Overview
Experience
Perspectives

Jeff has worked at Sanders Warren & Russell LLP since 1999. Jeff has significant trial and litigation experience handling complex litigation throughout the Midwest. Jeff has litigated and mediated thousands of matters and emphasizes resolution of claims in an efficient, cost-effective manner for his clients.

Jeff leads the Firm’s Construction Law division. He maintains a very active construction litigation practice which includes representing clients on general construction defect cases, contract drafting and review, payment issues, mechanics lien-related litigation and all other aspects of construction law in state and federal courts and arbitrations.

Additionally, Jeff handles all types of personal injury, business and commercial litigation for numerous companies, both large and small, through both insurance coverage and directly for those companies.

Jeff has also handled large fire and explosion cases directly for large, medium and small companies and insurers. His practice includes retaining the proper experts at the outset of the claim, conducting and coordinating scene investigations and handling these claims through discovery and trial.

Representative Matters

Greenfield Energy Group, Inc. v. Exact Wonder, LLC, et al.
Venue: Jackson County, Missouri Jeff represented several contractors in connection with a large, multi-party matter involving mechanic’s liens, delay and construction defect claims. After significant litigation, he was able to extricate his clients from this litigation without any payments being made directly by the client.
Plaza Gas Explosion & JJ’s Restaurant Litigation
Venue: Jackson County, Missouri The gas explosion at JJ’s Restaurant in Kansas City’s historic Country Club Plaza led to national headlines in 2013. Jeff Baker and Brad Russell represented the underground utility contractor that struck a buried gas line before the explosion. There were more than 20 lawsuits filed as a result of this incident, which involved a death and substantial personal injury and property damage claims. The firm provided public relations assistance and protected the legal and financial interests of its client from immediately after the explosion through the end of this protracted litigation.
Kelley v. Gibson Electric
Venue: Franklin County, Kansas Jeff Baker and Casey Housley obtained a defense verdict for Gibson Electric in this negligent house fire claim. Plaintiffs, Jeffrey and Lori Kelley, claimed that Gibson Electric negligently installed electrical wire in their home when running wire behind an existing wall, which also contained a fireplace. Plaintiffs alleged that while Gibson Electric ran the wire behind the existing wall, it was caught and subsequently damaged on a pre-existing nail. Plaintiffs further claimed that as a result of the damage, an electrical arc occurred and started a fire in the home. Gibson Electric, a company with decades of experience in residential electrical work, experienced no issues during installation of the wire and maintained that they met required codes, regulations, and standards in installing the wiring. Testimony revealed that Plaintiffs had been running their fireplace, which was located in the same enclosed wall as the allegedly damaged wire, for most of the day on the date of the fire. In addition, fire patterns within the home were inconsistent with an electrical fire caused by the allegedly damaged wire. The jury agreed and rendered a verdict in favor of Gibson Electric.
Max True Fireproofing v. Balfour Walton, et al.
Venue: Riley County, Kansas Jeff Baker represented a large national fireproofing contractor in connection with the construction of a large army hospital at Fort Riley, Kansas. This case involved nearly $100 million in claims being asserted by his client and other large national subcontractors and a large international general contractor against the United States federal government. Jeff was able to resolve the matter in favor of his client with his client receiving payment for the outstanding amount it was owed and dismissal of the claims against his client.
The Board of Regents of Northwest Missouri State Univ. v. Lawhon Construction Company, et al.
Venue: Nodaway County, Missouri Jeff Baker represented a general contractor in connection with a large, complex construction defect claim involving the largest dormitory at Northwest Missouri State University. This lawsuit involved in excess of 10 parties, and involved claims being asserted by the plaintiff for over $9 million. This case involved numerous indemnity and additional insured issues and was resolved to the satisfaction of his client.

Professional Affiliations<

  • Kansas Bar Association
  • Missouri Bar Association
  • Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, Member Construction Law Section
  • Johnson County Bar Association
  • Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers
  • Kansas Association of Defense Counsel

Recognitions

  • 2023 “Lawyer of the Year” in Construction Law and Litigation in Kansas
  • Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021-2023 for construction law & insurance litigation
  • Named “Super Lawyer” by Super Lawyers Magazine in the area of construction law, 2013 through 2022
  • Named “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers Magazine in the area of construction law, 2011 and 2012

Publications

  • “How to Prepare for and Navigate Deposition Process,” Construction Safety Group, Kansas City, February 2017
  • “How to Prepare for and Navigate the Deposition Process,” American Society of Safety Engineers/American Industrial Hygiene Association Spring Conference, 2014
  • “A Practical Guide to Construction Liens: Defenses to Mechanic’s Liens,” National Business Institute, 2013
  • “Contractual Risk Transfer: How Good Contracts Can Keep More Money in Your Pocket,” Travelers MO/KS Claims Academy, 2011
  • Missouri/Kansas Case Law Update, Travelers Construction Claims Unit, 2011
    Handling Construction Defect Claims in Kansas and Missouri, Travelers Construction Claims Unit, 2010
  • Overview of Missouri Tort Reform Statutes, Raytown, Missouri Chamber of Commerce, 2005