Scott Kreamer is a trial attorney. Scott has tried a wide variety of cases including commercial, construction, financial services, insurance, and products liability. He has also served as national counsel for clients in the areas of toxic tort litigation and financial services.

Scott is the firm's Managing Member. He has been an active member of various bar organizations over the course of his career. Scott recently completed his terms as Chairman of the Board and President of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC), an invitation-only organization consisting of accomplished defense attorneys, corporate counsel, and insurance industry executives who have achieved professional distinction during their careers. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Lawyers for Civil Justice (LCJ), a coalition of defense bar organizations, law firms, and corporations committed to reform in the civil justice system.

In light of his experience, Scott is frequently called upon to author papers and deliver lectures at conferences across the country. He is admitted to practice in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. 

Memberships & Activities

• American Bar Association
  • Fidelity and Surety Sub-Committee
  • Section of the Torts and Insurance Practice Section
  • Tort and Insurance Practice Committee
  • Litigation Section
• Association of Defense Trial Attorneys
• Claims & Litigation Management Alliance
• Defense Research Institute
  • Board of Directors
• Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel
  • Past Chairman of the Board
  • Past President
  • Past President-Elect
  • Past Secretary-Treasurer
  • Past Senior Director
  • Past Executive Committee Member
  • Past Website Director
  • Past Dean of Litigation Management College
• Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
• Kansas Bar Association
• Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association
• Lawyers for Civil Justice
  •  Board of Directors
• Missouri Bar Association
  •  Kansas City Representative to YLS Council (1993-1999)
• Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers
• Mortgage Bankers Association
• National Bond Claims Association
• National Foundation for Judicial Excellence

Publications

• Co-author: "The Principal's Subcontractors: Payment Bond Issues and Ratification Agreements," American Bar Association, Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section, Fidelity and Surety Law Committee (May 2016).

Presentations

• Speaker: "The Principal's Subcontractors: Payment Bond Issues and Ratification Agreements," American Bar Association, TIPS Section Spring CLE Conference (May 2016) - Atlanta, GA.

Awards & Recognition

• The Best Lawyers in America®, Kansas City Metropolitan Area
  •  Construction Litigation, 2013 to present
• Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers®, 2006-2009, 2013-present
• Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated
• Missouri Lawyers Media Business Defense Attorneys POWER LIST, 2021
• Missouri Lawyers Media Law Firm Leader Award, 2019
• The Business Journal Law Influencers List, 2019
• FDCC Joseph R. Olshan Award, 2011
• Missouri Lawyers Media Top Jury Verdicts, 2010

News & Events

Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Recognizes Twenty-Two Baker Sterchi Attorneys

11.15.21 | Twenty-two Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice attorneys are recognized in the 2021 Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers and Rising Stars publication.

Twenty-One Baker Sterchi Lawyers Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America© (2022 Edition)

08.19.21 | Twenty-one Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice lawyers are recognized in 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America© across numerous practice areas.

Baker Sterchi Managing Member Scott Kreamer Named to Missouri Lawyers Media's THE POWER LIST for Business Defense

06.01.21 | Missouri Lawyers Media has named Baker Sterchi Managing Member Scott Kreamer to its 2021 edition of THE POWER LIST for Business Defense.

Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Recognizes Nineteen Baker Sterchi Attorneys

11.16.20 | Nineteen Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice attorneys are recognized in the 2020 Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers and Rising Stars publication. The recognized attorneys include...

Baker Sterchi Managing Member Scott Kreamer to Serve on Lawyers for Civil Justice Board of Directors

09.25.20 | Baker Sterchi Managing Member James Scott Kreamer will serve on the Lawyers for Civil Justice (LCJ) Board of Directors, a coalition of defense bar organizations, law firms and corporations committed to reform in the civil justice system.

Twenty Baker Sterchi Lawyers Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America 2021

08.20.20 | Twenty Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice lawyers are recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021 across numerous practice areas.

Baker Sterchi Managing Member Scott Kreamer Selected to Receive Missouri Lawyers Media Law Firm Leader Award

12.13.19 | Baker Sterchi Managing Member Scott Kreamer has been selected to receive a Missouri Lawyers Media Law Firm Leader Award, an award given to chairpersons, managing partners or other law firm executives who demonstrated extraordinary vision, innovation and leadership during the year.

Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Recognizes Nineteen Baker Sterchi Attorneys

11.15.19 | Nineteen Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice attorneys have been named to the 2019 Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. The named attorneys include...

Baker Sterchi Recognized in 2020 U.S. News Best Law Firms

11.01.19 | Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice has been recognized with national and metropolitan rankings in U.S. News & World Report Best Law Firms 2020. Rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, and peer review from leading attorneys in their field. Receiving a tier designation reflects the high level of respect a firm has earned among other leading lawyers and clients in the same communities and the same practice areas for their abilities, professionalism and integrity.

The Best Lawyers in America (2020 Edition) Recognizes Fourteen Baker Sterchi Lawyers

08.20.19 | Fourteen Baker Sterchi lawyers have been recognized in the 2020 edition of The Best Lawyers in America© across numerous practice areas.

Baker Sterchi Managing Member James Scott Kreamer Named to National List of Influential Attorneys

07.15.19 | Baker Sterchi Managing Member James Scott Kreamer has been selected to The Business Journals' 2019 Influencers: Law list, which spotlights 100 attorneys nationwide who are driving business for their firms and clients.

Super Lawyers Recognizes Nineteen Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice Attorneys

11.15.18 | Nineteen Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice attorneys have been recognized in the 2018 edition of Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers and Rising Stars...

Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice Lawyers Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© 2019

08.15.18 | Fourteen Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice lawyers have been recognized in the 2019 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® across numerous practice areas.

2017 Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Recognizes Eight Baker Sterchi Attorneys

11.15.17 | Eight Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice attorneys have been recognized in the 2017 Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers and Rising Stars publication.

Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice Lawyers Recognized in 2018 Edition of Best Lawyers

08.16.17 | Seven Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice lawyers have been recognized in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®...

Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice Managing Member James Scott Kreamer Elected President of Prestigious Defense Organization

08.02.17 | James Scott Kreamer, Managing Member of Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice, was elected President of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC) at the 2017 Annual Meeting at...

Eight Baker Sterchi Attorneys Included in 2016 Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Publication

11.03.16 | Eight Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2016 Edition of Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers...

Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice Attorneys Included in 2017 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America

08.15.16 | Six Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice lawyers are included in the 2017 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America...

Scott Kreamer Appointed to Lawyers for Civil Justice Board of Directors

08.07.16 | James Scott Kreamer has been named to the Board of Directors of Lawyers for Civil Justice (LCJ), a coalition of corporations and defense attorneys committed to reform in the civil justice system.

Scott Kreamer Elected President-Elect of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel

08.04.16 | Scott Kreamer, Managing Member of Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice, was elected President-Elect of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC) at the group's Annual Meeting in July 2016.

Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice Attorneys Selected to the 2015 Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers List

10.12.15 | Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC is pleased to announce that seven lawyers have been named to the 2015 Edition of Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers...

Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America

08.17.15 | Four Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice lawyers are recognized in the 2016 edition of Best Lawyers in America...

Scott Kreamer Elected Secretary/Treasurer of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel

08.10.15 | Scott Kreamer has been elected to serve as Secretary/Treasurer of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC), an invitation-only organization consisting of accomplished defense attorneys, corporate counsel, and insurance industry executives who have achieved professional distinction during their careers...

Seven Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice Attorneys Selected to the 2014 Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers List

10.09.14 | Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC is pleased to announce that seven lawyers have been named to the 2014 Edition of Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers. . .

Four Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice Attorneys Named to 2015 Best Lawyers® in America List

08.18.14 | Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC is pleased to announce that four lawyers have been named to the 2015 Edition of Best Lawyers in America.

Scott Kreamer Re-Elected Senior Director of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel

08.10.14 | Scott Kreamer has been elected to serve as a Senior Director of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC), an invitation-only organization consisting of accomplished defense attorneys, corporate counsel, and insurance industry executives who have achieved professional distinction during their careers.

Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice Announces New Management

01.16.14 | Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice has named Thomas N. Sterchi and John W. Cowden as Co-Chairmen and James Scott Kreamer as Managing Member of the firm.

BSCR Attorneys Named to 2013 Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers List

10.14.13 | John Cowden, David Eisenberg, Scott Kreamer, Patrick Lysaught, Hal Meltzer, Thomas Rice, Shawn Rogers and Thomas Sterchi have been named to the 2013 Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers List.

Kreamer Selected for Inclusion in 2014 Edition of Best Lawyers in America

08.15.13 | Scott Kreamer has been selected for inclusion in the 2014 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Lawyers are chosen for inclusion in the publication based solely on the vote of their peers. Kreamer was selected for inclusion in the practice area of Construction Litigation.

Kreamer to Serve as Dean of Litigation Management Conference

06.07.13 | Scott Kreamer will serve as the Dean of the Litigation Management College which takes place at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, June 9-13. . .

BSCR Recognized as one of the 2013 Top Ranked Law Firms in the United States

12.17.12 | BSCR has been recognized as one of the 2013 Top Ranked Law Firms in the United States for having at least one-third of all firm attorneys rated AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell. The Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ are an evaluation of a lawyer's ethical standards and professional ability, generated from evaluations of lawyers by other members of the bar and the judiciary in the United States and Canada. . .

BSCR Attorneys Named to 2013 Best Lawyers in America

11.01.12 | John Cowden, James Scott Kreamer, and Thomas Sterchi have been selected for inclusion in the 2013 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Lawyers are chosen for inclusion in the publication based solely on the vote of their peers. . .

Kreamer Attends Third Annual LCLD Membership Meeting

09.17.12 | Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice Executive Committee Member James S. Kreamer attended the Third Annual Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) Annual Membership Meeting in Washington DC, September 12-13, 2012. The LCLD was formed in 2009 and is comprised of corporate chief legal officers and law firm managing partners dedicated to...

Kreamer Participates in Local Legal Industry Outlook Event

04.01.11 | Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice Executive Committee Member Scott Kreamer represented the firm at Ingram's Eleventh Annual Legal Industry Outlook. Sponsored by the law firm of McAnany, Van Cleave & Phillips in March, attorneys from many of the area's largest law firms participated in a discussion about...

Kreamer Recognized on Lists of Top Plaintiff Wins

02.08.11 | Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice Member Scott Kreamer was recognized in Missouri Lawyers Weekly (Jan. 31, 2011) in connection with a $5.5M verdict in the matter of The Waits Co. v. MacKenzie House, et al., United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri. Missouri Lawyers Weekly included the case in the twenty-sixth spot on its list of...

Kreamer Re-Elected as FDCC Vice-President

08.23.10 | Scott Kreamer has been re-elected to serve as a Vice President of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC). FDCC is a by-invitation only international organization of civil defense attorneys, as well as general counsel, risk managers, and claims professionals. Scott's term runs through August 2011.

Kreamer Appointed Dean of Curriculum of Litigation Management College

07.01.10 | Scott Kreamer has been appointed Dean of Curriculum of the Litigation Management College (LMC) sponsored by the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC). The LMC is a four day workshop designed for claims handling professionals. . .

Kreamer Participates in Legal Industry Outlook Round-Table

04.14.10 | On April 14, Scott Kreamer represented BSCR at the 10th Annual Legal Industry Outlook Round-Table sponsored by Ingram's. Attorneys from many of the area's largest law firms participated in a round-table discussion about the instability of the financial markets and the economy, and its effect on recruiting, retention and billing trends. . .

• RECENT TRIALS OF NOTE

• Hall et al. v. NW Fertilizer, Inc.

  Holt County, MO (2013)
  Obtained jury verdict in favor of our client, Northwest Fertilizer, Inc. after a week trial. The case involved a misapplication of a herbicide on corn crops that damaged a portion of plaintiffs’ corn.
  

• Unified School District No. 228 v. Old Republic Surety Company, et al.

  Hodgeman County, KS (2013)
  Successfully defended Old Republic Surety, Inc. in a five-day jury trial involving a breach of contract regarding the construction of running track at a local high school. At the close of plaintiff's evidence, the District Court granted Old Republic's motion for directed verdict and entered judgment in favor of Old Republic.
  

• Fischer Quarries v. Western Surety Company, et al.

  Carroll County, MO (2012)
  Following a bench trial in Ray County, Missouri, BSCR received a judgment in favor of our client, Western Surety. The claim involved a contractual dispute arising out of an indemnity agreement. The Court awarded our client the full amount requested, which included all attorney’s fees and costs.
  

• Schupp v. Western Surety, et al.

  Pettis County, MO (2011)
  Successfully defended claim against surety bond.
  

• The Weitz Company v. MacKenzie House, LLC, et al

  U.S.D.C. MO (2010)
  Unanimous defense verdict and award of $5 million on a counterclaim in a three-week jury trial involving a commercial dispute.
  

• America's Mortgage Banc, Inc. v. XEZ, Inc., et al.

  Circuit Court of Cook County, IL (2009)
  Successfully represented mortgage company in jury trial seeking recovery of money lost arising out of fraudulent loans.
  

• The Weitz Company v. MH Washington, LLC, et al.

  U.S.D.C. MO (2008)
  Successfully defended three-week jury trial involving a commercial dispute over condominium development.
  

• Walton Construction Company v. First National Insurance Company of America, et al.

  Kansas City, MO (2005)
  Obtained a defense verdict from a panel of three arbitrators in a four-week arbitration involving construction project and claim of $15 million.
  

• 103 Investors v. Square D Company, et al.

  U.S.D.C. KS (2005)
  Obtained directed verdict in a one-week jury trial involving a design defect claim of electrical equipment.
  

• NewCap Insurance  Co. v. Employers Reinsurance Corp.

  U.S.D.C. KS (2004)
  Successfully represented NewCap in a jury trial for recovery of $15 million in reinsurance proceeds.
  

• Saxon Mortgage, Inc, v. Mortgage Plus, Inc.

  U.S.D.C. KS (2001)
  Obtained defense verdict in trial involving mortgage loans.
  

• City of Leon, KS v. Faciligroup, et al.

  District Court of Lyon County, KS (1998)
  Obtained defense verdict in trial involving construction of wastewater treatment facility.
  

• Mack Excavating, Inc. v. City of Topeka

  U.S. Bankruptcy Ct., KS (1997)
  Represented contractor in trial regarding construction project.
  

• RECENT APPELLATE COURT ARGUMENTS

• The Weitz Company v. MacKenzie House, LLC, et al.

  Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals (2011)
  Affirming jury verdict in commercial case.
  

• The Weitz Company v. MH Washington, LLC, et al.

  Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals (2009)
  Application of piercing the corporate veil doctrine.
  

• 103 Investors v. Square D Company, et al.

  Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals (2004)
  Application of Daubert to striking expert witness.
  

• Reeves v. Sunflower Dodge, Inc.

  KS Court of Appeals (1998)
  Application of Kansas Consumer Protection Act.
  

• Freight Rate Service Company v. Phil Williams et al.

  KS Court of Appeals (1998)
  Damages recoverable under breach of contract.
  

• Prestress Engineering v. Mechanical & Industrial Fasteners, Inc.

  Illinois Court of Appeals
  Application of economic loss doctrine.
  

Results

Baker Sterchi Obtains Dismissal for Retail and Auction Companies

Baker Sterchi recently obtained dismissal of all claims against its clients, a retail company and an auction company, in a negligence and products liability action. The action arose out of...

Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice Obtains Jury Verdict for Insurance Client in Breach of Contract Action

Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice obtained a verdict in favor of client Western Surety Company on a breach of contract action against T&L Zarda, LLC, Tim Zarda and Lisa Zarda. The case arose out of the Zardas' request that Western Surety Company issue a development bond guaranteeing...

BSCR wins in summary judgment motion for lien holder in dispute over enforceability

Purchasers under a contract for deed filed an action in Missouri state court seeking a declaratory judgment and an order quieting title to a mobile home and surrounding real estate. In doing so, purchasers attempted to invalidate the superior, prior, and properly perfected lien of the creditor in and to the mobile home.

Appellate Victory on Uninsured Motorist Coverage and "Stacking" Claim

BSCR obtained a favorable appellate ruling affirming summary judgment for our insurer client in an uninsured motorist coverage case. In that case, an employee's claim against his co-employee was excluded from the liability policy's coverage.

Judgment Obtained for Clients in Mechanic's Lien Case

Following a bench trial in St. Louis County, Missouri, BSCR received a judgment in favor of its clients, Allen Edmonds and Plaza Frontenac, a large upscale shopping mall...

BSCR Obtains Appellate Victory for Insurer

BSCR obtained an appellate victory in the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Southern District, enforcing plaintiffs' agreement to settle after they had refused to sign settlement papers. . .

Dismissal Obtained for Surety Client in Bond Claim

Baker Sterchi has obtained dismissal of client Old Republic Surety in a case involving a claim on a public official bond pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, Northern Division. . .

Jury Verdict Obtained for Client in Crop Damage Case

BSCR obtained a jury verdict in favor of our client, Northwest Fertilizer, Inc. after a week-long trial. The case involved a misapplication of an herbicide on corn crops that damaged a portion of plaintiffs' corn crop. Plaintiffs claimed that damage from the herbicide was widespread throughout a substantial portion of the farm while Northwest Fertilizer claimed the damage was isolated and any remaining damage was the result of other causes for which it was not responsible. . .

Judgment Obtained for Client in Contractual Dispute

BSCR received a judgment in favor of our client, Western Surety, following a bench trial in Ray County, Missouri. The claim involved a contractual dispute over an indemnity agreement. The court issued a lengthy opinion and awarded our client the full amount requested. . .

Directed Verdict Obtained for Surety Client on Construction Defect Claim

BSCR successfully defended Old Republic Surety, Inc. in a five-day jury trial involving the construction of running track at a local high school. At the close of plaintiff's evidence, the District Court granted Old Republic's motion for directed verdict and entered judgment in favor of Old Republic. . .

Defense of Fidelity & Surety Client Results in Summary Judgment

BSCR's defense of a notary in a Clay County, Missouri action resulted in summary judgment in favor of our client, the fidelity and surety insurer of the notary. In this case, plaintiff sought to recover under a notarial bond issued by our client to insure faithful performance of its principal, a notary. . .

BSCR Wins Appeal Before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals In Hotly Contested Construction Case

A decision from the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a jury verdict obtained by BSCR in favor of its clients MacKenzie House, L.L.C. (developer) and MH Metropolitan, L.L.C., (owner) of a Kansas City apartment complex. Appellant, The Weitz Company (an Iowa-based contractor) was retained as the contractor of the apartment complex and eventually walked off the project after significant delays and cost overruns. . .