David C. (Dave) Seitter

As a Partner with Spencer Fane, Dave’s practice is focused in the business area, specifically in construction law and manufacturing. Dave has a broad and diverse mix of clientele with whom he consults, educates and interacts via client education programs.

Since the inception of his practice, Dave has had an affinity for helping construction companies. He has handled mechanics’ liens, bond claims, business succession planning, mergers & acquisitions, construction litigation and business formation. Dave is a member of Associated Builders and Contractors–Heart of America Chapter and the Builders Association, as well as the creator of MidwestConstructionLaw.com, an online resource for companies involved in the construction industry.

Dave also focuses on the representation of manufacturers in all phases of their work, including acquisition of companies, product liability and toxic tort issues, litigation, and strategic planning. Most recently he was involved in various lawsuits involving material handling entities in Detroit, Michigan; Louisville, Kentucky and Dallas, Texas.

Dave has assisted in the transition of many family-owned businesses, as well as complex mergers and acquisitions involving nationally recognized businesses. His experience has included not only construction companies, but accounting firms, distribution companies, technology ventures, service businesses and manufacturing concerns. When required, he has also assisted companies in the difficult and confusing arena of restructuring and reorganization.

Professional organizations in which Dave has played a leadership role include the Associated Builders and Contractors, former member of the Board of Directors; Construction Leaders in Kansas; Builders Association of Greater Kansas City; Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors; Former Chapter 7 Panel Trustee for the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Kansas; Financial Executives International; and Construction Financial Managers Association.

Presentation & Speaking Engagements

Speaking Engagements: 

• FEI, 2009 - Business Succession Planning for Closely Held Businesses.
• CFMA, 2009 Law Update
• “The Intersection of Construction and Bankruptcy” (The ABA Forum on the Construction Industry, April 2009). The session covered common terms and concepts in the bankruptcy process and provided practical advice on how to deal with the most common problems encountered when someone on a construction project files for bankruptcy.
• “Valuation Considerations for the Established Business” (Enterprise Center of Johnson County, Nov. 18, 2008)
• New Law Impacts Contractors: Kansas Enacts Fairness In Private Construction Act (Dave Seitter, Danielle Curtiss and J. Nick Badgerow. Published in Midwest Contractor June 27, 2005, Volume 105; Issue 12, Section: Features)
• “Clauses that Haunt Contractors: Allocating Construction Risk” (CFMA, 2005)
• Moderator and Presenter, 2006 Midwest Construction Conference

 Publications:

• “The Intersection of Construction Law and Bankruptcy” (The Construction Lawyer, Journal of the ABA Forum on the Construction Industry, Winter 2010)
• Managing Risk Through Employee Training. Published in Buildings Magazine, June 2006.
• “S Corp vs. C Corp- The final answer to this and other basic business related issues.” (Teleseminar, 2005)
• “Finding The Trusted Business Advisor: The Key To Building A Successful Construction Company” (IQPC Commercial Construction Law Seminar, July, 2006)