Representation of Cities
and Villages.
The attorneys of Kapke Willerth, LLC have represented growing and vibrant communities and suburbs surrounding Kansas City. This representation has included the Village of Loch Lloyd, the Village of Claycomo, the City of Liberty, the City of Raymore, the City of Holden, the City of Raytown, the City of Independence, the City of Lee’s Summit, and the City of Oak Grove.
Our experience includes decades of working closely with city and village staff to provide development services, human resources guidance, contract and ordinance drafting, and representation in both state and federal courts. We have also been involved in representing municipal interests before representatives of the Missouri legislature seeking statutory changes for the benefits of communities across the state.
Depth of experience to assist in all areas of city administration.
With attorneys focused on transactional work and litigation, Kapke Willerth, LLC has the depth to assist in a broad range of municipal legal issues. We pride ourselves on pragmatic legal representation that seeks to protect the interests of the governing body, while promoting stable, strong development.
Our goal will always be to: (i) consider the voice of every citizen, (ii) balance that voice with the goals of the governing body, and (iii) guide and protect the staff as they implement the policies of the community.
Our goal will always be to: (i) consider the voice of every citizen, (ii) balance that voice with the goals of the governing body, and (iii) guide and protect the staff as they implement the policies of the community.
Keeping current and advising accordingly.
As legal counsel representing the interests of villages and cities, it is essential to ensure strict compliance with regulatory frameworks at both the state and federal levels. This includes upholding transparency and accountability standards mandated by Sunshine laws and open records requirements, fostering public trust through accessible and responsive governance. At Kapke Willerth, LLC, we are dedicated to maintaining knowledge of the current regulatory and statutory obligations of the municipal entity.
We take our role seriously in advising city departments and officials on development standards, land use regulations, and environmental requirements, ensuring that all public works projects meet statutory guidelines and permitting processes. We regularly navigate complex interactions with regulatory agencies such as the Department of Transportation, the Department of Natural Resources, and other state-level oversight bodies to maintain ongoing compliance, ultimately safeguarding the legal and operational integrity of the municipal entity.
We take our role seriously in advising city departments and officials on development standards, land use regulations, and environmental requirements, ensuring that all public works projects meet statutory guidelines and permitting processes. We regularly navigate complex interactions with regulatory agencies such as the Department of Transportation, the Department of Natural Resources, and other state-level oversight bodies to maintain ongoing compliance, ultimately safeguarding the legal and operational integrity of the municipal entity.
Services
- Appeals
- Arbitration
- Case Assessments
- Litigation
- Discovery
- Depositions
- Pleading Drafting
- Expert Witnesses
- Mediation
- Settlement Negotiations
- Trial Strategy
- Drafting Ordinances
- Drafting Unified Development Codes
- Drafting Contracts
- Drafting Easements and Rights-of-Way
- Plat and Rezoning Applications
- Variances
- Development services
- Sunshine and Transparency
- Compliance
- Prosecution of Codes
- Licensing
- Training
- Human Resources
Disputes Regarding
- Injunctions
- Adverse possession
- Boundary line disputes
- Condemnation
- Eminent Domain
- Environmental Issues
- Land Use
- Mechanic’s Liens
- Non-Disclosures
- Permitting
- Licensing
- Property Damage
- Real Estate Acquisition
- Regulatory Compliance
- Sale/Purchase Disputes
- Subcontractors
- Taxes
- Title Insurance
- Zoning
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common legal issues municipalities face?
Common issues include land use and zoning disputes, public contracts and procurement compliance, employment and labor matters, ordinance enforcement, annexation of additional territory, condemnation or eminent domain actions for public projects, and liability in tort claims (e.g., personal injury on public property).
Can municipalities be sued, and how are they protected?
Yes, municipalities can be sued. However, they often have sovereign or governmental immunity, which limits liability in many cases. There are exceptions, especially in areas like civil rights, negligence, or contract disputes.
What is the role of a municipal attorney?
A municipal attorney advises the city, town, or village on legal matters, drafts ordinances, represents the municipality in court, ensures compliance with state and federal laws, and helps mitigate legal risk in public operations.
How should a municipality handle conflicts of interest with elected officials or staff?
Municipalities must follow state ethics laws and local codes in Missouri, this includes the provisions of Chapter 105 of the Revised States of Missouri. Legal counsel can help evaluate situations, require disclosures, and recommend recusal or other actions to prevent or address conflicts of interest by elected officials.
What are the legal requirements for public meetings and transparency?
Municipalities must comply with open meeting laws (e.g., “Sunshine Laws”) and public records laws. In Missouri, these laws are codified in a number of state statutes including Chapter 610 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri. They require advance notice of meetings and topics that will be discussed or voted upon, open access to the public, and proper documentation of decisions, and record retention.
Let us be your trustworthy partner for your litigation needs.
Kapke | Willerth
Built on a foundation
of integrity and trust.
of integrity and trust.
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You have a direct line of communication with the attorney handling your case – you will not be handed off to a paralegal, or assistant.
You have a direct line of communication with the attorney handling your case – you will not be handed off to a paralegal, or assistant.
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