Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Legal Representation in Kansas City, MO
Established in 1975, Gunn Shank & Stover PC has been a cornerstone of legal excellence in the Kansas City area. Our firm brings decades of combined experience to every case, delivering tailored legal strategies that reflect our deep understanding of the law and our clients' unique needs. We specialize in business law, personal injury litigation, criminal defense, family law, and traffic law, serving individuals and corporations with equal dedication. Our team of seasoned attorneys prides itself on maintaining rigorous standards of professional conduct while achieving favorable outcomes through negotiation, arbitration, and courtroom advocacy.We remain committed to evolving with legal advancements while preserving the personalized service that distinguishes our practice. By offering competitive pricing without compromising quality, we ensure clients receive comprehensive legal support that aligns with their financial and strategic objectives. Our reputation for integrity and results-driven representation continues to make us a trusted choice for complex legal matters in Clay and Platte Counties.
Services
Personal Injury Law
Criminal Defense
Family Law
Traffic Law
Business Litigation
Bankruptcy Services
Estate Planning
Real Estate Law
Employment Law
Local Government Law
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of combined legal expertise across multiple practice areas
- Our attorneys maintain active courtroom advocacy and negotiation experience
- We provide tailored legal strategies without compromising cost-effectiveness
- Our practice spans both private and public sector legal representation
- We combine personalized service with rigorous professional standards
Services
Personal Injury Law
We represent clients in motor vehicle accident cases, preserving critical evidence and documenting injuries. Our attorneys handle insurance negotiations and courtroom advocacy to ensure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. With extensive experience in personal injury litigation, we guide clients through complex legal processes while protecting their rights.
Criminal Defense
Our criminal defense practice focuses on protecting clients' constitutional rights during investigations and court proceedings. We advise on Fifth Amendment protections, police interactions, and bond procedures. We defend against both misdemeanor and felony charges in state and municipal courts, emphasizing early intervention and strategic defense development to minimize case impacts.
Family Law
We handle dissolution proceedings, child custody determinations, and support calculations under Missouri law. Our practice emphasizes protecting parental rights while prioritizing children's best interests. We guide clients through custody evaluations, parenting plans, and property division matters, advocating for equitable solutions that address both immediate and long-term family needs.
Traffic Law
Our traffic law services address license suspensions, DWI charges, and point accumulation defense. We represent clients in license reinstatement proceedings and hardship license applications. We provide strategic counsel on traffic violation defenses and insurance implications, working to minimize driving record impacts for Missouri residents and commercial drivers.
Business Litigation
We offer comprehensive business law services including contractual disputes, real estate transactions, and creditor rights representation. Our practice covers bankruptcy proceedings, corporate structure advice, and local government law matters. We serve both small businesses and major corporations with solutions tailored to their operational requirements and growth objectives.
People
R. Michael Gunn
Founding Attorney
Established the firm in 1975 with expertise in business law, real estate, and tax matters. Focuses on commercial transactions and land use regulations across Missouri jurisdictions.
John R. Shank
Partner
Managing partner since 1981 specializing in litigation and family law. Recognized for successful domestic relations case outcomes and courtroom advocacy throughout the Kansas City region.
Philip O. Willoughby, Jr.
Attorney
Experienced legal practitioner handling diverse cases including personal injury, traffic law, and municipal matters. Provides comprehensive representation with emphasis on client communication and case preparation.
Gregory Carpenter
Of Counsel
Offers specialized expertise in estate planning and tax matters since joining the firm in 1983. Provides strategic counsel on business succession planning and probate proceedings.
Pauline Fleming
Paralegal
Supports the legal team with case management and documentation preparation. Coordinates client communications and maintains case records for efficient litigation processing.
Questions
What should I do if served with legal papers?
Contact an attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone else to avoid creating witnesses. We help clients respond within required timeframes while protecting their rights.
Can traffic violations affect my commercial driver's license?
Yes, traffic convictions have severe consequences for CDL holders. Our firm provides specialized defense strategies to protect your commercial driving privileges and employment opportunities.
How are child custody decisions made in Missouri?
Courts consider eight statutory factors prioritizing children's best interests. We help clients develop custody plans that balance parental rights with practical childcare considerations.
What happens after filing for bankruptcy?
Our experienced attorneys guide clients through the bankruptcy process, including asset protection strategies, debt discharge proceedings, and ensuring compliance with court requirements throughout Missouri jurisdictions.
How does your firm handle criminal investigations?
We advise clients on constitutional protections, police interactions, and evidence preservation. Our defense strategies focus on minimizing case impacts while preparing for potential courtroom proceedings.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Clay and Platte Counties, providing comprehensive legal representation throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area for both personal and corporate clients.
