BARTIMUS FRICKLETON ROBERTSON RADER - Key Persons
Austin is an associate trial attorney at Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader. He attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude. During law school, Austin served as a judicial intern to the Honorable Ortrie D. Smith in the U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri, and as a legal extern at the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Fraud & Corruption Unit.
From an early age, many knew that Austin was a natural-born leader. No matter the task at hand or obstacle faced, Austin would work relentlessly to achieve the best possible outcome, all while encouraging others to do the same.
Job Titles:
- Services - Board Member, past President
Job Titles:
- Outstanding Student Award, UW Madison
Jim Frickleton has known since he was young that he wanted to be an attorney - specifically a trial lawyer. He loves the challenges his profession presents each day, and is known as one who can quickly see the big picture and expedite the process to find a solution.
Jim also knows there is always more than one side to each case. Clients look to him as an attorney who is able to understand both sides of the courtroom. "It's important to put together a resolution that works for everyone. I find ways to lead the opposition toward solutions that are beneficial to my clients without burning bridges, but knowing that if a case must be tried, we will do anything within the bounds of the law to win."
During the most challenging and difficult times, clients know they can depend on Jim, who has gained a reputation as an expert in complex civil litigation. When he can help clients win recompense and make huge differences in their lives, he feels accomplished.
Jim Frickleton moved around the country and the world as the child of an Air Force aviator.
He was in Kansas City after graduating high school, and decided to make the city his home. He took the traditional route to achieving his dream of becoming an attorney, heading straight to law school after college.
He's most proud of his three grown children, and works alongside one of his children (Kelly) and his wife (Julie) at Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader. Above all else he values integrity, honesty and hard work, and Jim is gratified when he can help problem solve for clients going through horrific experiences.
As business manager, Kim oversees the administrative functions of the firm, ensuring attorneys and staff have the resources needed to keep clients' matters moving forward. Kim, who joined the firm in 1996, enjoys working with the talented staff and attorneys on innovative legal work, and she loves knowing she can help make a difference in clients' lives.
Job Titles:
- Memorial Trial Lawyer Award, 1995
- Memorial Trial Lawyer Award, 2008
Mike Rader helps people after significant injuries or the death of a loved one. He seeks answers and compensation in wrongful death claims, professional negligence, trucking accidents, product liability, personal injury and dangerous premises. Mike's sole focus is complex plaintiffs' litigation, and he represents his clients with experience and dedication.
Before entering private practice, Mike spent five years as an assistant prosecutor at the Jackson County (Missouri) Prosecutor's Office. This provided him valuable courtroom experience as well as perspective that shaped his career in civil litigation; he credits his work with crime victims for showing him the importance of answers, accountability and closure. He carries this motivation now in his plaintiffs' cases.
Perhaps it's natural for a Kansas City native who's seen the Chiefs and the Royals through their less-than-stellar times, but when he and his sons are watching a sporting event, Mike generally cheers for the underdog. And when he describes his practice, he notes the pride he takes in the "David and Goliath parable": "It comes down to helping people, real simple. I like to help people when they need it the most."
As a prosecutor, he handled cases involving violent crime; he worked with victims and families who had suffered after sexual assault, violence and murder. He learned that the pursuit of justice can be an important part of the healing process in both criminal and civil litigation. In both roles, he said, you work with people at their most vulnerable; it's a sacred duty to advocate for them.
"People, when they come in here, usually they're at their worst. They have experienced an awful injury, or someone died. They are scared and confused. The bad thing is, litigation doesn't wait for the mourning process - the other side is already building a defense," he said. "You work to put your client's hat on, to truly understand their problems, and to help."
Most clients, he said, are not just focused on their own circumstances - they want to make sure no one else is victimized the same way.
Rachel O'Donnell is an attorney focusing on civil litigation. After spending several years on the defense side, Rachel could not wait to join the Plaintiff's side to fight for her clients. Her goal is for her clients to get the zealous advocacy they deserve while striving for justice.
Ms. O'Donnell was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and graduated summa cum laude from the L&S Honors Program. After, she attended the University of Kansas School of Law and graduated in the top 15% of her law school class. She now lives in Olathe, KS with her husband, Colin, her two dogs, and her cat.
KCMBA, Thomas J. Conway Award, 2021 - The Thomas J. Conway Award recognizes a young trial lawyer with outstanding trial skills and the ability to be a fierce advocate, while simultaneously a good friend to opposing counsel. The award is given out annually by the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association.
Job Titles:
- Client Relations Manager
- the Client Relations Manager
Teresa is the Client Relations Manager, with the firm since 1997. She enjoys working directly with clients, guiding and supporting them through life-changing experiences. She counts the family-oriented atmosphere and the firm's philanthropic endeavors among her favorite things about working at Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader. Teresa spends her free time with her two children and her family and friends.