Business Details
46 Years
experience
Your Trusted Midwest Legal Partner Since 1980
Gates Shields Ferguson Swall Hammond P.A is a full-service law firm with over 40 years of experience providing personalized legal solutions. Our attorneys combine more than 260 years of collective expertise with a client-focused approach to address complex legal matters. With offices in Overland Park, Kansas, and Liberty, Missouri, we serve individuals, businesses, and governmental entities across diverse practice areas including business law, civil rights, construction law, family law, and estate planning.Our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology and extensive industry networks ensures clients receive strategic advocacy tailored to their unique needs. Recognized for our community involvement and landmark case work, we prioritize results-driven representation while maintaining the personal touch that defines our Midwest roots.
Services
Business Law
Civil Rights
Construction Law
Family Law
Estate Planning
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We offer over 260 years of combined legal experience across diverse practice areas.
- Our personalized strategies ensure tailored solutions for complex legal challenges.
- Client-focused approach prioritizes clear communication and empathetic representation.
- Proven track record in landmark cases and appellate court successes.
- Community involvement demonstrates our commitment to local and regional impact.
What people say
Exceptional legal guidance
Compassionate representation
Knowledgeable and communicative
Successful case outcomes
Personalized attention
Services
Business Law
Our business law attorneys provide strategic counsel for transactions, disputes, and compliance matters. We represent corporations, small businesses, and entrepreneurs in contract negotiations, mergers and acquisitions, employment law, and commercial litigation. With decades of experience handling complex business cases, we deliver practical solutions that protect client interests while promoting long-term growth and regulatory compliance.
Civil Rights
We advocate for clients facing civil rights violations including discrimination, police misconduct, and voting rights issues. Our team handles cases involving workplace discrimination, hate crimes, and government retaliation. With extensive courtroom experience, we pursue justice through litigation and settlement negotiations while providing compassionate support throughout the legal process.
Construction Law
Our construction law practice addresses disputes between contractors, subcontractors, and property owners. We handle mechanic's liens, contract breaches, construction defects, and payment disputes. With deep industry knowledge, we represent clients in both litigation and alternative dispute resolution to protect their financial interests and project timelines.
Family Law
We provide compassionate representation in divorce, child custody, and spousal support matters. Our attorneys handle complex family law issues including property division, prenuptial agreements, and domestic violence protection orders. We prioritize amicable resolutions through mediation while maintaining courtroom readiness for contested cases.
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services include wills, trusts, and probate administration. We help clients protect assets, minimize tax liabilities, and ensure proper healthcare directives. With expertise in Kansas and Missouri probate laws, we guide families through estate administration and contested will litigation.
People
Lawrence C. Gates
Partner
Founding member with 40+ years of experience in corporate law, public finance, and real estate. Former Kansas Democratic Party Chair with extensive political connections. Admitted to multiple federal courts including the U.S. Supreme Court.
Eldon J. Shields
Partner
Seasoned attorney specializing in business litigation and corporate transactions. Active in local bar associations and community organizations. Provides strategic counsel for complex commercial disputes.
Mark A. Ferguson
Partner
Experienced trial attorney with focus on civil litigation and appellate practice. Represents clients in state and federal courts. Maintains strong record in complex dispute resolution.
Thomas E. Hammond II
Partner
Family law specialist with emphasis on divorce and child custody matters. Known for compassionate representation and successful mediation outcomes. Active in legal community organizations.
Court T. Kennedy
Partner
Civil rights attorney with expertise in discrimination cases and government accountability. Recognized for advocacy in voting rights and employment law matters.
Questions
What areas of law does Gates Shields specialize in?
We specialize in business law, civil rights, construction law, family law, and estate planning, serving clients in Kansas, Missouri, and federal courts.
How experienced is your legal team?
Our attorneys have over 260 years of combined experience with expertise in trial litigation, appellate practice, and alternative dispute resolution.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, we provide free initial consultations for all practice areas to discuss your legal needs and potential strategies.
How do you handle complex litigation cases?
We combine strategic planning with aggressive advocacy, utilizing cutting-edge technology and decades of courtroom experience to achieve favorable outcomes.
Are your attorneys involved in the community?
Yes, our team actively participates in local organizations including the Johnson County Bar Association and various civic foundations.
