Michele F. Sutton
Michele brings a decade of management experience in manufacturing and a business person’s perspective to her litigation practice. Michele’s primary focus is on commercial litigation encompassing issues related to contracts, non-compete agreements, and land use, as well as real estate, banking, and construction disputes.
With a M.B.A. in Operations and Quantitative Analysis, Michele synthesizes keen analytical skills with her legal experience to assist the firm’s clients reach resolution of their commercial disputes.
“Whether working through the legal and factual aspects of a case with my client or explaining a complex legal issue to the Court, I love being a problem solver. The satisfaction of helping my client reach a desired resolution is magnified by the privilege of doing so with a team of attorneys I both like and respect.”
Prior to joining the firm, Michele clerked for the Honorable Harold Lowenstein at the Western District of the Missouri Court of Appeals. In addition to honing her research and writing skills, Michele gained valuable insight into both trial and appellate practice. Michele has put her appellate experience to work, briefing cases before the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and the Missouri Court of Appeals.
Results
- Member of team that represented regional grocery retailer in putative class action brought on behalf of Missouri consumers. Putative class sought more than $7 million in damages arising from alleged mislabeling of nutritional contents of food supplement. Obtained dismissal of action with prejudice prior to commencement of discovery.
- Member of team that achieved Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals reversal of an award against a medical care services company in long-running dispute with the Department of Labor, in which the Eighth Circuit found the Department overstepped its authority by initiating a company-wide investigation despite only finding reasonable cause to investigate one specific (and limited) issue for one employee.
- Member of team that successfully prosecuted claims of breach of contract and fraud on behalf of bank after it successfully foreclosed on collateral pledged by debtor which included a minority stake in a privately held family business.