal.
• Brief and oral argument for appellee, Kansas Court of Appeals, People’s National Bank & Trust v. Excel Corporation, Case No. 84-56844, reported at 236 Kan. 687, 695 P.2d 444 (1985). Involved interpretation of the Uniform Commercial Code and the perfection and waiver of security interests in agricultural products.
• Brief and oral argument for appellee, Kansas Court of Appeals, Malott v. Mastercraft Corporation, Case No. 84-56764 (1985). Involved interpretation and application of zoning and subdivision ordinances, and questions of mootness.
• Brief (co-author) for amicus curiae Kansas Association of Defense Counsel, Kansas Supreme Court, Brady v. McClure, et al., Case No. 84-57348 (1985). Involved questions of passenger liability and comparative negligence.
• Brief and oral argument for appellee, Kansas Court of Appeals, Bolen v. Harvey, Case No. 85-58305 (1985). Involved issues of liability insurance coverage, and intentional acts.
• Brief for appellee, Kansas Court of Appeals, Brown v. Flanagan and Shoemann, Case No. 83-56230 (1984). Involved issues of sufficiency of evidence, comparative negligence, and the preclusion of evidence of insurance.
• Brief for appellee, Kansas Court of Appeals, Ross v. Merseman, Case No. 83-55445 (1983). Involved issues of service of process and summary judgment.
• Brief for appellee, Kansas Court of Appeals, Dever v. Kioso, Case No. 82-54035 (1982). Involved issues of service of process and summary judgment.