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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

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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 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.

Main office

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP

One Kansas City Pl., 1200 Main St., Ste. 3800

Kansas City, MO 64105-2100

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Client 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.

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Hiring 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

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.