Business Details
Trusted Legal Advocates for Employment Law & Criminal Defense
Baldwin & Vernon is a legal practice dedicated to protecting civil rights through expert representation in employment law and criminal defense. Our team of attorneys combines former prosecutorial and public defender experience to provide strategic, client-focused advocacy in both Kansas and Missouri jurisdictions. With decades of combined trial experience in state, federal, and municipal courts, we specialize in employment discrimination cases, criminal defense matters, and civil rights litigation.Our approach emphasizes honest case assessments, tailored legal strategies, and aggressive defense of client rights. We maintain deep familiarity with local legal systems and procedures to deliver effective representation across the Kansas City metro area. Our commitment to ethical practice and transparent communication ensures clients receive reliable guidance throughout their legal proceedings.
Services
Employment Discrimination
Criminal Defense
Sexual Harassment Claims
Juvenile Law
Personal Injury
DUI/DWI Defense
Whistleblower Protection
Drug Crime Defense
Civil Rights Litigation
Traffic Violations
Highlights and features
- We work collaboratively to develop tailored legal strategies for each case
- Our team has extensive trial experience in civil and criminal courts
- We provide honest assessments based on decades of combined legal experience
- We serve clients across the Kansas City metro area in both states
- Our attorneys combine former prosecutor and public defender perspectives
Services
Employment Discrimination
We represent employees facing discrimination based on gender, race, age, or disability in workplace settings. Our attorneys handle cases involving unfair treatment during hiring, promotions, or termination processes. We advocate for clients under the Missouri and Kansas Human Rights Acts, Title VII, and ADA protections.
Criminal Defense
Our firm defends clients charged with misdemeanors or felonies including drug crimes, DUIs, and violent offenses. We challenge illegally obtained evidence while providing honest case assessments. Former prosecutor and public defender perspectives strengthen our defense strategies for optimal client outcomes.
Sexual Harassment Claims
We specialize in quid pro quo and hostile work environment cases involving unwelcome sexual conduct. Our team helps clients document patterns of harassment and pursue justice under federal and state employment laws across Kansas and Missouri jurisdictions.
Juvenile Law
Our attorneys represent minors in criminal proceedings while advocating for rehabilitation-focused outcomes. We work with drug courts and mental health programs to address underlying issues while protecting young clients' futures through restorative justice approaches.
Personal Injury Claims
We assist clients seeking compensation for work-related injuries and employment-related civil rights violations. Our experience includes proving causal links between workplace conditions and physical/emotional damages to secure fair settlements for affected employees.
People
Kevin Baldwin
Attorney
Former Clay County prosecutor with 20+ years employment law experience. Focuses on discrimination cases in state and federal courts. Graduated cum laude from Cooley Law School and served as municipal judge in Gower, Missouri.
Eric Vernon
Attorney
Ex-public defender specializing in criminal defense since 1997. Served on Clay County Drug Court committee. Experienced in federal criminal defense and juvenile law. Holds law degree from St. Louis University with Coast Guard service background.
Sylvia Hernandez
Attorney
Fluent in Spanish, specializing in employment discrimination litigation. Holds J.D. from University of Kansas with focus on civil rights cases. Active in National Employment Lawyers Association and Hispanic American Law Students Association.
Holly VanOstran
Attorney
Champion of employee rights with focus on workplace discrimination and retaliation cases. Graduated from UMKC School of Law. Previously worked with Department of Labor and Missouri State Public Defender's Office.
Wendi Bridges
Attorney
Court Appointed Special Advocate with decade of child welfare experience. Handles employment law cases with empathetic approach. Recognized as Missouri Lawyers Weekly Unsung Hero for client advocacy since joining the firm in 2010.
Questions
What practice areas does Baldwin & Vernon specialize in?
We focus on employment law (discrimination/harassment) and criminal defense cases including DUIs, drug crimes, and violent offenses across Kansas and Missouri.
How does your team approach client representation?
Our attorneys combine former prosecutor and public defender perspectives to develop tailored defense strategies while providing honest case assessments and transparent communication.
Do you handle cases in both state and federal courts?
Yes, we routinely practice in Missouri and Kansas state courts, federal district courts, and municipal courts across the Kansas City metropolitan area.
What experience do you have with drug crime defense?
Our team has two decades of combined experience defending drug offenses from simple possession to federal trafficking conspiracies, including successful reduction of a client's sentence to one day in jail.
Can you handle employment discrimination cases under federal law?
Yes, we represent clients under Title VII, ADA, ADEA, and other federal protections including Family Medical Leave Act violations and whistleblower retaliation claims.
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