Craig S. O'Dear, Aviation Attorney in Kansas City, Missouri
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Aviation, Business, and Insurance · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratBryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
Kansas City, MO
Practicing aviation in Kansas City since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Craig S. O'Dear?
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Quick answer
Craig S. O'Dear is a partner based in Kansas City, MO. The practice focuses on Aviation, Business, and Insurance. Craig has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Kansas City, MO
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Aviation · Business · Insurance
- Handles Aviation, Business, and Insurance matters from Kansas City, MO.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Craig S. O'Dear: Craig S. O'Dear is a partner based in Kansas City, MO. The practice focuses on Aviation, Business, and Insurance. Craig has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Craig's practice areas in Kansas City
Craig concentrates on aviation, business, insurance, litigation, and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case Craig handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Aviation
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Business
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Product Liability
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Aviation cases in Kansas City, Missouri
Craig takes aviation matters in Kansas City, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Craig agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Kansas City, Missouri
Craig takes business matters in Kansas City, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Craig agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Kansas City, Missouri
Craig takes insurance matters in Kansas City, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Craig agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Kansas City, Missouri
Craig takes litigation matters in Kansas City, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Craig agrees to represent you.
Product Liability cases in Kansas City, Missouri
Craig takes product liability matters in Kansas City, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Craig agrees to represent you.
Biography
Craig S. O'Dear, aviation attorney serving Kansas City
Craig S. O'Dear is a partner based in Kansas City, MO. The practice focuses on Aviation, Business, and Insurance. Craig has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Craig works from Kansas City, Missouri and takes on aviation matters across the region.
Craig S. O'Dear is a lawyer practicing commercial litigation, aviation law practice, insurance and 1 other area of law. Craig received a B.S. degree from University of Missouri-Rolla in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. Craig practices at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP in Kansas City, MO.
Working with Craig on a aviation matter
Craig S. O'Dear is a lawyer practicing commercial litigation, aviation law practice, insurance and 1 other area of law. Craig received a B.S. degree from University of Missouri-Rolla in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. Craig practices at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP in Kansas City, MO.
Who Craig represents
Craig reviews new inquiries case-by-case for aviation, business, and insurance matters in Kansas City and the surrounding Missouri area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Craig studied and practices
Vanderbilt University
J.D. · 1982
University of Missouri-Rolla
B.S. · 1979
Jurisdictions
Craig's state bar admissions
Missouri Kansas U.S.
1982 · ACTIVE
Craig studied at J.D. in Vanderbilt University and B.S. in University of Missouri-Rolla.
Law school and academic background
Craig completed J.D. in Vanderbilt University and B.S. in University of Missouri-Rolla. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Craig runs in Missouri is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Craig's legal honors and published work
Craig has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Craig S. O'Dear's office in Kansas City
Craig's primary office is at One Kansas City Pl., 1200 Main St., Ste. 3800, Kansas City, MO, 64105-2100. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
One Kansas City Pl., 1200 Main St., Ste. 3800
Kansas City, MO 64105-2100
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Craig S. O'Dear — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Craig. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing aviation attorneys in Kansas City.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Craig S. O'Dear claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Craig S. O'Dear — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new aviation attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Craig usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Craig charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Craig's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Craig will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a aviation attorney in Kansas City, Missouri
A short list to run through before you commit: How many aviation matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Craig
Craig discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in aviation practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every aviation matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Craig confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Craig's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many aviation practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Craig S. O'Dear
How much does it cost to hire Craig for a aviation case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Craig walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Craig offer a free consultation?
Craig charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Craig's office. Some aviation attorneys offer free consults — check Craig's current terms during booking.
How long do aviation cases in Missouri typically take?
Simple aviation matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Craig gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Craig take my case if I'm outside Kansas City?
Craig is licensed in Missouri. Matters governed by Missouri law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Craig will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Craig?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Craig will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Craig accepting new aviation clients right now?
Craig's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Aviation attorneys serving Kansas City, St Louis and Jefferson City in Missouri
Craig handles aviation matters throughout Missouri. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified aviation attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated aviation attorneys in Missouri
If Craig's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these aviation attorneys in Kansas City handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





