Paul Seyferth and Joe Knittig formed Seyferth Knittig LLC in August 2003. The firm name was changed to Seyferth Knittig & Blumenthal LLC in April 2007, with the addition of Michael Blumenthal. Charlie J. Harris, Jr. joined the firm in March 2008, and the name of the firm was changed to Seyferth Blumenthal & Harris LLC.
Since its inception, SBH has established a national litigation and employment law practice, representing clients from a wide cross-section of industries and geographic locales. In addition to "local" representations of over 100 small to mid-sized businesses, SBH’s engagements also include:
- National representation for one of the nation’s largest hoteliers;
- National representation for a Fortune 100 supplier to the aviation industry;
- Regional representation of a multi-state building supply retailer;
- Representation of several of Kansas City’s largest private employers;
- Representation of a worldwide shipping and logistics company; and
- Representation of several longstanding and respected law firms.
SBH appeals to companies – no matter how big or small – who possess true entrepreneurial spirit.
SBH’s philosophy is a function of its mission, its format and its commitment to client service. In structure and approach, we are very different from the large firms who often defend employment cases or are involved in commerical litigation. Our mission, format, and commitment to client service are described below.
Our Mission: SBH was created so its lawyers could practice law with a singular focus – to be the best litigation lawyers, on the merits. Period.
Our Format: SBH’s philosophy is based on the premise that clients deserve – and need – experienced and qualified lawyers handling all facets of their litigation matters, without paying abusive rates for such service. To provide this type of client service, a firm must (1) actually be open to innovative fee arrangements that might vary according to a particular client, or a particular matter; (2) operate from a geographic location that offers easy travel options and a reasonable overhead base; (3) commit to controlling office overhead; (4) properly use technology to stay nimble, efficient, and available; and, most importantly (5) offer only the services of passionate, experienced lawyers who understand the nuance of litigation and/or employment disputes at every stage. SBH provides all of the above for its clients at rates competitive with those charged for “senior associates” or “junior partners” at large firms.
Our Service Compared to Others: All forms of commercial litigation, but especially employment matters, are too sensitive to be handled by inexperienced lawyers who do not understand how a “minor” tactical mistake could cost a client many thousands of dollars in settling a case, or worse, affect the results of an employment trial. Nevertheless, at most large firms, inexperienced associates (with hefty billable hour requirements) control the critical details at the heart of a matter. Large firms and their clients simply cannot afford to have senior level partners too involved in the day-to-day details. That is an unfortunate – and expensive – reality. At SBH, we do not have minimum billable hour requirements. We do not worry about whether a particular task is best suited for a junior associate, senior associate, or junior partner. We don't believe our clients should pay for our lawyers' “on the job” training. At SBH, experienced lawyers handle every task on every matter. And, SBH’s clients receive this service with the promptness, efficiency, and personal touch that too often is lacking in the legal profession.
The end result of this philosophy is simple: SBH’s clients receive better service and better results, and pay less along the way.
The lawyers of SBH have combined experience of over 95 years of practicing employment law and commercial litigation. We pride ourselves on being successful in all phases of litigation, from discovery, to summary judgment, and through trial.
We have successfully tried commercial and employment cases throughout the United States, including Alaska, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, and West Virginia.
SBH’s lawyers have defended claims and represented clients in the 42 states shaded below:
Address:
Seyferth Blumenthal & Harris LLC
300 Wyandotte Street, Suite 430
Kansas City, MO 64105
Phone:
816.756.0700
Fax:
816.756.3700
Emails:
Michael Blumenthal: mike@sbhlaw.com
Download vCard
Brent Coverdale: brent@sbhlaw.com
Andrew W. Funk: andy@sbhlaw.com
Charlie J. Harris, Jr.: charlie@sbhlaw.com
Courtney Hasselberg: courtney@sbhlaw.com
Julia D. Kitsmiller: julia@sbhlaw.com
Kelly Moothart: kelly@sbhlaw.com
Julie W. O'Dell: julie@sbhlaw.com
Paul Seyferth: paul@sbhlaw.com
