KMAZ made its 5^th appearance in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids’ Sake Law Firm Bowl on Saturday, April  10, 2010, at Northrock Lanes.  KMAZ was again awarded the first place trophy for raising the most pledges. The KMAZ bowlers succeeded in bringing home the award under the guidance of KMAZ Office Manager, Steve Cook.  Cook, who is often subtle in his slyness, waged all out challenges to the other law firms, taunting them with emails and even a homemade video predicting their defeat this year.

Kudos to the KMAZ Team! For more information regarding Big Brothers Big Sisters you can contact Linda Griffin or visit the organization’s web site at http://www.ksbbbs.org/sg/.

Wichita Jury Delivers Defense Verdict

Congratulations to KMAZ attorneys Gary Austerman and Mike Wyatt and their staff members Eileen Martens and Peggy Beal for their recent trial victory!

Case:                          Belden v. Nabbout

Claim:                         Medical malpractice.  Plaintiff had been involved in an automobile accident a week before presenting to the hospital with complaints of nausea, vomiting, fever, and obtundation.  Plaintiff continued to develop a high-grade fever and severe hypotension after admission and was ultimately transferred to ICU where he coded twice and eventually died.  Plaintiff’s claim alleged Defendant deviated from the standard of care and sought damages in excess of $75,000.00.

Judge:                         Judge Mark Vining

Attorneys:                  (P):       Tom Warner     (D):  Gary Austerman and Mike Wyatt

Length of trial:           6 days, 1 hour jury deliberation           

Verdict:                      For Defendant.  The jury found that Dr. Nabbout did not deviate from the standard of care.

KMAZ Finishes 1^st in Big Brother Big Sisters Fundraiser

KMAZ made its 4^th appearance in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids’ Sake Law Firm Bowl on Saturday, April  4, 2009 at Northrock Lanes.  KMAZ was proudly awarded the trophy this year, raising over $1500 more in pledges than the second place finisher. A record number of 24 people participated on the KMAZ team, which was comprised of employees, friends and family.  The KMAZ bowlers succeeded in bringing home the award under the guidance of KMAZ Office Manager, Steve Cook.  Cook, who is often subtle in his slyness, waged all out challenges to the other law firms, taunting them with emails and even a homemade video predicting their defeat this year.

KMAZ Team Members included Chasity Helm, Mike Wyatt, Jamie Wyatt, Alex Mitchell, Bryn Reid, Patrick Hilboldt, Courtney Hohl, Erica Hohl, Adrianna Hohl, Ashley Black, Steve Cook, Gretchen Butler, Sarah Fisher, Kandi Sharp, Mary Carol Franko, Amy Smith, Kylie Smith, Annette Meece, Becca Meece, Leah Campbell, Jennifer Horine, Linda Small, Todd Allison, and Karen Neises. Also joining the group on the day of competition were James Sharp, Wyatt Sharp, Mia Terry and Cory Otis.

Kudos to the KMAZ Team! For more information regarding Big Brothers Big Sisters you can contact Linda Griffin or visit the organization’s web site at http://www.ksbbbs.org/sg/.

KMAZ Participates in BBBS Fundraiser

KMAZ will make its 4^th appearance in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids’ Sake Law Firm Bowl on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at Northrock Lanes. Each year, local law firms compete for the chance to obtain the coveted Law Firm Bowl trophy through friendly, yet competitive, fundraising. The firm raising the most money through pledges is awarded the trophy and champion title. This year, KMAZ has a record number of 24 employees participating in the event. For more information regarding Big Brothers Big Sisters you may contact Linda Griffin or visit the organization’s web site at http://www.ksbbbs.org/sg/.

KMAZ Sponsors Charity Golf Tournament

KMAZ is sponsoring the upcoming 2009 Jet Open Charity Golf Tournament to be held at Rolling Hills Country Club on Monday, April 27.  Tournament proceeds benefit Newman University student-athletes, providing funds for athletic scholarships, programs and facilities.  Newman University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II.  The University offers student athletes the opportunity to participate in men’s and women’s intercollegiate basketball, bowling, cross-country, golf, soccer and tennis, as well as women’s softball and volleyball, and men’s baseball and wrestling.

KMAZ Sponsors Walk MS 2009

KMAZ is a proud sponsor of Walk MS 2009 benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.  The event will take place locally on April 4, 2009 at Sedgwick County Park in Wichita, Kansas.  KMAZ’s involvement with the organization is led by Member Jeff Peier.  Jeff’s commitment to the organization dates back to 1985 when he first served as a member of the Board of Trustees for the South Central and Western Kansas Division of the group. He currently serves as Chairman of that Board, a position he has held since 2001.  In 2002, Jeff also joined the Board of Trustees for the All America Chapter of the NMSS, which covers divisions in 15 states, including South Central and Western Kansas.  He was named Chairman of that Board in 2007 and currently holds the position. KMAZ has been a Silver Sponsor of Walk MS for the past 3 years.

KMAZ Member Speaks on Aviation Industry Issues

On February 9, 2009, KMAZ Member Jeff D. Peier participated in the 16^th Annual Aircraft Registry Forum in Naples, Florida.  The event, which spanned two (2) days, focused on current issues of concern among attorneys and other professionals in the aviation industry.  During the forum, Mr. Peier presented “Planning the Closing – FAA and Cape Town Considerations.” 

KMAZ Member gives FLSA Seminar Presentation

On March 11, 2009, KMAZ Member Alex Mitchell presented highlights of the Fair Labor Standards Act to the annual meeting of City Clerks and Financial Planners.

"Dress Down for Success"

On February 11, 2009, KMAZ participated in a fundraiser for the non-profit group, Dress for Success Wichita (DFSW). Participating KMAZ employees each made a $5.00 donation to DFSW in exchange for the opportunity to wear jeans to work, raising a total of $135 for the organization. This is the 5^th year KMAZ has participated in the fundraiser.

Friends' Softball Tournament

KMAZ continued its ongoing sponsorship of the Friends University Athletic Program serving as the exclusive sponsor of the Lady Falcon Softball Tournament held March 6 and 7, 2009 in Wichita, Kansas.  In all, 18 teams haling from Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Iowa competed in the event. The Lady Falcons finished with a 4-1 record, outscoring their opponents 40-23.  Games wrapped up on time just as thunderstorms rolled in the second night of competition.

KMAZ has been a sponsor of Friends athletics since 2002, supporting not only the softball program but the football, volleyball and basketball programs as well.

Super Lawyers

KMAZ members Gary Austerman, J. Michael Morris and Michelle L. Brenwald were selected for inclusion in the 2008 Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers listing.  Austerman was listed as a Super Lawyer practicing in the areas of Personal Injury Defense, Medical Malpractice and Business Litigation.  Morris was listed as a Super Lawyer practicing in the areas of Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights and Business Litigation.  This is Austerman and Morris’s third consecutive listing with the group.

Brenwald was listed as Rising Star Lawyer, a category reserved for up and coming lawyers under the age of 40. Her primary practice areas include Personal Injury and Civil Litigation. This is her first listing with the group.

Super Lawyers describes itself as “a listing of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.”  Names of these KMAZ lawyers were included in 2008 Super Lawyers magazine which is distributed to all attorneys practicing in Kansas and Missouri, lead corporate counsel of Russell 3000 companies, as well as ABA-approved law school libraries.

Pro Bono Work

KMAZ lawyer Michelle L. Brenwald was recognized in the February 2009 issue of Wichita Magazine for the helping hand she extended to a woman in need of legal assistance.  As the article indicates, Lynn Gilkey was, once upon a time, a cocaine addict. She used and sold drugs, which ultimately led to a conviction for which she was convicted in 2001. After her release from prison, her successful completion of a rehabilitation program, and turning her life around, Gilkey was still haunted by her criminal record. With the assistance of Brenwald and her legal assistant, Tracey L. Reed, Gilkey’s record was expunged. Gilkey now serves our community, working with at-risk high school girls, speaking and educating on tobacco, alcohol and drug prevention.