Scott A. Wissel, Chair, Kansas City Office Litigation Department

Lewis Rice is pleased to announce the selection of Scott A. Wissel to lead the Kansas City Office Litigation Department. Jonah Lock has been chosen to serve as his vice-chair. Scott and Jonah assumed leadership responsibilities as of February 1, 2024. Scott succeeds Bob Tormohlen, who served as head of the department for two decades.

Scott has been an integral part of the Firm’s Litigation Department for over 25 years. His practice focuses on a diverse range of litigation including construction litigation, consumer banking litigation, loan enforcement, anti-competition and anti-piracy covenants, and contract disputes. Scott will continue to act as General Counsel for the Firm’s Kansas City office in addition to leading the Litigation team in Kansas City.

Scott is an active member of many local professional organizations. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Earl E. O’Connor American Inn of Court and served as past president and board member of the Federal Court Advocates Section of the KCMBA.

Scott received his Juris Doctorate from the Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1997. He received his undergraduate degree in 1994 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Economics and English. 

“Scott is an exceptional litigator and leader," said Thomas Martin, Lewis Rice Kansas City office Managing Member. "He understands the business, practice areas, and culture of the Kansas City office. I believe Scott has fresh ideas and a vision that will contribute to the continued growth of the Firm while preserving the values upon which Lewis Rice was founded."

Jonah's practice centers on assisting commercial property owners with their leasing and landlord-tenant issues, including vendor litigation and tenant evictions/collections, lease reviews and related negotiations with prospective tenants, and drafting of lease amendments and addendums. Jonah devotes a significant portion of his practice to construction law, bond claims, and related litigation matters.

The Kansas City Litigation Department has significant experience in a broad range of litigation matters. These include appellate litigation, banking litigation, bankruptcy and creditors’ rights, class action defense, complex commercial and business litigation, construction litigation, labor and employment, estate and trust litigation, insurance coverage/defense, mediation/alternative dispute resolution, patron security and safety litigation, products liability, real estate litigation, and transportation law.