Spencer Fane LLP is pleased to announce that partner Leslie Greathouse, who has been with the firm since 2008, has been appointed general counsel of Spencer Fane. This is a new position in the firm and Leslie’s role is effective as of January 1. Previously, partner Nick Badgerow served as the chair of the firm’s professional responsibility committee since 1988, and continues with Spencer Fane in his capacity as a litigator and mediator.
“Our firm has long benefitted from Nick’s extensive experience in legal ethics and appreciates his dedicated service. We cannot express enough how much we’ve valued his guidance,” said Patrick J. Whalen, Spencer Fane managing partner. “We have been fortunate as a firm to grow our business by ensuring our clients’ success, and his contributions continue to make a tremendous impact along the way.”
“We’re pleased to have Leslie in the role of general counsel and look forward to leveraging her exceptional depth and breadth of experience in risk management and dispute resolution as we continue to align our success with our clients’ success.”
Leslie has an extensive background advising clients on risk avoidance, counseling them on insurance, addressing their business needs within current legal and regulatory constructs, and using her skills as a trained mediator. As general counsel, she will apply this experience not only to serve the firm but also to create and refine systems to facilitate collaboration among firm colleagues and clients.
She helps businesses navigate complex litigation matters in state and federal courts and in arbitration and mediation proceedings. She handles a variety of cases for clients ranging from banking and insurance recovery to contract disputes and class actions, and has significant experience in arbitration, mediation, jury and nonjury trials and appeals.
Recognized by Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers on multiple occasions, Leslie is also involved in the community. She previously served on the board of directors for both Shawnee Mission Education Foundation and Lenexa Arts Council. She earned a law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska.