YEARS
40
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OUR HISTORY
Since 1982, Ensz & Jester, P.C. has developed a robust practice defending cities and counties in Missouri and Kansas. Over the past 40 years, the firm has actively contributed to defining the scope of Missouri's waiver of sovereign immunity law, and have sought to limit its application to benefit governmental entities with success.
Among the many areas in which the firm has advised and defended local governments, the area of employment law and civil rights is a primary area of the Firm's expertise. Our attorneys have defended countless legal actions brought against individuals and local governments alleging violations of state and federal human rights/anti–discrimination laws, and constitutional rights. Additionally, our attorneys provide proactive advice to clients on such issues—such as policy reviews, disciplinary issues, reasonable accommodation requests, human resource investigations, just to name a few—in an effort to avoid litigation all together.
The firm has also developed a thriving practice representing and defending private businesses as well, with a focus on the construction and automotive industry. The firm has represented dozens of local, regional, and national dealerships in all aspects of their business. The firm provides a full range of services to its dealer clients—providing work-place training and developing needed forms and handbooks, assisting in the sale or purchase of dealerships, assisting dealers in repossessions or replevins, and defending dealerships against alleged consumer protection violations.
While the firm still focuses and specializes in public entity defense, employment law, and its auto dealer practice, it offers a wide range of litigation and counseling services to clients of all types—individuals, public entities, and private businesses.
OUR APPROACH
Each of our attorneys and support staff know that every client and insurer are different. And, each comes to the Firm with concerns, needs, and circumstances unique to them. That is why, at the outset, our attorneys work with each client to understand their needs, concerns, and situation, and then develop a strategy in collaboration with the client tailored to resolve their issue based on their priorities, concerns, and budget.
FIRM NEWS
Summary Judgement on Excessive Force Claim
Aug. 1, 2023: Chris Napolitano obtained summary judgment in Federal Court on behalf of a Johnson County municipality in which a plaintiff brought suit under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 claiming the City violated his Fourth Amendment Right to be free from excessive force stemming from a traffic stop.
Super Lawyers—Rising Stars 2023
Chris Napolitano was again selected to Super Lawyers 2023 Rising Stars List—having received the acknowledgement since 2020. The Rising Stars list recognizes no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state.
Defense Verdict in Employment Discrimination Claim
Brandon Mizner and Remington Smith won a defense verdict in Lexington, Missouri on public employee's claim of hostile work environment based on age.
$6.7M Jury Verdict for Local Business
Matthew Gist and Wesley Carrillo obtained a $6,693,619 verdict on behalf of a local business which was forced to closed its doors.
Summary Judgment for County
Chris Napolitano and Matthew Gist obtained summary judgment on a former jail inmate's claim asserting former and current jailers and a county violated the plaintiff's constitutional rights by not providing needed medical treatment.
Super Lawyers—Rising Stars 2022
Remington Smith & Chris Napolitano were again selected to Super Lawyers 2022 Rising Stars List after having both been selected the year prior. The Rising Stars list recognizes no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state.
Summary Judgment for County
Brandon Mizner obtained summary judgment on behalf of a public entity client, Gentry County, Missouri, in a claim brought against it by a motorist who claimed the County maintained a dangerous culvert that washed out the road resulting in her vehicle careening into the remaining void in the road.
Success at the Eighth Circuit
Chris Napolitano and Matthew Gist obtained a favorable opinion from the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in a First Amendment Retaliation case.
Jim Ensz Retires
Jim Ensz, one of the founders of the firm, officially retired as of January 1, 2020. The firm, those attorneys and staff Jim worked with, as well as all his clients will miss him and be forever grateful to him.
CONTACT US
Downtown Kansas City Office
1100 Main Street
Suite 2121
Kansas City, Missouri 64105