Lee, Jacqueline K.S.

Eric Vernon has been focused on criminal law since 1997. For several years, he worked as a public defender in Missouri; in addition to all levels of felonies, had special assignment to juvenile court. Also was part of committee that established Clay County's Drug Court. A 1995 graduate of St. Louis University School of Law, he is licensed in Kansas, Missouri and Illinois. He is a 1986 graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy and spent eight years of commissioned service afloat and ashore. He is also a previously licensed merchant mariner: Master of Oceans (steam or motor vessels not greater than 1600 GT).

Although I grew up with a lawyer father and an admiration for Atticus Finch, Clarence Darrow and F. Lee Bailey, I can't say I had a burning desire to be a lawyer. As a young and single Coast Guard officer stranded in the gateway to the west, I went to law school at night while guarding our coasts by day.

Law school took a little extra time, as I spent one summer in Operation Desert Storm and a two year sabbatical on a ship in Alaska. After finishing law school I took another detour to work on tug boats in the Caribbean. Eventually, I settled back home in Kansas City and found my calling working for the Missouri Public Defender's Office in Clay County.

The other lawyers and staff at the Public Defender's Office and the many clients taught me the dedication and determination and skills necessary to give my clients the quality of representation and counsel that they deserve.

Since Kevin and I joined forces, I have focused on managing and defending most of our criminal and traffic cases. We work together to prepare for trials. We have found that our differing styles and outlooks are good compliments, and two brains and four hands are always better than one brain and two hands.

I also enjoy working with juveniles who have managed to run afoul of the law, and their exasperated parents.

I like to also add that I was honored to be a part of the committee that created the Clay County Drug Court. I am a big believer in restorative justice and the possibility of redemption. I strongly advocate the mission of the area drug courts, mental health courts and family drug courts. I often work to get clients entered in to the drug courts.

The ethical rules governing lawyer advertising prevent us from describing our successes, lest you assume we are promising to do the same for you. We can commit to doing our best to achieve the best possible outcome for all off our clients. I also make a point of giving all of my clients a straight and honest appraisal of their case and their situation.