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Jennifer S. Tatum

Senior Counsel

Jennifer Tatum is a seasoned litigation attorney who brings extensive courtroom experience and unwavering dedication to client service to every case. With a distinguished career spanning both criminal prosecution and civil litigation, she combines deep trial expertise with a comprehensive understanding of the legal system to deliver exceptional results for clients.

As a former lead prosecutor, Jennifer successfully tried more than 125 jury trials to verdict, including high level felonies such as murder and sex crimes. This led to her developing exceptional skills in pretrial preparation, trial advocacy, and appellate work. This extensive courtroom experience has honed her ability to craft compelling arguments, examine witnesses effectively, and present complex legal issues clearly to judges and juries. Her background in high-stakes criminal litigation has instilled a meticulous approach to case preparation and an unwavering commitment to thorough investigation and strategic planning. She is not afraid of the courtroom.

Now focusing exclusively on civil litigation, Jennifer leverages this trial experience to provide superior representation across a diverse range of practice areas. She particularly excels in employment law matters, helping both employers and employees navigate complex workplace disputes, discrimination claims, wage and hour issues, and employment contract negotiations. Her general liability litigation practice encompasses personal injury cases, contract disputes, and business litigation.

What sets Jennifer apart is her client-centered approach to legal representation. Understanding that each client’s situation is unique, she takes the time to thoroughly understand their goals and concerns, providing personalized attention and clear communication throughout the legal process. Clients appreciate her accessibility, responsiveness, and ability to explain complex legal concepts in understandable terms.

Whether negotiating favorable settlements or aggressively advocating in the courtroom, Jennifer brings the same level of preparation, skill, and dedication that made her successful as a prosecutor. Her proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes, combined with a genuine commitment to client service, makes her a trusted advocate for individuals and businesses seeking experienced legal representation.

  • Presenter, Analytical Advocacy, National District Attorneys Association Advocacy Academy, March 2024
  • Presenter, Presenting Digital Evidence in Complex Cases, April 2023
  • Faculty, Washburn School of Law Intensive Trial Advocacy Program, April 2023
  • Faculty, Closing Arguments, Kansas County and District Attorney’s Association Trial Advocacy School, March 2023
  • Presenter, Expert Witnesses, Wyandotte County Bar Association, May 2022
  • Moderator, Podcast Discussion: In the Dark (Curtis Flowers Season 2), Part 1 and 2, Wyandotte County Bar Association, February and April 2022
  • Moderator, Book Discussion: Tweak by Nic Sheff, Wyandotte County Bar Association, October 2021
  • Panel Member, Criminal Case Mediation, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, June 2021
  • Moderator, Book Discussion: Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, Wyandotte County Bar Association, March 2021
  • Presenter, Trials in the Age of COVID, Wyandotte County Bar Association, February 2021
  • Moderator, Book Discussion: The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander, Wyandotte County Bar Association, November 2019
  • Moderator, Sex Crimes Section, Kansas County and District Attorneys Association Fall Conference, 2015

Admissions

  • Kansas
  • Missouri
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri
  • U.S. District Court, District of Kansas

Memberships

  • Member, Wyandotte County Bar Association, 2016-2025
  • Member, National District Attorney’s Association, 2005-2024
  • Board of Governors, Wyandotte County Bar Association, 2020
  • Board of Directors, Lancaster Melton Civitan Peacekeepers Club, 2019-2025
  • Board Member, Rosedale Development Association, 2020-2025

Education

  • J.D., University of Kansas, 2004
  • B.A., History and English, University of Kansas, 2001

Honors

  • Trial Attorney of the Year, Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office Patrick B. Hall, 2020
  • Prosecutor of the Year, Kansas County and District Attorneys Association, 2017
  • Child Advocate of the Year, Wyandotte County, 2012
  • Prosecutor of the Year, Wyandotte County, 2008