James Ensz
Retired
Mr. Ensz practiced primarily in the area of civil litigation and has tried in excess of 100 civil jury trials to verdict. His representations included the defense of insurance companies, their insureds and governmental entities against property, casualty, personal injury, civil rights and professional liability claims. Mr. Ensz also represented both plaintiffs and defendants in a wide variety of litigation matters, including civil rights, personal injury and general torts.
In addition, he performed legal services for small businesses, performs estate planning and probate work and assists parties with land use issues. Mr. Ensz also actively represented many homeowner associations throughout the Metropolitan Kansas City area.
Professional Affiliations
The Missouri Bar
Personal Interests/Activities
Jogging, tennis, golf, hiking, and involvement in various charitable pursuits.
Education
University of Nebraska, B.S (1966)
University of Nebraska, J.D. (1969)
Bar Admissions
Nebraska (1969)
Missouri (1972)
Kansas (1991)
United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri (1979)
United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit (1992)
United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit (2000)
Representative Experience
Traders Insurance Co., Harco National Insurance Co., Principal Insurance Co., Lititz Mutual Insurance Co., Midwest Public Risk, MOPERM, Lake Waukomis Homes Association, Greenfield Village Homes Association, Raintree Lake Property Owners Association
Published Decisions
Royster v. Nichols, 689 F.3d 68 (8th Cir. 2012); Christian County v. Missouri Partners, 306 S.W.3d 687 (Mo. App. 2010); Akers v. City of Oak Grove, 246 S.W.3d 916 (Mo. 2008); Collier v. City of Oak Grove, 246 S.W.3d 923 (Mo. 2008); Baska v. Sherzer, 156 R.2d 617 (KS. 2007); Theodore White v. Richard McKinley, 519 F.3d 806 (8th Cir. 2007); Blue Moon Entertainment v. City of Bates City, 441 F.3d 561 (8th Cir. 2006); Collins v. Missouri Bar Plan 157 S.W.3d 726 (Mo. App. 2005); George Ward Builders, Inc. v. City of Lee’s Summit, 157 S.W.3d 644 (Mo. App. W.D. 2004); Bauer v. City of Grandview, 138 S.W.3d 810 (Mo. App. 2004); Fields v. Henrich, 112 S.W.3d 50 (Mo. App. W.D. 2003); Keys Youth Services v. City of Olathe, 248 F.3d 1267 (10th Cir. 2000); Miller v. Bakken, 978 S.W.2d 518 (Mo. App. 1998); Kansas City Community Center v. Heritage Industries, Inc., 972 F.2d 185 (8th Cir. 1992); Hills v. Greenfield Village, 820 S.W.2d 311 (Mo. App. 1991); State ex rel. Kessler v. Shay, 820 S.W.2d 311 (Mo. App. W.D. 1991); Morris v. Jesky, 796 S.W.2d 139 (Mo. App. 1990); Obrien v. BLC Insurance Co., 768 S.W.2d (Mo.,en banc. 1989); Stuckenschneider v. Aetna Casualty and Surety Co., 7675 S.W.2d 121 (Mo. App. 1989); Roeder v. Aetna Life and Casualty Co. 738 S.W.2d 938 (Mo. App. 1987); Raytown Datsun v. Shelter Mutual Insurance Co., 737 S.W.2d 254 (Mo. App. 1987); Universal Underwriters Insurance Co. v. Davis, 697 S.W.2d 189 (Mo. App. 1985); Porter v. Lake Waukomis Association, 687 S.W.2d 237 (Mo. App. 1985); Lyon v. J.E. Dunn Construction Co., 693 S.W.2d 169 (Mo. App. 1985); Smith v. Harold's Supermarket, 685 S.W.2d 859 (Mo. App. 1984); Wolkens v. Drummond, 637 S.W.2d 273 (Mo. App. 1982); Citizen’s Ins. Co. v. Kansas City Commercial Cartage, 611 S.W.2d 302 (Mo. App. W.D. 1980)