Karyn Heiss
Olathe
Summary
Dynamic legal professional with a robust background in litigation, contract negotiation, and comprehensive legal research. Recognized for strong commitment to team collaboration and delivering impactful results while adeptly navigating shifting priorities and demands. Proficient in legal analysis, case strategy, and client advocacy, complemented by exceptional communication and problem-solving skills. Reliable, results-oriented individual with a proven history of success in high-pressure environments, consistently driving positive outcomes.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Attorney
Hunter Law Group, PA
06.2025 - Current
- Advised clients on complex legal matters, ensuring comprehensive understanding of implications.
- Drafted and negotiated contracts, enhancing clarity and minimizing disputes.
- Conducted in-depth legal research, supporting case strategy with relevant precedents.
- Represented clients in court proceedings, advocating effectively for their interests.
- Developed strategies to resolve cases in client's best interest.
- Developed strategies and arguments for hearings, trials and appeals.
Attorney
Fisher, Patterson, Sayler, and Smith, LLP
09.2022 - 06.2025
- Advised clients on litigation and complex legal issues
- Conducted written discovery including propounding discovery and responding to discovery requests
- Took and defended depositions of witnesses and experts
- Developed case strategies in collaboration with clients and partners, ensuring priorities were met while limiting financial strain
- Represented clients’ interests at mediations to reach an advantageous settlement
- Conducted legal research on employment law, procedural issues, damages, personal injury, government liability, and 1983 actions in order to determine clients' liability and applicable defenses
- Drafted numerous motions including motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment in cases in federal district court and state district court obtaining favorable rulings in several complex cases
Attorney
Social Security Administration
07.2010 - 09.2022
- Drafted over 200 administrative decisions annually regarding the granting of disability benefits while maintaining a 90% or above Appeals Council approval rating
- Reviewed voluminous case records, including medical records, to determine information required to draft legally compelling decisions
- Analyzed administrative records to determine if a favorable determination could be issued without the need for an administrative hearing
- Advised Administrative Law Judges regarding several issues including the application of new regulations and rules to cases, the legal sufficiency of certain determinations, and other administrative law issues including the application of the principle of res judicata
- Mentored new attorneys to help them develop the ability to draft legally correct decisions in a timely manner
- Developed training for attorney staff regarding the application of new regulations and guidance for working more efficiently
Contract Attorney
McInnes Law, LLC
06.2019 - 08.2021
- Conducted document review using Relativity for cases with large document productions
- Prepared numerous motions including motions for summary judgment and motions to exclude expert witnesses in cases in federal district court resulting in several advantageous rulings for clients
- Prepared discovery and responses to discovery in several complex litigation cases
- Conducted initial case analysis to advise senior attorney on the likelihood of success in cases
- Conducted legal research on several topics including employment law, damages, and class action certifications to assist senior attorney in developing a greater understanding of legal issues present in each case
Attorney
Kansas Department of Revenue
07.2005 - 07.2010
- Represented the Department in hearings in several venues including state district court, federal district court, federal bankruptcy court, and administrative hearings including hearings before the Kansas Court of Tax Appeals
- Argued and briefed a case regarding statutory interpretation before the Kansas Supreme Court
- Drafted numerous legal documents including discovery, motions for summary judgment, settlement agreements, and briefs to the Kansas Court of Appeals
- Advised management level employees including the Director of Vehicles and the Secretary of Revenue, regarding the legal consequences of administrative actions
- Negotiated settlements in tax assessment cases where appropriate including settlements in several high value corporate income tax cases and individual income tax cases
- Performed legal research regarding various issues including priority of tax liens, state corporate income taxation, bankruptcy, state individual income taxation, and vehicle titling issues
- Served on numerous interview teams for certified job positions
Education
Juris Doctorate -
University of Kansas School of Law
Lawrence, KS01.2004
Bachelor of Science - Business
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK01.2000
Skills
- Legal Research
- Legal Writing
- Client Relations
- Negotiations
- Discovery Preparation
- Client Collaboration
- Time Management
- Mediation
- Mentoring
- Investigation skills
- Client counseling
- Settlement negotiation
Websites
BAR ADMISSIONS
- Missouri 2004
- Kansas 2005
Timeline
Attorney
Hunter Law Group, PA
06.2025 - Current
Attorney
Fisher, Patterson, Sayler, and Smith, LLP
09.2022 - 06.2025
Contract Attorney
McInnes Law, LLC
06.2019 - 08.2021
Attorney
Social Security Administration
07.2010 - 09.2022
Attorney
Kansas Department of Revenue
07.2005 - 07.2010
Bachelor of Science - Business
Oklahoma State University
Juris Doctorate -
University of Kansas School of Law