Alerts
Employee Benefits
A Couple of 401(k) Plan Odds and Ends That May Need Your Attention Soon
The past couple of years have been relatively quiet on the 401(k) plan front. This is particularly true with respect to IRS required plan document changes. This has been a welcome break. There was a time when it seemed like plan amendments were...
About that Change in the HSA Dollar Limit – The IRS Just Said “Never Mind”
About that Change in the HSA Dollar Limit – The IRS Just Said “Never Mind” On March 2, 2018, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), following the directions it had been given by Congress, threw a curve at nearly everyone by announcing...
Health Savings Accounts: Congress and the IRS Team Up to Throw Us a Curve
Health Savings Accounts: Congress and the IRS Team Up to Throw Us a Curve Spring training is still underway and Opening Day is two weeks away, but the first curveball of the 2018 employee benefits season has just been thrown. The dollar...
IRS Again Extends Deadline for Distributing 1095-B and 1095-C Forms
IRS Again Extends Deadline for Distributing 1095-B and 1095-C Forms and Continues Good Faith Standard in Completing Forms If the IRS releases new guidance so late in December that nearly everyone has already left for Christmas vacation, is the...
Affordable Care Act Compliance Update: Employer “Pay or Play” Penalties Increase, But “Affordability” Percentage Decreases in 2018
Although the regulatory environment surrounding the Affordable Care Act continues to remain mostly silent this year – providing all of us a welcome respite from the chaotic whirlwind of activity over the last few years – the IRS did announce a...
Congress Allows Small Employers to Pay for Individual Policies of Insurance
One of the lesser known, but critically significant, changes ushered in by the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) was a general prohibition on employers reimbursing the cost of their employees’ individual health insurance policies. The failure to...
Employment Law
7th Circuit: Sexual Orientation not Protected Category under Title VII
July 30, 2016 - by Jim Spencer For several years, the EEOC has interpreted Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) as forbidding any employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. The EEOC's position is that even though Title...
New OSHA Regulations – Action Required by 11/1/16
July 29, 2016 - by Jim Spencer By now, most of us are tired of hearing about new federal regulations on employers. But the regulators in Washington aren't getting tired. Instead, they're picking up steam during the last months of the current...
New Overtime Regulations – Effective December 1, 2016
May 18, 2016 - Jim Spencer After months of anticipation and dread from employers, the U.S. Department of Labor has announced the content of its updated regulations governing the exemption of executive, administrative, and professional ("EAP")...
New definition of “Spouse” for FMLA
Earlier today, the Department of Labor announced that the definition of "Spouse" under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is changing, effective March 27, 2015. The current definition of "Spouse" looks to the place of residence - i.e., where an...
U.S. Supreme Court Decision a Good Reminder About Severance Issues
To view this Alert in pdf, click here. On March 25, 2014, in the case of U.S. vs. Quality Stores, Inc., the U.S. Supreme Court held that severance payments to employees are “wages” that are subject to FICA withholding (i.e., withholding for...
Same-Sex Marriage and the Family & Medical Leave Act
Earlier this summer, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a key section of the Defense of Marriage Act (“DOMA”), which had limited the federal government’s definition of “spouse” to opposite-sex spouses. This decision has far-reaching...
Estate Planning
How Tax Reform Could Impact Non-Profits
The recent tax reform created changes relating to charitable giving for both individuals and entities. As a non-profit what does that mean for you? The below summary will help you understand how the tax law changes relate to charitable giving and how...
New Treasury Regulations Target Valuation Discounts
“The biggest loophole in the gift and estate tax system is the uncertainty in value of the family controlled business entity” A large percentage of high net worth estates consist of closely-held business entities. Many of these business entities...
Planning for the New Death Tax
“It’s not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change” – Charles Darwin Formula estate tax clauses in trusts have long been a staple planning strategy...
UPDATE: End of Year Planning – Qualified IRA Charitable Rollovers Made Permanent
In prior years, Congress allowed IRA qualified charitable rollovers on a temporary basis. The IRA qualified charitable rollover permits a taxpayer over the age of 70 ½ to direct the IRA provider to distribute up to $100,000 of the taxpayer's IRA...
Protecting Charitable Gifts from a Charity’s Creditors
An unfortunate, but increasing reality is that some charities are electing to file for bankruptcy to deal with creditors. Sometimes these creditors arise from unexpected litigation and others from declines in revenue and weakness in the economy....
End of Year Planning – Qualified IRA Charitable Rollovers
Over the last several years, Congress has extended the IRA qualified charitable rollover for another year. It is anticipated to extend it again this year. The IRA qualified charitable rollover permits a taxpayer over the age of 70 ½ to direct the...
Litigation & Product Liability
Hinkle Law Firm Member assists with $1.45B Halcón Resources deal.
Member John Broomes assisted Houston-based oil and gas explorer Halcón Resources with a $1.45B acquisition in the Bakken Shale. Halcón bought producing and undeveloped oil and gas assets in North Dakota's Williston Basin from Petro-Hunt LLC....
Medical Malpractice Litigation
Preserving Medical Records
If you receive documentation from an attorney (or even a patient) suggesting that a lawsuit is on the horizon, such as a letter of representation, a demand letter, or a summons and petition, it is imperative that you take proactive steps to ensure...
Planning for Malpractice Insurance
Before purchasing malpractice insurance or planning their estates, physicians should be aware of the potential liability they may face in malpractice cases that involve injury or death. In either a personal injury or wrongful death case, there are...
Tax & Business Law
IRS Makes Significant Changes to Audit Rules for Partnerships and LLC’s
This ALERT is relevant to you if: • Your company is a partnership or limited liability company (LLC) taxed as a partnership; or • You own an interest in a partnership or limited liability company taxed as a partnership. You may download a...
Preparing for a Healthcare Transaction Sale
Preparing for a Healthcare Transaction Sale – Member, Laura D. Fent As you prepare for a Healthcare Transaction Sale, there are many things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth transaction for both parties. Sales Process The sales process...
Restraint on Trade
In February, a bill was introduced in the Kansas Senate to reform the Kansas Restraint of Trade Act in response to a May 2012 Kansas Supreme Court decision, addressing pricing agreements. The Bill was passed by the Senate in late February and heard...
Helping You Do Business In Today’s Legal Environment
Hinkle has a national reputation for helping clients with every facet of business litigation. We also can help you before litigation ever arises and, in many cases, help position you to avoid litigation events through strategic planning. As a part of...
seminars & presentations
Hinkle Law Firm attorneys speak at a variety of seminars and presentations throughout the year. Each is designed to educate attendees on relevant and important topics in their field. Our attorneys break down complex legal matters so attendees can walk away with actionable information.
Below is a listing of upcoming seminars and presentations. For questions on these events, contact Melissa Smith.
– We are pleased to host the Wichita Healthcare Academy lunch and learns. Click here to learn more.
News
Twenty Hinkle Attorneys Recognized as 2018 Super Lawyers
Hinkle Law Firm has thirteen attorneys named 2018 Super Lawyers and the seven attorneys named 2018 Rising Stars. Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this...
Hinkle Law Firm Recognized as 2019 Best Law Firm by Best Lawyers
Hinkle Law Firm LLC was recognized as a Best Law Firm in a number of practice areas by US News & World Report and Best Lawyers(R) for 2019. The list, below, recognizes the hard work of our attorneys in both our Wichita and Overland Park offices....
Medical Malpractice Defense Team Gets Another Win
On September 7, thanks to the work of our Medical Malpractice Defense team, a jury found No Fault by a Sedgwick County community health mental agency and one of its psychiatrists in the death of a patient. Members Gregory S. Young and Brian L. White...
Twenty Hinkle Attorneys Named to the Best Lawyers in America for 2019
Hinkle Law Firm has twenty attorneys named to The Best Lawyers in America® 2019 Publication. Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based on a peer-review survey of 1.8 million confidential evaluations by the top attorneys in the country. They are reviewed...
Hinkle Law Firm continues growth with the addition of three new attorneys
Hinkle Law Firm LLC continues its strategic growth by adding three new attorneys to the Wichita office. Krystle M. S. Dalke, Lora J. Smith, and Jeffrey A. Wilson each joined the firm as associate attorneys. Dalke and Wilson will support the firm’s...
Chambers USA Ranks Hinkle Attorneys Among Kansas’s Top Lawyers For 2018
Chambers USA recognized six Hinkle Law Firm attorneys for the 2018 publication year. The following attorneys were recognized in their respective categories: David M. Rapp Litigation – White Collar & Govt Investigations (Band 1) ...
John W. Broomes to be United States District Judge for the District of Kansas
On April 12, 2018 the Senate confirmed John W. Broomes to be United States District Judge for the District of Kansas (https://www.congress.gov/nomination/115th-congress/988). Judge Broomes was nominated by President Trump in September of 2017. ...
Medical Malpractice Defense Team Gets Great Win
The Hinkle Law Firm medical malpractice defense team, led by Gregory Young and Mark Maloney, recently completed a four week jury trial involving the defense of three physicians. The defendant physicians were resident physicians at the time of...
Laura N. Mossman earns Certified Valuation credential
Valuation expert Laura N. Mossman, CPA, CFP, CVA has successfully completed the certification process with the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts® (NACVA®) to earn the Certified Valuation Analyst® (CVA®) credential. The CVA...
Hinkle Law Firm Announces Changes for 2018
Hinkle Law Firm LLC is pleased to announce its Managing Members for 2018. Effective January 1, L. Dale Ward and Scott Schillings joined Eric Namee as Managing Members to lead the Firm in its strategic vision for continued growth. Ward and Schillings...
Michelle Stewart receives defense verdict for her client
Defense Verdict! Hinkle Member Michelle Stewart successfully defended her client before a Johnson County jury in the case of National Surety Corporation vs. United Heating & Cooling Inc., with the jury returning a verdict 12-0 for the...
Hinkle Law Firm recognized as Best Law Firm by Best Lawyers
Hinkle Law Firm LLC was recognized as a Best Law Firm in a number of practice areas by US News & World Report and Best Lawyers(R) for 2018. The list, below, recognizes the hard work of our attorneys in both our Wichita and Overland Park offices....
Hinkle Law Firm Helps to Recognize HR Professionals in Wichita
Hinkle Law Firm was a sponsor of this year's Wichita Business Journal HR professionals. Nearly two dozen HR professionals were recognized for their work in the field of human resources and for their work in the Wichita community at a luncheon on...
Seventeen Hinkle Attorneys Named to the Best Lawyers in America for 2018
Hinkle Law Firm has seventeen Attorneys named to The Best Lawyers in America® 2018 Publication. Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based on a peer-review survey of 1.8 million confidential evaluations by the top attorneys in the country. They are...
Hinkle Law Firm LLC celebrates Best Doctors
Last Thursday evening, Hinkle Law Firm was proud to help celebrate and recognize the Best Doctors recipients in the Wichita area. Member Chris Arellano shares why it was important to us to recognize those in the medical community who do exceptional...
Hinkle Law Firm LLC bankruptcy practice scores victory
Martin R. Ufford, a Member in Hinkle Law Firm’s bankruptcy practice, scored a major victory last week on behalf of client American Enterprise Bank based out of Chicago. Martin was able to win a summary judgment motion that he filed for his client,...
2016 Hinkle Law Firm Employment Law & Employee Benefits Seminar
Hinkle Law Firm LLC is pleased to invite you to its 2016 Employment Law & Employee Benefits Seminar. Presented by our experienced employment law and employee benefits attorneys, this full-day seminar is jam-packed with current, practical, and...
Hinkle Law Firm Opens New East Office
Hinkle Law Firm LLC, one of the state’s preeminent law firms with offices in Wichita and Overland Park, is pleased to announce that their new office in the Hinkle Law Building, located at 1617 N. Waterfront Parkway, is open for business. “The...
Hinkle defense team gets solid win
On Tuesday, September 13, 2016, the Hinkle Law Firm LLC defense team of Mark R. Maloney and Gregory S. Young obtained a defense verdict on behalf of two general surgeons in a medical malpractice lawsuit. The case was tried in Saline County,...
The NEW Student Loan Assistance Program – Everyday Scams
The NEW Student Loan Assistance Program - Everyday Scams Post by: Member, Tom Gilman My client received a check about student loan assistance in the mail, unsolicited, for $18,000! My client is an elderly woman, in her late 70's. Her life...
The New Overtime Exemption Regulations: What Employers Need to Know – October 3 & 11
Millions of employees will be affected by the Department of Labor’s new Overtime Exemption Regulations that become effective December 1, 2016. To help employers figure out how to deal with these regulations, our experienced wage/hour attorneys...
13 HINKLE LAW FIRM ATTORNEYS NAMED TO 2017 BEST LAWYERS® IN AMERICA LIST
Hinkle Law Firm has thirteen Attorneys named to The Best Lawyers in America® 2017 Publication. Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based on a peer-review survey of 1.8 million confidential evaluations by the top attorneys in the country. They are reviewed...
Hinkle Continues to Grow with the Addition of New Attorney
Hinkle Law Firm LLC is proud to announce attorney Mark Maloney has joined the firm as a Member. Mark has 25 years of experience representing hospitals, assisted living/long term care facilities, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician...
Hinkle Attorneys Receive 2015 Super Lawyers Designation
Hinkle Law Firm is pleased to congratulate the 15 attorneys named 2015 Super Lawyers, and the 7 attorneys named Rising Stars. Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to...
2015 HINKLE LAW FIRM EMPLOYMENT LAW & EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SEMINAR
Hinkle Law Firm is pleased to invite you to its 2015 Employment Law & Employee Benefits Seminar. Presented by our experienced employment law and employee benefits attorneys, this full-day seminar is jam-packed with current, practical, and...
Hinkle Law Firm Is Moving To Waterfront
Hinkle Law Firm has announced it will consolidate its two Wichita offices, consisting of 40 lawyers and 70 employees, into a new facility in Wichita’s Waterfront development. Hinkle will occupy three of the building’s seven floors and will have...
If You Want To Have A Chance To Discharge Your Income Tax Liability, You Must File Your Tax Returns On Time
In some circumstances, it is possible to discharge in bankruptcy certain income tax liabilities, including the taxes themselves, penalties and interest. However, in a decision handed down on December 29, 2014 by the United States Court of Appeals for...
13 Hinkle Law Firm Attorneys Named to 2016 Best Lawyers® in America List
Hinkle Law Firm is pleased to announce that 13 lawyers have been named to the 2016 Edition of Best Lawyers. Lawyers on the Best Lawyers in America list are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are reviewed by their peers on the...
Hinkle Attorney Gives Welcome In Kansas Connects Magazine
Trinidad Galdean, Kansas SHRM President, authors message in Kansas Connects Magazine. The magazine is supplied to over 2,600 human resources professionals in the Mid-West. Trinidad frequently advises human resource professionals and management on...
Steven Smith Listed As A Presenter At The 2015 Kansas SHRM Annual Conference.
Steven P. Smith will speak at the 2015 Kansas SHRM Annual Conference in Overland Park, Kansas. On September 24th, Smith will present on “Keeping up with the ACA: What employers need to know." There are only a few select attorneys asked to speak at...
Michelle Stewart Named Fellow Of Litigation Counsel Of America
Kansas City attorney Michelle R. Stewart, has been selected as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America. Ms. Stewart is a leader in the litigation practice group and is the Member in charge of the firm’s Overland Park office. A 1996 graduate...
J. Philip Davidson Named Fellow Of Litigation Counsel Of America
Attorney J. Philip Davidson, has been selected as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America. Mr. Davidson leads Hinkle’s litigation practice group. A 1987 graduate of the University of Kansas, he received his Juris Doctor degree from Washburn...
Firm Announces New Managing Members
The firm is pleased to announce the election of Michael Herd, Eric Namee, and Edward Nazar as managing members. They will jointly manage the firm’s day-to-day operations and strategic planning. Michael Herd has practiced in the Wichita...
Chambers USA ranks Hinkle Attorneys Among Kansas’s Top Lawyers
The prestigious Chambers & Partners USA has recognized Hinkle Law Firm LLC as one of the top U.S. firms. It also has individually recognized Trinidad Galdean, Michael Herd, Mitchell Herren, David Rapp and Dale Ward each as top attorneys in...
Hinkle to Host Employee Benefits Institute of Kansas City/ University of Missouri Kansas City School of Law Workshop
Hinkle Law Firm is proud to announce that it is hosting, in partnership with AGH Employer Solutions and UMKC School of Law, a presentation by John W. Mayers, Associate Regional Director of the Kansas City Regional Office, U.S. Department of Labor...
Attorney to Speak at Kansas SHRM 8th Annual Employment Law & Employee Benefits Conference on the Hill.
Attorney Eric Namee is scheduled to present at the Kansas SHRM 8th Annual Employment Law & Employee Benefits Conference on the Hill. The presentation will take place in Topeka, Kansas on February 19th. The title of Namee’s presentation is...
Hinkle Law Firm Announces New Members
Hinkle Law Firm is pleased to announce that Christopher Arellano and Matthew Holcomb have been made Members of the firm. Chris’s practice is focused on assisting clients with Healthcare Business Transactions and Corporate and Real Estate...
New Attorney Will Join Hinkle Law Firm
Hinkle Law Firm LLC is pleased to announce that attorney John Rapp will join the firm as a member effective January 2, 2015. The addition of John brings strength to Hinkle’s white collar crime and criminal litigation practice areas. “We are...
Hinkle Attorneys Win Judgment for Client in Colorado State Court
Hinkle Law Firm trial attorneys won a $2.6 million judgment for a Kansas client in Colorado state court. The trial involved claims of Hinkle’s client that a former general partner of a closely-held limited partnership had engaged in self-dealing...
Redmond & Nazar to Join Hinkle Law Firm
WICHITA, Kan. – Hinkle Law Firm LLC is pleased to announce that the attorneys of Redmond & Nazar, LLP will become members of the firm effective January 1, 2015. Hinkle Law Firm is one of the state’s leading business law firms with offices in...
Hinkle Law Firm ranked in 2015 “Best Law Firms”
Wichita, KS -- Hinkle Law Firm has been ranked in the 2015 "Best Law Firms" list by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers in the following areas: Tier 1, Wichita, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law Tier 1, Wichita, Public Finance...
COMPLETE DEFENSE VERDICT GRANTED TO HINKLE LAW FIRM CLIENTS IN JOHNSON COUNTY, KANSAS
In 2013, a PEO Provider (Hinkle client) hired an employee from another PEO provider in order to start operations in the Kansas City market. The former employer alleged the employee had a non-compete agreement that prevented him from going to work...
Winton Hinkle To Retire
Winton Hinkle, one of the founding member of the firm, has retired. Hinkle served as senior counsel for the firm for the last several years. His retirement marks the end of a 46-year legal career. A Washburn University graduate and Garden City...
Hinkle Attorneys Receive 2014 Super Lawyers Honors
Hinkle Law Firm is pleased to applaud the 12 attorneys named 2014 Super Lawyers, and the 6 attorneys named Rising Stars. Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive...
New Attorney Joins Hinkle Law Firm
Wichita, KS -Hinkle Law Firm LLC welcomes Travis Pfannenstiel. He joins the firm as an associate attorney and will assist in a variety of practice areas, including business and corporate law, real estate, and commercial litigation Travis was...
11 Hinkle Law Firm LLC Attorneys Named to 2015 Best Lawyers in America List
Hinkle Law Firm is pleased to announce that 11 attorneys have been named to the 2015 Edition of Best Lawyers. Attorneys on the Best Lawyers in America list are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are reviewed by their peers on...
Hinkle Law Firm Announces New Co-Managing Members.
Hinkle Law Firm is pleased to announce today that David Rapp and Dale Ward will be joining Mitch Herren as co-managing members of the firm. Dale joined the firm in 1990 and has focused his practice primarily on business, financing and real estate...
Attorney to participate in Panel Discussion regarding Careers in Law
Attorney Steven Smith is scheduled to participate in a panel discussion for undergraduate students who are interested in a legal career. The panel discussion is sponsored by the Political Science Department and will take place Thursday, March 27th on...
Attorney Licensed to Practice Law in State of Missouri
Hinkle Law Firm is pleased to announce that attorney Greg Young is now licensed to practice law in the state of Missouri. After practicing in Kansas for the past 18 years, Greg applied to the state of Missouri in order to better serve his and the...
Hinkle Law Firm Announces New Member
Hinkle Law Firm is pleased to announce that Ryan Farley has been named a Member of the firm. Ryan’s practice focuses on Estate Planning and Administration, and Family Business Planning. “Ryan has become an important part of our planning team. He...
Hinkle Law Firm Client Granted Judgment as a Matter of Law as a Result of Medical Malpractice Jury Trial.
In 2008, a 35 year old female presented to her primary care physician (PCP - Hinkle's client). The PCP ordered radiologic evaluation of the lump. The patient underwent a mammogram and ultrasound to evaluate the palpable lump in her right...
Hinkle Law Firm makes the Wichita Business Journals top 10 website search list.
Hinkle Law Firm makes the Wichita Business Journals top 10 website search list. Hinkle is the only Law Firm to make the 2013 list. Click the link below for the complete...
No Fault Verdict Returned in Favor of Hinkle Law Firm Client.
A Sedgwick County jury affirmed a no fault verdict in favor of a Hinkle Law Firm client who is an internal medicine physician. A 44 year old male underwent an anterior lumbar inter-body fusion. The patient had a history of blood clotting disorder,...
Hinkle Attorneys Receive 2013 Super Lawyers Honors
Hinkle Law Firm has 18 Attorneys named as 2013 Super Lawyers. Congratulations to Peter Collins, Philip Davidson, Trinidad Galdean, Hugh Gill, Mitch Herren, Ken Lang, Dan Peare, Eric Namee, David Rapp, Dale Ward, and Gregory Young. Attorneys Eric...
Steven P. Smith To Speak At Wichita Bar Association Event
Steven P. Smith will speak at the Wichita Bar Association’s Affordable Care Act Continuing Legal Education Seminar. The seminar will run from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on November 15 and will provide an in depth look at how the Affordable Care Act...
Hinkle Attorneys Receive 2014 Best Lawyers Honors
Hinkle Law Firm has 11 Attorneys named 2014 Best Lawyers. Congratulations to J. Philip Davidson, Hugh W. Gill, Mitchell L. Herren, Winton M. Hinkle, J. Scott MacBeth, Dan C. Peare, David M. Rapp, Michelle R. Stewart, L. Dale Ward, and Gregory S....
Trinidad P. Galdean has been appointed as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Immigration Section of the Kansas Bar Association
Trinidad P. Galdean has been appointed as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Immigration Section of the Kansas Bar Association. Trinidad’s practice at the firm focuses on immigration and employment law issues. His immigration practice includes advising...
Attorney Presents to Large Group of Employers in Winfield
Cowley First Economic Development Partnership, the Arkansas City and Winfield area chambers of commerce, and the South Central Kansas SHRM Chapter invited Steven P. Smith from the Hinkle Law Firm and Linda Sheppard from the Kansas Insurance...
Steven P. Smith to Present on Healthcare Reform
Steven P. Smith will be making a presentation July 24 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30p.m. at Southwestern College’s Messenger Hall in Winfield, KS. Smith will discuss the Affordable Care Act. The presentation is being sponsored by the Winfield Area...
New Attorney Joins Hinkle Law Firm
Wichita, KS -Hinkle Law Firm LLC welcomes Jordan W. Bergkamp. Jordan joins Hinkle as an associate attorney, his primary area of practice is trust and estates. Jordan was raised outside of Garden Plain, Kansas and graduated from Kansas State...
Attorney Scheduled to Speak at the American Truck Associations General Forum for Motor Carrier’s General Counsel.
Attorney Philip Davidson will speak Monday, June 15 to the ATAs litigation centers forum for motor carrier general counsel on the subject of minimum driver physical qualifications and the EEOC. The event will take place in Coeur d'Alene,...
New Attorney Joins Hinkle Law Firm
Wichita, KS -Hinkle Law Firm LLC welcomes David P. Madden. Madden joins the firm as an Of Counsel attorney in the Overland Park office. Michelle Stewart is excited to have the opportunity to work with Mr. Madden. She says, "Dave brings litigation...
The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals Affirms No Fault Verdict in Medical Malpractice Case
On May 21, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the jury verdict finding of no fault on the part of a Hinkle Law Firm client. The case involved claims that a doctor failed to diagnosis a patient during an emergency room visit. The doctor...
Attorney Honored by the Wichita Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Trinidad Galdean received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his service in the Hispanic community. Over the years, he has served in several roles in the Hispanic Chamber and in assisting the Hispanic community. He was one of the area leaders who...
New Attorney Joins Hinkle Law Firm
Wichita, KS -Hinkle Law Firm LLC welcomes Matthew F. Namee. Matthew joins Hinkle as an associate attorney, his primary areas of practice will include employee benefits, employment law, and taxation. Matthew is a Wichita, KS native and a graduate...
Steven Smith to Present at Sedgwick County Roundtable.
Attorney, Steven Smith is scheduled to speak at the Sedgwick County Health Care Roundtable on May 8 at the Hyatt in Wichita, KS. This is the 35th year of the Roundtable. It was established to promote dialogue among hospitals, physicians, businesses...
Attorney Brad Schlozman to present at the Pension Focus Conference.
Brad Schlozman is scheduled to speak at the Annual Pension Focus Conference in Branson, Missouri on Friday, May 3. Schlozman will highlight common mistakes that occur in the administration of qualified retirement plans and will then identify the...
March 12, 2013 Workshop – Health Care Reform: What Every Employer Needs to Know to Make Decisions Now – Video Replay
On March 12, 2013, the Employee Benefits attorneys at Hinkle Law Firm LLC presented a workshop titled “Health Care Reform: What Every Employer Needs to Know to Make Decisions Now.” The workshop was designed to dive into the nuts and bolts of...
Galdean quoted in Wichita Business Journal
Trinidad Galdean is quoted in the Business Journal.
Click here for article.
Attorney to Speak at SHRM Event
Steven P. Smith is scheduled to speak to the Salina (Kansas) Chapter of the Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM) at its meeting on February 28, 2013. Mr. Smith will speak on “The Affordable Care Act: Recent Guidance from the IRS and Other...
Free Workshop – Health Care Reform: What Every Employer Needs to Know to Make Decisions Now
Free Workshop for Employers and HR Professionals Dates offered Tuesday, March 12, 2013 - 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m..-...
Attorney is quoted in a National Publication.
James C. Spencer weighs in on employment law issue in Business Insurance article. Click here to read full article.
ATTORNEY TRINIDAD GALDEAN TO SPEAK AT SHRM EVENT
Attorney and current Kansas SHRM President-Elect, Trinidad Galdean, will speak to Human Resource professionals at a seminar entitled, HR leading with the Employment Changes on January 16th in Wichita. Participants will be provided with information...
The U.S.News & World Report Ranks Hinkle Among Top Law Firms in the Country.
The U.S.News Best Law Firms rankings are based on a scrupulous evaluation process that is comprise of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from top attorneys in their field, and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of...
HINKLE MEMBER ERIC NAMEE TO PRESENT AT KANSAS SHRM
Member Eric Namee is scheduled to present twice at the 2013 SHRM Employee Benefits conference in May. On May 3, Namee will give a presentation entitled 401(k) Mistakes and How to Fix Them. On the following day he presents How to Protect Your...
Hinkle Attorneys Receive 2012 Super Lawyers Honors.
Hinkle Law Firm has seven Attorneys named to the 2013 Super Lawyers Business Edition. Congratulations to J. Philip Davidson, Mitchell L. Herren, Kenneth R. Lang, Eric S. Namee, David M. Rapp, Dale L. Ward, and Gregory S. Young. Super Lawyers...
Hinkle Law Firm Receives a 2013 Best Law Firm Designation.
Hinkle Law Firm has received a first-tier designation by Best Lawyers- Best Law Firms in the following categories; Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Litigation - Eminent Domain & Condemnation, Public Finance Law, Real Estate Law, and Trusts...
Member Michelle Stewart is featured in Ingram’s Best Lawyers in Kansas City.
Member Michelle Stewart is profiled in the October issue of Ingram’s Best Lawyers in Kansas City.
Click here to read her profile.
Member Eric Namee to speak to the Society of Financial Service Professionals.
The Society of Financial Service Professionals - Wichita Chapter has invited Hinkle Member Eric Namee to speak at an event November 20, 2012. The topic is Government Focus on ERISA Plan Fiduciaries (Including Financial Professionals): How to...
New Attorney Joins Hinkle Law Firm
Monday, October 1, 2012 Wichita, KS - Hinkle Law Firm LLC welcomes Jessica M. Shannon. Shannon joins Hinkle as an associate attorney and will assist in a variety of practice areas, including business and corporate law, estate planning, and...
Employee Benefits Attorney Steven P. Smith Talks to the Wichita Business Journal About the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Employers will be expected to move “full speed ahead” on implementing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act now that it has been largely upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, says Steven Smith, an attorney at Hinkle Law Firm LLC. ...
Attorney Hugh Gill Featured in the Wichita Business Journal
Hugh Gill grew up around business. His family ran Gill Mortuary in Wichita for 90 years, until it ceased operations in 1980. His grandfather was the last Gill to run it. Gill says that exposure gave him an appreciation for entrepreneurs and...
Hinkle Law Firm LLC adds Trinidad Galdean, Of Counsel, to Employment Law Team
Wichita, KS - Hinkle Law Firm LLC has added Trinidad Galdean, Of Counsel attorney, to its employment law team. Galdean has extensive experience in employment law and employment litigation, including multi-state counseling on employment...
Hinkle Law Firm LLC Recognizes New Employees
Thursday, December 15, 2011 Wichita, KS – Hinkle Law Firm has hired the following employees: Chelsea Powell, human resources manager; Mari McElhaney, paralegal; Deanna Jones, scanning clerk; Max Wheeler, IT specialist; Brian Cortus, closed...
Hinkle Law Firm LLC Employee Benefits Practice Group Recognitions
Thursday, November 10, 2011 Wichita, KS – Hinkle Law Firm is proud to announce that Attorney Eric S. Namee has been appointed to the University of Kansas Law Alumni Board of Governors. This will be the second term Namee has served on this...
Hinkle Law Firm Attorneys Honored as Super Lawyers
Monday, October 24, 2011 Wichita, KS – Hinkle Law Firm LLC is proud to announce the following attorneys have been recognized by the Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers 2011: Hugh G. Gill, Kenneth R. Lang, Dan C. Peare, Dale L. Ward, Philip J....
Hinkle Law Firm Adds New Attorneys
Monday, September 26, 2011 Wichita, KS– Hinkle Law Firm has added Casey Jones and Sean Walsh to the East Wichita team of attorneys. Jones graduated from Washburn University School of Law in 2011 and recently passed the Kansas Bar. While...
Geron Bird Named Wichita Business Journal 40 Under 40
Thursday, July 14, 2011 Wichita, KS - Hinkle Law Firm LLC is proud to announce Geron Bird has been selected as one of the Wichita Business Journal's 40 Under 40 honorees for 2011. The 40 Under 40 is an annual selection of local professionals...
Hinkle Law Firm Adds Peter G. Collins, Of Counsel
Overland Park, KS - Hinkle Law Firm LLC has added Peter G. Collins, of Counsel, to its Overland Park team of attorneys. Collins has extensive litigation experience in the areas of professional negligence, construction litigation and other complex...
Hinkle Law Firm Adds Arellano As Associate
WICHITA, Kan. – Hinkle Law Firm LLC has added Christopher L. Arellano as an associate attorney. Arellano’s practice encompasses many areas of the law, including general business issues, commercial and residential real estate matters, health care...
Hinkle Law Firm LLC is New Name for Long-time Wichita Legal Practice
Tuesday, March 1, 2011 WICHITA, Kan. – Hinkle Elkouri Law Firm LLC is changing its name to Hinkle Law Firm LLC. The new firm name reflects both the firm’s origins and its more recent evolution. David Elkouri, a founding member of the firm,...
Ken Lang on the Assessment and Resolution of Product Liability Risks
Ken Lang has authored an article in the Financier Worldwide Global Reference Guide to Risk Management & Insurance on the Assessment and Resolution of Product Liability Risks. The entire article can be read here.
Fent Named Hinkle Elkouri’s Newest Member
Tuesday, January 25, 2011 WICHITA, Kan. – Hinkle Elkouri Law Firm LLC has made Laura Fent, a business attorney, a member of the firm. Fent’s practice at Hinkle Elkouri focuses on the areas of business and corporate law, healthcare, franchising,...
Steven P. Smith Shares Health Care Reform Insights with Hays Businesses
Hinkle Elkouri Law Firm, LLC attorney Steven P. Smith recently undertook a statewide tour to share information on health care reform regulations with employers. During one stop on his tour, the Hays Daily News featured Steven in an article covering...
Videos Decode Health Care Regulation for Employers
A video replay of our Health Care Reform workshops for Employers is now available on hinklaw.com. The video features attorneys from the Hinkle Law Firm LLC employee benefits group, who conducted workshops for employers to explain the impact of...
Attorney to Prepare HOAs for New Legislation
Wednesday, October 13, 2010 J. Scott Pohl, a business and real estate attorney with Hinkle Elkouri Law Firm LLC, has teamed with Elsea and Petty HOA Management to bring a no-cost seminar homeowner's association administrators, realtors and home...
Hinkle Elkouri Partners with Benefits Management Inc to Explain Health Care Reform to Employers in Kansas
Tuesday, September 7, 2010 The Hinkle Elkouri Law Firm LLC will join with Benefit Management Inc. to explain how the new Health Care Reform law will impact employers. The sessions are designed for Kansas employers and are offered at no cost to...
Employee Benefits Group Presents No Cost Health Care Reform Workshops for Kansas Employers
Tuesday, September 7, 2010 Hinkle Elkouri Law Firm LLC will be conducting no-cost workshops for employers throughout the month of September, designed for business owners, human resources professionals and others who work with employee benefits....
Hinkle Elkouri Expands into Kansas City Market
Thursday, July 1, 2010 KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Hinkle Elkouri Law Firm LLC, one of the state’s leading law firms based in Wichita, is expanding its presence by adding a Kansas City office in Overland Park, Kan. Michelle R. Stewart, a local Kansas...
Lang and Decker on The Necessity, Selection and use of Independent Experts in Litigation
Thursday, May 13, 2010 Ken Lang and Amy Decker have co-authored an article in the May issue of Financier Worldwide on the Necessity, Selection and use of Independent Experts in Litigation. The article could be subtitled 'Experts 101' and is...
Lang and Decker on the Challenges to Manufacturers and Insurers in Evaluating Trial Versus Settlement
Friday, March 19, 2010 Ken Lang and Amy Decker have co-authored an article in the March issue of Financier Worldwide on the New and Emerging Challenges to Manufacturers and Insurers in Evaluating Trial Versus Settlement. The article examines the...
Barth and Broomes Become Hinkle Elkouri’s Newest Members
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 WICHITA, Kan. – Hinkle Elkouri Law Firm LLC has made Eric Barth and John Broomes members of the firm. Eric Barth is a member of Hinkle Elkouri’s litigation group, where he practices in the areas of Commercial...
J. Philip Davidson and Paul J. Skolaut on the Transportation Industry in the Era of Global Warming
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 J. Philip Davidson and Paul J. Skolaut have co-authored an article in the Fall 2009 Issue of ALFA International’s Transportation Update. They focus on the roots and potential effects of a report presented to the...
Jim Spencer Recommends Severance Plans
Monday, October 19, 2009 When companies must lay-off workers, employers can sometimes open themselves up to discrimination lawsuits. In a Wichita Business Journal article, Jim provides insights into severance waivers which often include language...
Hugh Gill Discusses the Guardianship Assistance Program
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 In order to help families with special-needs children get the legal protection they need, Hugh Gill helped found the Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP), a partnership between Hinkle Elkouri Law Firm, The Arc of...
Dan Peare Offers Estate Planning Insights
Friday, June 12, 2009 Even in difficult economic times, Dan Peare is focused on the responsibility of looking after the financial well-being of his clients. Recent economic events have caused many people to reevaluate their investment portfolios in...
Hinkle Elkouri Attorneys Successfully Defend Wrongful Death Claim
Thursday, June 4, 2009 In a case tried by Ken Lang with the assistance of Amy Decker and Scott Schillings, attorneys with Hinkle Elkouri Law Firm, LLC based in Wichita, Kan., a jury in Santa Fe, N.M. found that a propane heater manufactured by...
Monahan Joins Hinkle Elkouri
Tuesday, March 3, 2009 Wichita, Kan. – Laura Dakhil Monahan has become associated with Hinkle Elkouri Law Firm LLC Laura Dakhil Monahan practices in the areas of business and corporate law, healthcare law and medical malpractice litigation....
Dan Peare Named to Worth Magazine’s List of Nation’s 100 Top Attorneys
WICHITA, Kan. – Worth magazine has named Dan Peare to its top 100 attorneys list, making him the first Kansas attorney to earn the distinction. Worth magazine is a personal finance and luxury lifestyle magazine with a focus on topics related to...
Hinkle Elkouri Promotes Spencer and White to Member
Thursday, February 5, 2009 WICHITA, Kan. – Hinkle Elkouri Law Firm LLC has selected James C. Spencer and Brian L. White to member status. James C. Spencer, who has been with the firm since 2006, advises business clients on federal and state...
Supreme Court Appoints Hinkle Elkouri Member to CLE Commission
Monday, August 25, 2008 WICHITA, Kan. - Hinkle Elkouri member Hugh Gill was appointed by the Kansas Supreme Court to the Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Commission. His term began on July 1, 2008 and will continue for 3 years. Gill is a member of...
Hinkle Elkouri Adds Fent to Staff
Friday, August 1, 2008 WICHITA, Kan. – Hinkle Elkouri Law Firm LLC has hired Laura Fent as an of counsel attorney, practicing in the area of business law. Fent’s legal areas of focus include entity formation, health care, securities/private...
Newly Elected Wichita Bar Association President Begins in June
Wednesday, April 30, 2008 WICHITA, Kan. – Hinkle Elkouri member Michael D. Herd is the incoming elected president of the Wichita Bar Association. His term will begin on July 1, 2008 and he will officiate until June 30, 2009. Herd is a...
Employment Law Practice Area Co-Authors Kansas Chamber of Commerce’s Kansas HR Guide
Monday, October 1, 2007 TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas Chamber of Commerce has released the 2008 versions of the Kansas Human Resources Manual and the Model Policies and Forms for Kansas Employers. Both manuals were written by the attorneys at the...
Hinkle Elkouri Attorneys Receive Recognition in The Voice
Wednesday, July 11, 2007 In a case involving the alleged wrongful death of a 78-year-old woman, Gregory S. Young and Brian L. White of Hinkle Elkouri Law Firm LLC in Wichita, Kansas, successfully represented two physicians, an internist that...
Epic Center Filling Vacant Spaces; Wichita May See Downtown Rental Rates Increase
It's been less than a year since new ownership took control of the Epic Center, but the landmark office building's occupancy rate is the highest it has ever been. The addition of one new tenant and expansion by several existing ones will...
Estate Planning with highly appreciated stock
Thursday, May 28, 1998 Wichita Business Journal - by Dan C. Peare The 1990s have seen one of the largest -- and longest -- bull market rallies of all time. As a result, there are more individuals whose estates consist of large amounts of highly...
It’s not pleasant — but IRS audit is survivable
Friday, April 3, 1998 Wichita Business Journal - by Eric Namee April 15th is right around the corner, which means many people will be frantically trying to get their tax returns filed and hoping they won't be audited. Generally, only 1 percent...
Employment Law
Overtime regulations on hold until further notice
November 23, 2016 - Jim Spencer Late yesterday afternoon, a federal judge in Texas issued a preliminary injunction on the Department of Labor’s overtime regulations that were set to take effect on December 1, 2016. The injunction is nationwide....
Overtime regulations on hold until further notice
November 23, 2016 - Jim Spencer Late yesterday afternoon, a federal judge in Texas issued a preliminary injunction on the Department of Labor’s overtime regulations that were set to take effect on December 1, 2016. The injunction is nationwide....
Department of Labor Issues New Fact Sheet Regarding Treatment of Bonuses
DOL Issues New Fact Sheet Regarding Treatment of Bonuses for Exempt White Collar Employees November 8, 2016 – Eric W. Barth Recently, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a Fact Sheet regarding the Treatment of Bonuses for Exempt White...
Employers Should Act Now to Comply With New Overtime Regulations – Effective December 1, 2016
October 25, 2016 – Eric Barth, Member The key provisions of the new rule are: The salary level for EAP employees will increase from $455/week to $913/week (i.e., $47,476/year). Non-discretionary bonuses, incentive payments, and commissions...
Save the Date – Seminar on New Overtime Exemption Regulations
September 1, 2016 - by Jim Spencer As I reported in May, December 1 is the effective date for the Department of Labor's new overtime exemption regulations. To help employers figure out how to deal with these regulations, our experienced wage/hour...
DOL Issues New FMLA Forms
May 27, 2015 - Jim Spencer Earlier this month, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued its updated model FMLA forms. The new forms are good for another 3 years - they expire on May 31, 2018 - and can be downloaded here. The new forms are very...
Changes to the DOL’s FLSA Overtime Exemptions are Coming Soon
For the past year, employers and human resource professionals have been on the lookout for changes to the Department of Labor's overtime regulations. On May 5, 2015, Secretary of Labor Tom Perez announced that a proposed rule has been submitted to...
HR Staying Current – Employment Law Update 2015
Employers and Human Resource Professionals today deal with continued changes in employment law. On April 15, 2015, Trinidad Galdean, JD, PHR, SHRM-CP, will be speaking to the Wichita Society of Human Resources Management (Wichita SHRM) on...
NLRB General Counsel Issues Report on Employee Handbook Policies
Posted March 20, 2015 by Jim Spencer On March 18, the General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued an important report about employee handbook rules that, in the NLRB's view, violate the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). ...
Working with HR Professionals
Staying on top of human resource issues and employment law trends is a big part of partnering with human resource professionals and employers. The recent Wichita Business Journal article addresses the firm’s employment attorneys' involvement with...
FMLA Forms Extended to 3/31/15
Posted February 25, 2015 by Jim Spencer When the DOL issues new FMLA forms, the forms have to be approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) before they are official. The current FMLA forms are set to expire on February 28, 2015. The...
UPDATE ON EMPLOYEE BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYERS
Kansas Super Lawyers are presenting today on Employee Benefits updates with Kansas SHRM. Topics include addressing retirement plans and how to fix troubled plans. Such topic is presented by employee benefit expert, Eric Namee, of Hinkle Law Firm....
OVERTIME PAY – CHANGES TO THE EXEMPTIONS FOR OVERTIME
In an interview yesterday with the KWCH Channel 12, we discussed the upcoming changes in overtime pay exemptions. While individuals may be exempt from overtime now, the updated regulations (anticipated this month or next) may change that. To...
Events
Health Care Reform Reporting Requirements – A 2018 Refresher
Date: Thursday, December 13
Time: 8:30 a.m.
It turns out that something as simple as accidentally checking the wrong box can lead to huge IRS penalties. Over the last six months, we have worked with numerous employers that have been assessed substantial “shared responsibility” penalties by...
FMLA 101 and Benefits Administration during FMLA and Non-FMLA Leaves of Absence (Video Playback)
Date:
Time:
Hinkle Law Firm LLC is pleased to invite you to FMLA 101 and Benefits Administration During FMLA and Non-FMLA Leave. This 3.5-hour seminar is a “must” for HR professionals, business owners, managers, and supervisors who want to understand how...
Health Care Reform Reporting Requirements – A 2017 Refresher (Video Playback)
Date:
Time:
On November 2, 2017 the IRS announced that it will soon begin enforcing the employer “pay or play” mandate under the Affordable Care Act. The initial enforcement will be for the 2015 calendar year. The IRS said that, sometime within the next two...
