Why We Excel

We have the distinct advantage of seeing the whole picture. We work on behalf of both individuals and institutions, plaintiffs and defendants. We know how the other side thinks because we are the other side. We think this helps us excel in representing our clients and seeking the best results possible under the unique facts of each case.

Our Commitment

We are experienced trial attorneys. We commit ourselves to learning the details and telling our client's story. We approach each case as if it is headed for trial, even when we think the case might not, or should not get there. This approach serves our clients' best interests. It means we are always trial ready and shows opposing counsel that our clients are willing to take the case all the way to verdict, which enhances our clients' leverage in negotiations. Our commitment to trial readiness and our successes at trial have contributed significantly to Wagstaff & Cartmell's reputation in the legal community and among our clients.

Our clients have stories that need and deserve to be told. Our strength is in understanding their stories, and persuasively and simply conveying them to juries, judges, or opposing parties or counsel. Though each story is unique, all our clients have challenging issues that need to be understandably communicated. Wagstaff & Cartmell has the ability to be an advocate in the courtroom, but also has the business understanding to grasp the commercial impact of the dispute.

We Share Risk

We like sharing the risk with our clients and we have the resources that allow us to do so. We are willing in appropriate cases to work on a contingency-fee, fixed-fee, or blended-rate basis -- where our efforts pay off only when our clients win. No matter what our agreement is with our client for fees and expenses, we strive to achieve the best possible result in the shortest amount of time at the lowest possible cost to the client.

Our Efficient Structure

At Wagstaff & Cartmell, our clients hire us to attain the best possible results at the least possible cost. Because we have learned how to run our practice on a contingency-fee model where case preparation is at our expense, we have developed a very efficient approach to litigation. We have learned that large cases do not require big hours. Because we staff and run cases using the same model, clients who prefer to hire us by the hour also benefit from our approach.

There is no expensive pyramid structure at Wagstaff & Cartmell. Our structure has an equal number of partners and associates. When we encounter an adversary who may have several associates for each partner, we rely on technology, creativity and efficiency to negate any differences in sheer billable hours that our opposing counsel may put on the case.

Our experience has taught us what will be important at trial and what will not be. We do not do discovery for discovery's sake. After years of trying cases, we have an understanding and feel for what we need - and what will work.

Our Relationships

Our clients come to us through many different channels. They are the reason we exist. We value our relationships with our clients above all.

Many of our new clients are referred to us from other lawyers. This might happen for one of several reasons:

• The referring lawyer may be in a big firm and have a conflict of interest in representing the client in a particular case.
• The referring lawyer may be in a small firm or may not be a litigator and is looking to refer the client to lawyers and a law firm that has the resources and ability to handle that client's litigation matter.
• The referring lawyer may think that our expertise in a particular area relevant to the client's existing problem or case is something the client needs and deserves.

Whatever the reason, we value our relationships with referring lawyers and we appreciate and respect the trust they place in us with their clients. We believe that we have become a destination for referrals by other lawyers because they trust us to do an excellent job for their clients while respecting their relationship with their client. Plus, it helps that we do not try to do everything. We are a litigation shop, that is all, so we pose no competition to lawyers who represent clients in non-litigation areas but whose clients find themselves in litigation unexpectedly.

Our Experience

Our experiences inside the courtrooms in and around western Missouri and eastern Kansas are invaluable. But our experience extends far beyond this area. Our lawyers are increasingly involved in matters across the United States, and even abroad. It is the variety and depth of our collective experiences that helps us excel in representing each one of our clients.

We offer free and confidential initial consultations. To speak with us about your legal concerns, please contact Wagstaff & Cartmell by calling 816-701-1100.