Class Notes and In Memoriam
Class Notes
1980s
Michelle Stark Kaufman (J.D. ’83) and Robert (Bob) Kirland (J.D. ’83)
Michelle Stark Kaufman and Bob Kirkland were recently honored by Missouri Lawyers Media as recipients of the 2025 ICON Award. The ICON Award recognizes distinguished attorneys and judges aged 60 or older from around the state who have demonstrated notable, sustained success and strong leadership within and outside the field of law. The awards ceremony was held on June 26, 2025, in St. Louis.
2000s
Jill Barton (J.D. ’09)
Jill Barton is a law professor and author of three books on legal writing. A former journalist, she has published thousands of news articles for the Associated Press and other news organizations. She currently serves as a professor and the legal writing director at the University of Miami School of Law. Her latest book, "The Supreme Guide to Writing", details her findings in a five-year study of the U.S. Supreme Court and describes a revolution in legal writing, with the justices casting aside formality in favor of approachable language. Barton recently presented and discussed the book at the 2025 Johnson County Bench/Bar Conference and has received congratulatory notes from six Supreme Court justices.
2000s Cont.
Commissioner Robert E. Gordon (B.A. ’06, J.D. ’09)
Family Court Commissioner Robert E. Gordon was appointed by the judges of the 16th Judicial Circuit on January 17. He previously was in private practice, where he litigated family law matters and frequently served as a guardian ad litem, mediator and special master. Commissioner Gordon earned his law degree from UMKC in 2009. He is a former member of the U.S. Army and Missouri National Guard and won the 2024 Hon. Kelly J. Moorhouse Dedication to Children Award from the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association.
Abraham Kuhl (J.D. ’09)
Abraham Kuhl of The Kuhl Law Firm, LLC will step into the role of UMKC Law Alumni Association President for the 2025-2026 term. Kuhl is a frequent presenter on a variety of family law issues and is an active member of the Family and the Law Section of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association.
2010s
Grace Martinez (J.D. ’18)
Attorney Grace Martinez was selected as the recipient of this year’s Missouri Bar Diversity Champion Award for her commitment to inclusion and gains toward increasing the retention, advancement and promotion of lawyers of color. Martinez was presented with the award in St. Louis during the Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar and Judicial Conference, Sept. 18-20. Martinez practices with the Business and Commercial Disputes Practice Group at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner in Kansas City. She is on the firm’s recruiting committee and actively works with leadership to ensure the recruitment process reflects the firm’s commitment to inclusivity.
Bailey Privette (J.D. ’16)
Privette Law Office is proud to announce that Attorney Bailey Privette has been named to the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys’ (NAOPIA) “Top 10 Under 40” list for the state of Missouri. This distinction honors fewer than 1% of attorneys nationwide who have demonstrated exceptional skill, experience and success in personal injury law.
In Memoriam
Norman O. Besheer (B.A. ’53, J.D. ’55)
Norman O. Besheer, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and community leader passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024, at home at the age of 96. A proud veteran, Norman enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17, serving aboard the USS Atlanta during the post-World War II period. His military service took him across the Pacific, including China, Japan and Australia, leaving him with a deep appreciation for the world and its diverse cultures. Norman served for 13 years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, retiring in 1982 as a major. Norman pursued higher education with the same vigor, earning his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Kansas City School of Law. He dedicated much of his early career to the legal field and served as an attorney, corporate counsel and community advocate. His career in law spanned roles as house counsel at Kansas City Life Insurance and North Penn Gas Company and assistant corporate secretary at The Gas Service Company. In 1971, Norman left his career in law to join his father-in-law at his pest control company Gunter Pest Management. As an active member of the Kansas City community, Norman served in numerous leadership roles, from civic organizations to political committees, always striving to improve the lives of those around him. Norman was a founding member of the UMKC Law Foundation and established the Norman O. Besheer Endowed Scholarship to support students at UMKC Law.
The Hon. Leonard S. Hughes III (J.D. ’76)
Retired Judge Leonard Hughes III of Kansas City, Missouri passed away on June 16, 2025. Leonard attended Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Missouri. He then earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He later earned a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. Leonard embarked on a distinguished legal career including serving as a Jackson County, Missouri Circuit Court judge and as a Kansas City Municipal Court judge where he presided for 19 years. Throughout his tenure, Leonard presided over countless cases with fairness, integrity and a deep respect for the rule of law. He was known for his insightful rulings and compassionate demeanor, always striving to ensure that justice was accessible to all. Beyond his professional achievements, Leonard was deeply involved in his community. A vocal advocate against domestic violence, he dedicated his time and expertise to organizations such as Rose Brooks Center, where he served on the board of directors. Leonard was a devoted husband, son and father and devoted his life to upholding justice and serving the community.
The Hon. Catharine Ann Mesle (J.D. ’72)
The Hon. Catharine Ann Mesle passed away on January 3, 2025. She was raised in Independence, Missouri with her sister, Sharon Kay (Sherry) Mesle-Morain and her brother, Charles Robert (Bob) Mesle. Growing up in Independence they were surrounded by loving friends and family, including the Stone Church Congregation where their dad served as pastor and mom was the world’s best “pastor’s wife”. Ann graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1964 and originally attended Graceland University before finishing her undergraduate degree in history and political science at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She then earned her J.D. at UMKC in 1972. She was fortunate to have a long and rewarding career at Achtenberg, Sandler and Balkin, P.C.; Southwestern Bell Telephone Company; and Lathrop & Gage, LLP before being appointed to the Bench as Circuit Court judge by Governor Roger Wilson in 2000. Upon her retirement in 2013, Ann spent more of her time focused on community. She was an emerita trustee of the UMKC Law Foundation and served on many boards, including Park University, Jackson County Children’s Services Fund, Diastole, Health Forward Foundation, Martha Starr Education Fund, Powell Gardens, and countless others. She often challenged the status quo, pushing for equity and justice in a way that promoted respect and dignity. She prided herself in being part of a family legacy that advocated for the less fortunate, and who spoke up at the presence of injustice.
Richard Daly Rhyne (J.D. ’74)
Richard Daly Rhyne passed away on December 29, 2024. Richard was born on May 23, 1947, in St. Louis, Missouri and moved to Kansas City in 1971 to attend law school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law after graduating from the University of Missouri-Columbia and serving with distinction as first lieutenant in the Army during Vietnam. During his 50-year legal career he served as a community leader, volunteering his time and expertise as chairman of the Committee for County Progress and as chairman of the Board for First Call among many others.
Frederick James “Fred” Wilkins (J.D. ’63)
Frederick "Fred" James Wilkins passed away on April 28, 2025, at his home in Blue Springs, Missouri, in the loving care of his wife Phyllis. Fred was passionate about education, reading and writing. After graduating from high school in Kansas City, Missouri, Fred continued his academic journey at Kansas City Junior College, where he earned an associate degree. Fred also served in leadership positions at UMKC School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctorate and established the Fred J. Wilkins Trial Advocacy Endowed Scholarship. He was a member of Phi Delta Phi and national secretary for the American Law Student Association. A third-generation attorney, Fred began his legal career in Louisiana, Missouri, practicing in the office once occupied by his grandfather. He later returned to Kansas City, where Fred joined Shughart, Thomson & Kilroy before later joining Heavner, Jarrett & Kimbell. He eventually established his own law firm with Stephen B. Millin Jr., focusing on civil trial law until his retirement in 2013 after 50 years in practice. Throughout his career, Fred held leadership roles in numerous legal organizations, including serving as president of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association and the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys.
Erica White Garrett (J.D. ’93)
cherishedmother, grandmother, partner, sister, niece, cousin and friend, passed away on August 30, 2024, at the age of 57. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Erica spent her entire life in Overland Park, Kansas where she was deeply involved in her community and touched countless lives. Erica radiated kindness, generosity and dedication to caring for the well-being of her family and community. That was exemplified by the request that memorial donations be made to the UMKC School of Law’s Launch to the Profession fund, which provides support for law students with emergency needs. Erica’s family and friends donated more than $6,200 in her memory. Erica graduated from Rockhurst University in 1989 before earning her Juris Doctor degree from UMKC School of Law in 1993. She dedicated 27 years of her professional life to the Federal Bankruptcy Court as a career law clerk, where her dedication and expertise were widely respected.