Kansas City Attorneys The Regan Law Firm

Kevin E. J. Regan

Kevin E. J. Regan, the founder of the Regan Law Firm, LLC has been inducted as a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, an honor bestowed on fewer than 1% of lawyers in the U.S. and Canada. The College is considered among the country’s most prestigious legal organizations. The induction ceremony took place on Saturday, March 6th, during the College’s spring meeting in Palm Desert, California.

Fellowship in the College is extended only by invitation, after careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality. Lawyers must have a minimum of fifteen years of trial experience before they can be considered for fellowship.

There are approximately 5700 fellows across the United States and Canada, including active, Emeritus, Judicial, and honorary fellows. Membership in the college can never experience 1% of the total lawyer population of any state or province. Qualified lawyers are called the Fellowship in the College from all practices of trial practice. They are selected from among advocates who represent plaintiffs or defendants in civil proceedings of all type as well as prosecutors and criminal defense lawyers. The College is thus able to speak with a balanced voice on important issues affecting the administration of justice. The College tries to improve and elevate the standards of trial practice, the administration of justice and the ethics of the trial profession.Regan founded The Regan Law Firm, L.L.C. in March of 1999 after leaving a larger, A.V. rated firm, where he was a named shareholder.

He believes a good lawyer needs to be an innovator and experienced problem solver. Mr. Regan has tried over 150 jury trials in civil and criminal courts in numerous state and federal courts throughout the United States. His first victory came while a senior in law school when he tried and won a second-degree murder case for the prosecution in Holton, Kansas.

He was awarded the 36th Annual Lon O. Hocker Memorial Trial Lawyer Award by the Missouri Bar Foundation in 1991, in recognition of outstanding achievement in trial practice.

Mr. Regan has successfully prosecuted, as well as defended, numerous major criminal cases in state and federal courts. He has litigated numerous workers' compensation and civil cases, including a 1.9 million-dollar wrongful death settlement. He continues to work as general counsel for several local and national businesses. Two of the last criminal cases handled in Federal Court resulted in acquittals.

He has also been named to the Top 50 Super Lawyers in Kansas and Missouri, and honored by the Kansas City Business Journal as one of the Best of the Bar.

He has served as a member of the National Football League Player's Association Worker's Compensation Attorney Panel. He is past chairman of the Kansas City, Missouri Bar Association Criminal Law Committee. He is past chairman of the advisory board of the Heartland Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. He is a former co-director of training, education and continuing legal education for the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and is an annual speaker at the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys Trial School.

Mr. Regan is licensed to practice in all state and federal trial and appellate courts in Kansas and Missouri and is admitted, as well, to the bar of the United States Supreme Court. He is a top rated adjunct professor of Trial Advocacy at Washburn University Law School. He has helped mentor many outstanding trial lawyers over the years.

The Practice

Kevin Regan’s legal career actually began while in his third year of law school. Serving as an intern to Dick Lake, County Attorney of Jackson County, Kansas, Mr. Regan was handed the “opportunity of a lifetime” – the prosecution of a second degree murder trial in Holton, Kansas: the State of Kansas vs. Abraham Mitchell. (Holton is a small town about thirty miles north of Topeka).

Abraham Mitchell was accused of killing an acquaintance, Richard Pahmahmie, a pitcher for the Topeka Owls baseball club. Mr. Pahmahmie was found dead, shot in the head, his own pistol and broken pistol grips near his hand. Mitchell claimed the death was suicide. However, a hard-nosed investigation, and forensic evidence developed by Kevin Regan, Sheriff Don Collins, and Marvin Starr, Chief Deputy, proved Abraham Mitchell was indeed the shooter. Using blood spatter evidence, Mr. Regan proved Richard Pahmahmie died lying on the ground, intoxicated and helpless.

The jury convicted Abraham Mitchell and sentenced him to life in prison.

At the time of this trial, Kevin Regan was believed to be the first law student in the nation to sit First Chair in a murder trial.

Also in his third year of law school, Mr. Regan interned in the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office in Topeka, where he first chaired several successful major felony trials.

Prosecutor

Upon graduation from Washburn University’s Law School (J.D. 1981), Mr. Regan joined the Johnson County, Kansas District Attorney’s Office. The District Attorney at that time was Dennis Moore, who went on to serve in the United States House of Representatives.

During this time with the District Attorney, Kevin tried many felony jury trials, winning them all. He also became the first member of his law school class to argue a case before the Kansas Supreme Court. The case revolved around the same individual, Abraham Mitchell, whom Mr. Regan had successfully prosecuted in Holton, Kansas.

Kevin was also appointed as a special Federal prosecutor in a murder case for the United States Government while with the District Attorney.

In 1982, Mr. Regan crossed the state line, joining the Jackson County, Missouri Prosecutor’s Office. Working for five years with Jackson County Prosecutor Albert Riederer, Kevin served as trial team leader and senior trial attorney. He tried many homicides, including capital murder. He also founded the vertical prosecution unit, which prosecuted every drunk driving injury and fatality case in Jackson County. Mr. Regan personally handled each case for five years.

Private Practice

Turning to private practice, in 1987 Kevin Regan joined a prestigious trial and labor law firm, where he became a named shareholder. While a member of the firm, Kevin founded a criminal law department, expanding his practice area to include civil matters and sports as well. During his thirteen years with the firm, Mr. Regan was the leading producer of new business. He chaired the firm’s criminal law department, which handled many major cases involving white-collar prosecution.

Wishing to downsize and become more independent, Kevin Regan founded The Regan Law Firm in March of 1999. The firm’s offices are in the heart of “Film Row”, in Kansas City’s exciting Crossroads District. Surrounded by an eclectic mix of upscale restaurants, art galleries, specialty shops and stained glass studios, the location is a comfortable fit for both lawyer and client. The Regan Law Firm provides services for a wide range of clients from all walks of life, including:

Professional and Amateur Athletes

Most visible are numerous athletes from the professional and amateur ranks. Beginning with a single Kansas City Chiefs football player, who needed help with a minor legal matter, Kevin soon established a rapport with other players, coaches and front office personnel. Legal questions quickly expanded beyond attorney-client, to friend helping friend. Referrals from other lawyers and agents solidified Mr. Regan’s relationship with many Chiefs players, as well as other athletes, and his reputation for getting results at a fair price sealed the deal. Mr. Regan has represented many first round draft picks in the last ten years, in a variety of legal matters.

Such well-known players as Neil Smith and Otis Taylor call Kevin Regan attorney and friend.

Derrick Thomas

Chiefs great Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas, client and close friend, will always occupy a cherished spot in Kevin Regan’s heart and memory. This future Hall of Fame linebacker was an All-Pro on and off the field.

Beginning with a business lunch “audition”, Kevin and Derrick quickly developed a bond and friendship that transcended the law. Kevin Regan was with Derrick Thomas as they co-founded Mr. Thomas’ signature organization, The Third and Long Foundation, and traveled throughout the United States on missions of charity and goodwill.

The Third and Long Foundation was established to “sack” illiteracy, and to help inner city youth learn to read and acquire life skills. Through the years, Derrick Thomas and The Third and Long Foundation have won numerous awards from the NFL, local Mayors, Governors, and the President of the United States – George H. Bush awarded Derrick Thomas one of his “Points of Light”. Neil Smith, former Kansas City Chief and Denver Bronco pro bowl playe;, Ringside, Inc., the world’s best purveyor of boxing equipment

Derrick Thomas died in February of 2000, from complications of injuries suffered in an auto accident.

Present clients include: The Elite Frogs Parachute Team, consisting of former United States Navy Seals; Custom Body, L.L.C., one of the Nation’s largest truck and crane sales companies; Neil Smith, former Kansas City Chief and Denver Bronco pro bowl playe; Derrick Thomas / Neil Smith Third and Long Foundation.

Mr. Regan graduated from Washburn University School of Law in 1981. He has been a highly rated adjunct professor teaching advanced trial advocacy at that institution. He attended Emporia State University and graduated in 1976 with honors. He was a three-year varsity football letterman and founder and captain of the University rugby team, as well as coach of the boxing club. He competes annually in triathlons. He has been a youth football coach and enjoys woodworking and playing the Great Highland Bagpipes. He founded a local youth lacrosse program, which has flourished and grown. Kevin has volunteered as a piper at Military Funerals to provide musical diversion from the protests of the infamous Westboro Baptist Church, who attempt to disrupt these services. He was asked to bagpipe as a solo performer at Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Sly James’ inauguration ceremony in 2011

Piping highlights include playing with the opening act for Rod Stewart, piping for local Bishop Boland at his 50th year anniversary as a priest, playing with the Irish rock group, "The Elders" at Notre Dame University and participating at the funeral services for Margaret Truman Daniel at the Truman Presidential Library.

Mr. Regan enjoys the premier rating in all major peer review publications for competence and integrity.

Email Kevin Regan

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The Regan Law Firm - 1821 Wyandotte St., Suite 200 - Kansas City, Missouri 64108
Phone: 816-221-5357 FAX: 816-221-5236

Note: The materials on this web site have been prepared by The Regan Law Firm, for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney/client relationship. Internet users and online readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel. Do not send us confidential information until you speak with one of our attorneys and get authorization to send that information to us.





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Kevin E. J. Regan Kevin E. J. Regan, the founder of the Regan Law Firm, LLC has been inducted as a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, an honor bestowed on fewer than 1% of lawyers in the U.S. and Canada. The College is considered among the country’s most prestigious legal organizations. The induction ceremony took place on Saturday, March 6th, during the College’s spring meeting in Palm Desert, California. Fellowship in the College is extended only by invitation, after careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality. Lawyers must have a minimum of fifteen years of trial experience before they can be considered for fellowship. There are approximately 5700 fellows across the United States and Canada, including active, Emeritus, Judicial, and honorary fellows. Membership in the college can never experience 1% of the total lawyer population of any state or province. Qualified lawyers are called the Fellowship in the College from all practices of trial practice. They are selected from among advocates who represent plaintiffs or defendants in civil proceedings of all type as well as prosecutors and criminal defense lawyers. The College is thus able to speak with a balanced voice on important issues affecting the administration of justice. The College tries to improve and elevate the standards of trial practice, the administration of justice and the ethics of the trial profession.Regan founded The Regan Law Firm, L.L.C. in March of 1999 after leaving a larger, A.V. rated firm, where he was a named shareholder. He believes a good lawyer needs to be an innovator and experienced problem solver. Mr. Regan has tried over 150 jury trials in civil and criminal courts in numerous state and federal courts throughout the United States. His first victory came while a senior in law school when he tried and won a second-degree murder case for the prosecution in Holton, Kansas. He was awarded the 36th Annual Lon O. Hocker Memorial Trial Lawyer Award by the Missouri Bar Foundation in 1991, in recognition of outstanding achievement in trial practice. Mr. Regan has successfully prosecuted, as well as defended, numerous major criminal cases in state and federal courts. He has litigated numerous workers' compensation and civil cases, including a 1.9 million-dollar wrongful death settlement. He continues to work as general counsel for several local and national businesses. Two of the last criminal cases handled in Federal Court resulted in acquittals. He has also been named to the Top 50 Super Lawyers in Kansas and Missouri, and honored by the Kansas City Business Journal as one of the Best of the Bar. He has served as a member of the National Football League Player's Association Worker's Compensation Attorney Panel. He is past chairman of the Kansas City, Missouri Bar Association Criminal Law Committee. He is past chairman of the advisory board of the Heartland Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. He is a former co-director of training, education and continuing legal education for the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and is an annual speaker at the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys Trial School. Mr. Regan is licensed to practice in all state and federal trial and appellate courts in Kansas and Missouri and is admitted, as well, to the bar of the United States Supreme Court. He is a top rated adjunct professor of Trial Advocacy at Washburn University Law School. He has helped mentor many outstanding trial lawyers over the years. The Practice Kevin Regan’s legal career actually began while in his third year of law school. Serving as an intern to Dick Lake, County Attorney of Jackson County, Kansas, Mr. Regan was handed the “opportunity of a lifetime” – the prosecution of a second degree murder trial in Holton, Kansas: the State of Kansas vs. Abraham Mitchell. (Holton is a small town about thirty miles north of Topeka). Abraham Mitchell was accused of killing an acquaintance, Richard Pahmahmie, a pitcher for the Topeka Owls baseball club. Mr. Pahmahmie was found dead, shot in the head, his own pistol and broken pistol grips near his hand. Mitchell claimed the death was suicide. However, a hard-nosed investigation, and forensic evidence developed by Kevin Regan, Sheriff Don Collins, and Marvin Starr, Chief Deputy, proved Abraham Mitchell was indeed the shooter. Using blood spatter evidence, Mr. Regan proved Richard Pahmahmie died lying on the ground, intoxicated and helpless. The jury convicted Abraham Mitchell and sentenced him to life in prison. At the time of this trial, Kevin Regan was believed to be the first law student in the nation to sit First Chair in a murder trial. Also in his third year of law school, Mr. Regan interned in the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office in Topeka, where he first chaired several successful major felony trials. Prosecutor Upon graduation from Washburn University’s Law School (J.D. 1981), Mr. Regan joined the Johnson County, Kansas District Attorney’s Office. The District Attorney at that time was Dennis Moore, who went on to serve in the United States House of Representatives. During this time with the District Attorney, Kevin tried many felony jury trials, winning them all. He also became the first member of his law school class to argue a case before the Kansas Supreme Court. The case revolved around the same individual, Abraham Mitchell, whom Mr. Regan had successfully prosecuted in Holton, Kansas. Kevin was also appointed as a special Federal prosecutor in a murder case for the United States Government while with the District Attorney. In 1982, Mr. Regan crossed the state line, joining the Jackson County, Missouri Prosecutor’s Office. Working for five years with Jackson County Prosecutor Albert Riederer, Kevin served as trial team leader and senior trial attorney. He tried many homicides, including capital murder. He also founded the vertical prosecution unit, which prosecuted every drunk driving injury and fatality case in Jackson County. Mr. Regan personally handled each case for five years. Private Practice Turning to private practice, in 1987 Kevin Regan joined a prestigious trial and labor law firm, where he became a named shareholder. While a member of the firm, Kevin founded a criminal law department, expanding his practice area to include civil matters and sports as well. During his thirteen years with the firm, Mr. Regan was the leading producer of new business. He chaired the firm’s criminal law department, which handled many major cases involving white-collar prosecution. Wishing to downsize and become more independent, Kevin Regan founded The Regan Law Firm in March of 1999. The firm’s offices are in the heart of “Film Row”, in Kansas City’s exciting Crossroads District. Surrounded by an eclectic mix of upscale restaurants, art galleries, specialty shops and stained glass studios, the location is a comfortable fit for both lawyer and client. The Regan Law Firm provides services for a wide range of clients from all walks of life, including: Professional and Amateur Athletes Most visible are numerous athletes from the professional and amateur ranks. Beginning with a single Kansas City Chiefs football player, who needed help with a minor legal matter, Kevin soon established a rapport with other players, coaches and front office personnel. Legal questions quickly expanded beyond attorney-client, to friend helping friend. Referrals from other lawyers and agents solidified Mr. Regan’s relationship with many Chiefs players, as well as other athletes, and his reputation for getting results at a fair price sealed the deal. Mr. Regan has represented many first round draft picks in the last ten years, in a variety of legal matters. Such well-known players as Neil Smith and Otis Taylor call Kevin Regan attorney and friend. Derrick Thomas Chiefs great Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas, client and close friend, will always occupy a cherished spot in Kevin Regan’s heart and memory. This future Hall of Fame linebacker was an All-Pro on and off the field. Beginning with a business lunch “audition”, Kevin and Derrick quickly developed a bond and friendship that transcended the law. Kevin Regan was with Derrick Thomas as they co-founded Mr. Thomas’ signature organization, The Third and Long Foundation, and traveled throughout the United States on missions of charity and goodwill. The Third and Long Foundation was established to “sack” illiteracy, and to help inner city youth learn to read and acquire life skills. Through the years, Derrick Thomas and The Third and Long Foundation have won numerous awards from the NFL, local Mayors, Governors, and the President of the United States – George H. Bush awarded Derrick Thomas one of his “Points of Light”. Neil Smith, former Kansas City Chief and Denver Bronco pro bowl playe;, Ringside, Inc., the world’s best purveyor of boxing equipment Derrick Thomas died in February of 2000, from complications of injuries suffered in an auto accident. Present clients include: The Elite Frogs Parachute Team, consisting of former United States Navy Seals; Custom Body, L.L.C., one of the Nation’s largest truck and crane sales companies; Neil Smith, former Kansas City Chief and Denver Bronco pro bowl playe; Derrick Thomas / Neil Smith Third and Long Foundation. Mr. Regan graduated from Washburn University School of Law in 1981. He has been a highly rated adjunct professor teaching advanced trial advocacy at that institution. He attended Emporia State University and graduated in 1976 with honors. He was a three-year varsity football letterman and founder and captain of the University rugby team, as well as coach of the boxing club. He competes annually in triathlons. He has been a youth football coach and enjoys woodworking and playing the Great Highland Bagpipes. He founded a local youth lacrosse program, which has flourished and grown. Kevin has volunteered as a piper at Military Funerals to provide musical diversion from the protests of the infamous Westboro Baptist Church, who attempt to disrupt these services. He was asked to bagpipe as a solo performer at Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Sly James’ inauguration ceremony in 2011 Piping highlights include playing with the opening act for Rod Stewart, piping for local Bishop Boland at his 50th year anniversary as a priest, playing with the Irish rock group, "The Elders" at Notre Dame University and participating at the funeral services for Margaret Truman Daniel at the Truman Presidential Library. Mr. Regan enjoys the premier rating in all major peer review publications for competence and integrity. Email Kevin Regan Home / Attorney Profiles / The Practice / References / Contact Us Civil Law / Sports Law / Criminal Law / Awards / Recent Litigation Highlight The Regan Law Firm - 1821 Wyandotte St., Suite 200 - Kansas City, Missouri 64108 Phone: 816-221-5357 FAX: 816-221-5236 Copyright © 2007 The Regan Law Firm, L.L.C. Note: The materials on this web site have been prepared by The Regan Law Firm, for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney/client relationship. Internet users and online readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel. Do not send us confidential information until you speak with one of our attorneys and get authorization to send that information to us.