With a focus on financial restructuring, bankruptcy, and creditors’ rights, Ben delivers strategic, steady guidance to clients navigating some of their most challenging business moments. Known for simplifying the intricacies of insolvency and enforcement law, he works closely with clients to minimize risk, enforce secured rights, and recover value through practical, cost-effective solutions. “Ben is exceptionally responsive, thoughtful, and thorough. He brings the right team to the table, collaborates closely on strategy, and delivers high-quality work under tight deadlines. His deep understanding of the mortgage industry and skill with pro se litigants made him the clear choice for our case.”

Ben focuses his practice on representing regional and national banks, private credit providers, and institutional lenders in matters that involve significant financial exposure and operational complexity. He partners with clients to protect their interests, recover value, and maintain compliance in challenging financial environments. His work includes:

  • Representing creditors in Chapter 7, 11, 12, and 13 bankruptcy proceedings
  • Handling receivership litigation and related lender enforcement actions
  • Litigating breach of contract claims, suits on notes, and collection matters
  • Advising on lien priority disputes and title-related concerns
  • Supporting secured lenders in enforcing collateral rights and maximizing recovery
  • Assisting with the management and disposition of foreclosed properties
  • Developing and refining compliance policies for loan servicing clients

Beyond his client work, Ben is deeply involved in the firm’s leadership and culture. He was recently elected Partner in Charge of the firm’s Kansas City office, where he promotes firm-wide initiatives, and advocates for a collaborative and client-focused workplace. He also chairs his practice group’s recruiting efforts to ensure appropriate staffing for client needs and serves on the firm’s Professional Development Committee, supporting legal training and career growth for attorneys nationwide. A trusted mentor, he is routinely appointed as a transitional advisor to help integrate new associates into the firm and the practice of law. From 2016 to 2018, he also served on the Attorney Advisory Committee for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Missouri, contributing to discussions on procedural improvements within the court.

Areas of Focus

Services

Sectors

Experience

  • Achieved complete dismissal of a state court assignment for the benefit of creditors preference lawsuit, saving the client from nearly $1,000,000 in potential liability.
  • Represented a banking client in a commercial litigation matter involving enforcement of a personal guaranty, where we obtained a judgment in excess of $8,000,000
  • Represented multiple lenders in receivership actions involving apartment complexes, coordinating asset preservation and income stabilization during ongoing litigation.
  • Represented franchisor client enforce franchise agreement rights during Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.

Credentials

Education

  • University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law (J.D., 2004)
  • Doane College (B.A., English, 2001)

Admissions

Bar Admissions

  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Missouri

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri

Recognitions

  • Kansas City Business Journal, "NextGen Leaders," 2025
  • Selected among The Best Lawyers in America©, 2023-2025

Presentations

  • Panelist, "Stay Relief Issues - Western District Session," 2023 Annual Bankruptcy Institute, March 31, 2023
  • Presenter, "Co-op Law," Chapter 12 Conference Farm Reorganization, Association of Chapter 12 Trustees, July 30, 2021
  • Speaker, "Annual Bankruptcy Institute," The Missouri Bar, 2017
  • Speaker, "Landlord Tenant Law Update," Sterling Education Services, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017
  • Speaker, "Foreclosure Law Update," Missouri Creditors' Bar, Inc., 2014
  • Speaker, "The Real Impact of the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act," USFN, 2010

Publications

  • Author, "Post-Foreclosure Remedies: Wrongful Foreclosure, Lender Liability, Unlawful Detainer, and Eviction," The St. Louis Bar Journal, Winter 2014
  • Author, "Should Banks Become Landlords?," Servicing Management Magazine, December 2012
  • Author, "How to Preserve a Property Following Foreclosure," Servicing Management Magazine, July 2012
  • Author, "Eviction Edicts: The PTFA Undergoes Further Refinement," Servicing Management Magazine, October 2011
  • Author, "New Legislation re: Eviction After Foreclosure Sale," USFN E-Update, May 2009

Professional Activities

  • United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Missouri, Attorney Advisory Committee Member, 2016 - 2018

Community Involvement

  • Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Centurions Leadership Program, Class of 2024
  • Job One KC, Board Member, present
  • Johnson County Library Foundation, Board of Directors, 2022-present
  • Rose Brooks Center, Safe Futures Brunch, Event co-host, 2019