Jill Kanatzar

Jill Kanatzar is one of the most respected plaintiff attorneys in the region. Her deep experience in cases related to sexual abuse, child injury and wrongful death, nursing home abuse and medical malpractice spans more than 25 years. Jill’s entire career has been dedicated to helping people who often cannot help themselves. From small children to disabled adults to our elders, she has stood next to and fought for people’s rights. She has also been appointed special prosecutor across Kansas City area jurisdictions to prosecute criminal cases involving sexual offenses. Prior to joining the firm and starting her civil practice, Jill was an assistant prosecuting attorney in Jackson County, Missouri, where she prosecuted felony criminal cases including robberies, burglaries, assaults and homicides. Jill spent the majority of her tenure with the Prosecutor’s Office in the Child Abuse & Sex Crimes Unit. She participated in numerous jury trials including cases of adult sex crimes and crimes perpetrated against children. Jill entered private practice in 1998 when she joined Stigall, Humphrey, Lucas, Henry & Dollar. She soon began representing families and patients injured by abuse and neglect in nursing homes, while continuing to represent sexual assault and abuse victims. Jill served 12 years by appointment of the Supreme Court of Missouri on a Regional Disciplinary Committee. This panel reviews complaints brought against other lawyers to determine whether probable cause exists and if ethical violations have occurred. More recently she was appointed to the Court's Advisory Committee on rules applicable to practice law in Missouri. In 2022, she was elected by the local Bar to serve on the 16th Judicial Nominating Committee that interviews applicants who wish to serve on the bench and nominate finalist for the Governor's consideration for appointment. Jill earned a bachelor’s degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, dual majoring in economics and political science. She received her law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School and obtained her license to practice law in 1994. She holds an active license in Missouri and Kansas, as well as before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.