Dennis Dobbels helps clients navigate litigation risk by using his trial and appellate experience to assist clients in developing a comprehensive ADR, trial and litigation plan. He has an extensive background in all aspects of products liability, toxic tort and legacy liability, tax litigation, and insurance and complex commercial litigation. Dennis has handled single plaintiff cases and consolidated cases involving more than 100 plaintiffs in state and federal courtrooms across the nation. He serves as national trial counsel, assisting clients with complex litigation issues and managing the administrative and trial activities for clients’ complex product liability litigation needs.

Dennis also co-chairs the firms Food and Agriculture group. He provides advice to clients on labeling issues, litigation matters and strategic planning. He has used common sense, as well as the law, to assist clients in resolving class action cases related to alleged deceptive labeling issues.

Education

  • University of California-Hastings (J.D., magna cum laude, 1982)
    • Order of the Coif; Thurston Society; Hastings Law Journal, Assistant Managing Editor
  • Yale University (B.A., 1979)

    Bar Admission

    • Missouri, 1982
    • Illinois, 2003
    • New York, 2006

    Court Admissions

    • U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit, 1987
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit, 1993
    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri, 1982
    • U.S. District Court, District of Kansas, 1998
    • U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois, 1994
    • U.S. Tax Court, 1986

    Professional Affiliations

    • Kansas City Public Library
      • Appointed Trustee of the KCPL by the Mayor of Kansas City, MO
    • Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association
    • Defense Research Institute
      • Former Young Centurion 
    • Kansas City Foreign Language Charter School
      • Founder and Former Board Member 

    Recognition

    • Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America® for Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions - Defendants, 2011-2026
    • Selected for inclusion in Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers, 2005, 2007-2016
    • AV Rated Martindale Hubbell