MoveMakers and NewsMakers for July 16, 2024

Kansas City | Across MO

Kansas City

National labor and employment law firm Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP is pleased to announce the appointment of Kim Seten as office managing partner in Kansas City, MO. Seten’s appointment began July 1.

"We are thrilled to have Kim step into this role,” said Neil Wasser, chair of Constangy’s executive committee. “Her leadership and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly drive our continued success in the region."

"I am honored to take on the role of office managing partner and excited to lead our Kansas City team,” said Seten. “I look forward to furthering our firm's initiatives in Kansas City and continuing to promote the exceptional client service Constangy is known for."

In addition to her role as office managing partner, Seten is also a member of Constangy’s executive committee. Outside of her firm leadership roles, with over two decades of specialized expertise in labor and employment law, Seten is dedicated to empowering employers to proactively manage workplace dynamics. Her extensive experience includes crafting workplace policies, designing robust investigation procedures, and developing impactful training materials. Seten regularly conducts engaging training sessions for management and staff and provides strategic advice on handling challenging employee situations.

When disputes escalate to litigation, Seten represents clients before federal and state agencies, as well as in the federal and state courts of Missouri and Kansas. She also is adept at guiding employers through complex union matters, including representation campaigns, unfair labor practice charges, arbitrations, and negotiating collective bargaining agreements.

Seten has been recognized in numerous publications for her outstanding work, including Chambers USA (2022-2024) and The Best Lawyers in America® for Employment Law – Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment (2019-2024). Additionally, in 2023 Seten was recognized as "Lawyer of the Year" for Employment Law - Management in The Best Lawyers in America® for Kansas City and a “Client Service All-Star” by BTI Consulting Group.

Seten received her law degree from the University of Miami and her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois.

Across MO

The judges of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District, elected Jennifer R. Growcock as chief judge effective July 1, 2024.

The chief judge serves as chief administrative officer of the court. As part of her duties, Growcock will chair the 31st Circuit Judicial Commission. This commission is responsible for selecting three-person panels for consideration by the governor when judicial vacancies occur in the circuit, as a part of the Missouri Nonpartisan Court Plan.

Prior to her appointment to the Missouri Court of Appeals in 2021, Growcock served as circuit judge of the 38th Circuit (Christian County) from 2016 to 2021.

For more information on Chief Judge Growcock’s background, please visit: https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=184113