In The News
Congratulations to McDonald Tinker’s attorneys who have been named to the 2023 Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers® list! Learn more about each attorney: Ed Keeley, Vince Burnett, Scott Sanders, Jennifer Hill, Kelly Donley, Dallas Rakestraw, Katy Tompkins, Stacy Ortega, Matthew Gorney, and Andrew Foulston.
August 2023
McDonald Tinker is proud to announce nine of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized as Best Lawyers® in America! Learn more about each attorney: Jennifer Hill, Katy Tompkins, Ed Keeley, Vince Burnett, Kelly Donley, Dallas Rakestraw, Scott Sanders, Stacy Ortega, and Matthew Gorney.
May 2023
McDonald Tinker PA is pleased to welcome our summer associates, Hayley Koontz and Arielle Jacobs. Hayley is a native of Benton, Kansas and graduated from Circle High School in 2018 and from the University of Kansas in 2021. She is entering her final year at the University of Kansas School of Law. Arielle is a former Blue Ace, having graduated from Wichita East High School in 2016 and from the University of Kansas in 2020. She is entering her final year at the University of Kansas School of Law. Welcome!
May 2023
Two of our Directors were honored by The Wichita Bar Association. Director Stacy Ortega was awarded the President’s Award to honor her years of outstanding service to the Wichita legal community. Director Kate Olson was awarded the Benson-Batt Award to honor her years of organizing law-related events for local students. Congratulations Stacy and Kate!
March 2023
McDonald Tinker PA is pleased to welcome our new associate, Scott Ufford. Scott, a Wichita native, attended Wichita State University as an undergrad and the University of Kansas City Law School. Scott returned to Wichita where he spent six years in practice as a personal injury attorney. Welcome Scott!
November 2022
Congratulations to these eight attorneys for being named to the 2022 Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers® lists: Stacy Ortega, Scott Sanders, Kelly Donley, Vince Burnett, Ed Keeley, Jennifer Hill, Katy Tompkins and Matthew Gorney.
August 2022
Congratulations to these nine attorneys for being recognized as 2022 Best Lawyers® in America: Dallas Rakestraw, Stacy Ortega, Scott Sanders, Kelly Donley, Vince Burnett, Ed Keeley, Jennifer Hill, Katy Tompkins and Matthew Gorney.
May 2022
McDonald Tinker PA is pleased to welcome our summer associate, Michael Safley. Michael is a Wichita native and 2017 graduate of Wichita East High School. Michael graduated from Kansas State University in 2021, and recently completed his first year at Saint Louis University School of Law. Welcome Michael!
May 2022
Congratulations to Partner Katy Tompkins for being honored in the Wichita Business Journal’s 2022 Women Who Lead: Legal Services! A staunch advocate for her clients, Ms. Tompkins’ practice focuses on insurance defense, employment law and municipal/governmental liability cases. Learn more about Ms. Tompkins, her background and experience on our website. And if you are looking for common sense, resolution focused representation, contact us today to schedule a consultation. McDonald Tinker: Real People. Real Results. Learn more.
December 2021
Welcome attorney Matthew A. Gorney! Matt is our new Civil Litigation Attorney, practicing in Civil Rights Law, Employment law, Governmental Liability Defense, and Insurance Defense. Matt graduated from Kansas State University, KU William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, as well as the University of Kansas School of Law. Having spent more than five years as a criminal defense practitioner, Matt learned the practice of law requires meticulous, detailed work to achieve positive results. As such, he melds through preparation with zealous courtroom advocacy when representing clients. Learn more.
November 2021
The firm is kicking off their holiday season with the joy of giving. This year we teamed up with HumanKind Ministries working together to help those who are struggling with poverty and homelessness. Today McDonald Tinker attorneys and staff donated socks, winter gloves and made 150 sack lunches for the homeless. We had the pleasure of meeting Greer Horning, Associate Director of Development with Humankind Ministries today. She gave us a tour of the shelter and talked about the volunteers and the day-to-day activity that keeps this place going. Learn more about HumanKind Ministries.
October 2021
Congratulations to MT partner, Jennifer Hill. The Wichita Women Attorney’s Association has announced that Jennifer Hill, has been selected as the 2021 recipient of the Louise Mattox Award. Louise Mattox was the first woman known to have held an active law practice in Congratulations for your recognition! Congratulations also to these attorneys: Super Lawyers – Vince Burnett, Ed Keeley, Scott Sanders, and Rising Star – Katy Tompkins.
May 2021
Congratulations to MT partner, Jennifer Hill. The Wichita Women Attorney’s Association has announced that Jennifer Hill, has been selected as the 2021 recipient of the Louise Mattox Award. Louise Mattox was the first woman known to have held an active law practice in Wichita, Kansas. In celebration of her, the Wichita Women Attorney’s Association honors one individual each year who has shown support for women in the profession, makes significant contributions to the legal community, and exhibits outstanding professionalism.
February 2021
Welcome our newest attorney, Emily Haverkamp, a bi-lingual Immigration attorney. Emily’s experience practicing immigration law, serving in the Peace Corps in Guatemala, and extensive international travel will make her a great addition to our team! Read more...
January 2021
Congratulations to attorney Dallas Rakestraw for being elected to the Board of Directors of the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County! The CAC is a centralized resource for child abuse victims and their caregivers and provides an environment for victims to heal from trauma and abuse. It brings together many aspects of the investigative and therapeutic processes under one roof and provides advocacy services in an child-focused atmosphere. In addition, the CAC provides education to the community in an effort to raise awareness about child abuse.
August 2020
Congratulations to attorney Jennifer Hill for being recognized as one of the Wichita Business Journal’s Top Women Leaders in Business!
June 2020
We welcome our newest attorney to the firm this week, Monica Sosa-Scherer, a bi-lingual Family Law attorney. With her bi-lingual skills and knowledge of the hard work it requires, we plan to expand our practice to help a more diverse set of clients in our community.
McDonald Tinker, PA is pleased to welcome Chris Abraham as our summer law clerk. Chris just completed his second year at Washburn Law School. Welcome to the firm Chris!
May 2020
Attorney Jessica Suhr has become a board member for Rise Up for Youth. Jessica is an amazing community leader who will use her skills, expertise, and shared commitment to empower our youth. Rise Up For Youth inspires and motivates the next generation to unlock their full potential through education, mentoring, and empowerment.
September 2019
McDonald Tinker PA was presented with Wichita Business Journal’s 2019 Diversity and Inclusion Award. McDonald Tinker’s strong leadership demonstrates a solid commitment to not only our distinct clients, but in creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive working environment that encourages growth and development of our employees. We would also like to acknowledge the other Wichita businesses and individuals who are promoting authentic diversity and inclusion in the workplace and recognize the importance of change and acceptance.
August 2019
Congratulations to the following McDonald Tinker Attorneys for being recognized as Best Lawyers in America© for 2020. This recognition is based on peer reviews on the basis of professional expertise and reflects the high level of respect a lawyer has earned among other leading attorneys in the same practice areas. Vince A Burnett Atty; P Kelly Donley; Ed Keeley; Stacy Ortega Engels; Jennifer Hill; Dallas Rakestraw; and Scott Sanders.
February 2019
Congratulations to our office manager, Mary Ellen Woodward, who was among the 2019 honorees for Wichita Business Journal’s Top Human Resources Professional award. Mary Ellen has worked in human resources management for more than 20 years and has been an integral part of the McDonald Tinker team since 2003. Congratulations and well-deserved!
August 2018
Attorney Scott Sanders celebrates twenty years with us this month. Scott says what he likes most about the firm are the people he works with. Congratulations to Scott!
August 14, 2018
Corey Adams has joined us as an associate attorney at McDonald Tinker. A native of Wichita, Corey graduated from Friends University and the University of Kansas School of Law. His primary practice areas will consist of civil litigation, civil rights law and employment law. Welcome aboard, Corey!
July 2, 2018
Family law attorneys Stacy Ortega and Jessica Suhr have joined our firm. They bring many years of experience representing clients across a broad spectrum of family law matters. Welcome Stacy and Jessica.
February 19, 2018
McDonald Tinker attorney Jennifer Hill achieved a complete defense verdict at jury trial in Harvey County District Court. Jennifer, a managing partner and senior member of McDonald Tinker’s litigation team, represented a local electrical company that was accused of negligently installing an electrical panel in a home. The plaintiff accused Jennifer’s client of causing a subsequent fire to the home and sought more than $250,000 in property damage.
After a week-long trial, the jury concluded after only 45 minutes of deliberation that Jennifer’s client was not liable for the fire whatsoever, resulting in a “no fault” verdict. Congratulations to Jennifer and the entire McDonald Tinker litigation team on this successful verdict for our client!
January 1, 2018
McDonald Tinker PA is proud to announce that Katy Tompkins has been elected a partner with the firm. Katy joined McDonald Tinker as an associate in 2012 and practices with the firm’s civil litigation department.
“We are delighted to have Katy now sitting at the partners’ table,” said Managing Partner Kelly Donley. “Katy has proven herself to be an asset to our civil litigation team, and we look forward to her leadership at the firm for many years ahead.”
Katy grew up in Atwood, a small community in Western Kansas. She credits her small-town upbringing for her work ethic. “Where I grew up, I learned that hard work was the only avenue to success,” Katy said. “I’m proud to be a partner with McDonald Tinker, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work hard for my clients as I begin this new chapter of my career.”
Katy also serves the community as a volleyball coach. Last year, Katy and fellow McDonald Tinker Director Scott Sanders coached their YMCA youth volleyball team to a first place finish in the 13U Advanced Farha League tournament. “I’ve had the chance to get to know Katy not only through working together at the firm, but also as a co-coach for our YMCA volleyball team,” Scott said. “The dedication Katy shows in the courtroom and on the volleyball court benefits all who have the chance to interact with her. We’re pleased to add her to the partnership at McDonald Tinker.”
July 24, 2017
Scott Sanders and Katy Tompkins coached their YMCA volleyball team to their first place finish in the 13U Advanced Farha league tournament! Thank you Scott and Katy for giving your time to our community and our youth.
June 28, 2017
Congratulations to Jennifer Hill, who has been named to the Kansas Board of Examiners of Court Reporters. Chief Justice Lawton Nuss appointed Jennifer to a three-year term that begins on July 1. The Board oversees the certification and conduct of all court reporters in Kansas. We are proud of Jennifer’s service to the bar.
May 25, 2017
Travis Cook has been appointed as a Commissioner to the Colwich Planning Commission. Travis, a resident of Colwich, will participate in reviewing and addressing zoning matters in his community. We are proud of your civic engagement.
March 29, 2017
Congratulations to Erin Sommer Good, who was recently elected to the Board of Directors for League 42. League 42’s mission is to provide every child in Wichita the opportunity to play youth baseball. We are proud of Erin’s service to our community, and we can’t wait for the season to start.
January 10, 2017
McDonald Tinker PA is honored to be recognized by AM Best as “Best’s Recommended Insurance Attorneys & Adjusters”.
December 23, 2016
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of retired McDonald Tinker partner, Alvin “Al” Herrington, who passed away on December 23, 2016, at the age of 86. Al was with McDonald Tinker for more than fifty years, and he will always be an important part of the firm.
November 20, 2016
We are proud to announce that all six partners were named to the 2016 Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers List. Vince Burnett, Kelly Donley, Ed Keeley, and Scott Sanders were each named a “Super Lawyer.” Jennifer Hill and Dallas Rakestraw were recognized by the publication as “Rising Stars.”
October 17, 2016
McDonald Tinker PA is proud to announce that Martin Keenan has joined the firm as of counsel. Martin’s practice focuses primarily on family law, criminal defense, and personal injury cases.
Martin is a second-generation attorney originally from Great Bend, Kansas. He was inspired to go to law school after growing up around his father’s law practice. For 25 years, Martin practiced in Great Bend. He recently moved to Wichita and is looking forward to assisting clients in Wichita and the surrounding communities. “Wichita is a wonderful place to practice law,” Martin said. “I am proud to be part of the McDonald Tinker team.”
With the addition of Martin, McDonald Tinker expands its practice areas to include criminal defense and family law matters. “We are very excited to have Marty on board,” said Managing Partner P. Kelly Donley. “Marty is a talented attorney, and his experience with family law and criminal defense matters will allow McDonald Tinker to better serve our clients.”
In addition to his busy practice, Martin has taught history, political science, and constitutional law at the collegiate level. In his spare time, he enjoys studying and writing about Great Bend and Kansas history.
August 24, 2016
Kelly Donley, McDonald Tinker PA attorney, has been selected by his peers for inclusion in the 23rd Edition of The Best Lawyers© in America in the practice of Workers Compensation Law – Employers.
Ed Keeley, McDonald Tinker PA attorney, has been selected by his peers for inclusion in the 23rd Edition of The Best Lawyers© in America in the practice of Civil Rights Law.
July 26, 2016
Congratulations to McDonald Tinker attorneys Scott Sanders and Kate Tompkins! For the second time this summer, their 11U YMCA Advanced Volleyball team, coached by Scott and Katy, captured the regular season title. The Wildcats finished the season with a match record of 7-1 and got 2nd place in the tournament. Congratulations Wildcats! McDonald Tinker is very proud of Scott and Katy’s efforts in our community. The YMCA is fortunate to have them as volunteer coaches.
April 18th, 2016
McDonald Tinker attorney, Kelly Donley, crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon with a finish time of 3:51:49. Only 12 percent of marathon finishers qualify for the Boston Marathon. This is an incredible accomplishment. Congratulations to Kelly!
March 4, 2016
Several McDonald Tinker employees volunteered at Clean Slate Day. This project, which was put on by the Wichita Bar Association, allowed economically disadvantaged individuals to expunge certain eligible convictions. The idea was to offer a second chance to deserving individuals. McDonald Tinker attorneys Jennifer Hill, Travis Cook, and Erin Good, as well as runner Don Barker, volunteered their time and skills to help with Clean Slate Day. McDonald Tinker is proud to be part of a bar that pursues events such as Clean Slate Day, and we were happy to have several employees participate in this great project.
November 24, 2015
The Kansas Supreme Court released its opinion in Hoesli v. Triplett, Inc., finding in favor of attorneys Dallas Rakestraw and Vince Burnett’s client. Dallas and Vince successfully advocated for a new interpretation of a key provision of the Kansas Workers Compensation Act. In addition to winning this appeal on behalf of their client, the new Kansas Supreme Court decision will likely benefit many of McDonald Tinker’s other clients going forward. Dallas was interviewed by Work Comp Central, a national publication about workers compensation law about his successful argument before the Kansas Supreme Court. If you are interested in a full copy of the article, e-mail Dallas drakestraw@mcdonaldtinker.com.
November 9, 2015
McDonald Tinker’s billing manager, Myrna Wood and her husband Todd, participated in the American Legion Riders color guard for the Marion County Toy Run. Myrna collected donations for a month to raise money for the Toy Run. The donations were used to purchase bicycles and helmets for children. Myrna also collected additional cash donations which will be used to purchase more toys for area children. Myrna and Todd have participated in this great cause for the past 15 years.
October 20, 2015
Super Lawyers Magazine recently published its annual lists of Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in Kansas and Missouri. No more than 5% of attorneys in the state are named “Super Lawyers,” and only 2.5% of attorneys in the state are selected as Rising Stars. Several McDonald Tinker attorneys were selected. Congratulations to Vincent Burnett (Super Lawyer for Workers’ Compensation), Kelly Donley (Super Lawyer for Workers’ Compensation), Ed Keeley (Super Lawyer for Employment & Labor), Scott Sanders (Super Lawyer for Civil Litigation, Defense), Jennifer Hill (Rising Star for Appellate Practice) and Dallas Rakestraw (Rising Star for Workers’ Compensation).
October 8, 2015
Kelly Donley and Ed Keeley were recently recognized by Best Lawyers in America for their work in workers compensation law and civil rights law, respectively.
April 20, 2015
McDonald Tinker participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids’ Sake. Over the past six weeks, the firm has been fundraising for BBBS, and the bowling event was the culmination. In total, McDonald Tinker raised $2,545 for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
February 15, 2015
Super Lawyers magazine recently announced that 6 attorneys from McDonald Tinker have been recognized as Kansas Super Lawyers for 2014. Each year, no more than 5% of the lawyers in the state are selected as Super Lawyers, and no more than 2.5% of the lawyers in the state are selected as Rising Stars. Congratulations to Vince Burnett (Super Lawyer), Kelly Donley (Super Lawyer), Ed Keeley (Super Lawyer), Scott Sanders (Super Lawyer), Jennifer Hill (Rising Star), and Dallas Rakestraw (Rising Star). Also, Scott Sanders was selected to 2014 Super Lawyers Business Edition in the practice group of Litigation.
February 15, 2015
Attorney, Jennifer Hill, was elected Wichita Bar Association President for 2014-2015. Her election is very well deserved, and McDonald Tinker is proud to have one of their own playing such a vital role in the local legal community.
October 30, 2014
Attorney, Scott Sanders, was awarded Coach of the Year for the East YMCA. He and other coaches were recognized at a banquet at the YMCA South Farha Center in October. Scott has volunteer coached every year since 2007 in soccer, t-ball, volleyball and basketball with his three daughters on his various teams. He continues to coach volleyball and basketball at the YMCA and Magdalen Catholic School. Attorney, Katy Tompkins, coaches volleyball with him at the YMCA and Magdalen.