John Armstrong – Business Manager

John joined Dempsey & Kingsland as the business manager in 2003. He graduated from Truman State University in 2001 with a degree in Business Administration, and a concentration in Business Finance. After graduation, John joined State Street Kansas City as a senior fund accountant, where he worked for two years.

As the Business Manager, John handles all aspects of the Dempsey & Kingsland business and day to day operations. John also serves as the System Administrator to the office, and has helped Dempsey & Kingsland grow into one of the most technically advanced law firms in the area.

Dawn Cook - Paralegal

Dawn received an Associate Degree in Paralegal Technology and Paralegal Certificate from Penn Valley Community College in 1996. She went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration graduating in 2000 from Park University. She worked for Shughart, Thomson & Kilroy, Lance Welch and Totta & Parrish before joining Dempsey & Kingsland in 2001.

Diane Meyers - Paralegal

Diane joined Dempsey & Kingsland as a paralegal in 2008. In addition to eight years of experience as a paralegal for local and national defense firms, Diane has completed course work in the healthcare field. Diane received her Certificate in Legal Studies for the Paralegal from St. Louis Community College, as well as a B.A. in History/English and M.A. in American History from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

Laurie Ricketts – Legal Assistant

Laurie joined Dempsey & Kingsland in 2003 as a legal assistant. She obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Child & Family Studies from Park University on a Fern Webster Scholarship and taught children in an inclusive classroom for five years. She then began a Master's Degree in Family Therapy at Friends University with hopes of one day completing the program. Laurie has one child who also keeps her busy.

Laura Young – Legal Assistant

Laura began work with Dempsey and Kingsland as a legal assistant in July 2007. She obtained her Bachelor of Sciences degree from Drury University in 2003, double majoring in Biology and Psychology. Laura received both academic and athletic scholarships at Drury and earned All American honors as a swimmer in the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 academic years. Before coming to Dempsey and Kingsland, Laura was a staff member of the Strong Law Firm. Tom Strong, the founder, has established a national reputation as an outstanding trial attorney and is a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates.

Carol Hoffman – Receptionist

Carol has been a valued member of the Dempsey & Kingsland staff since she began work here as receptionist in 2001. Previously, Carol was a stay-at-home mother focused on raising her four sons. Three of her sons have obtained college degrees and her youngest son is currently in college. Carol's oldest son earned All American honors as a member of the soccer team at Baker University.

Kristiana Paré – Legal Assistant

Kris joined Dempsey and Kingsland as a legal assistant in 1996. She is married with two young children. Prior to her employment with Dempsey and Kingsland, she worked for Kaiser Permanente. She has a degree in Health Information Management which focuses on health care data including studies involving the legal aspects of health information management. She completed her clinicals at Excelsior Springs Medical Center and Truman Medical Center.

Mike Dempsey - Project Manager
Mike joined Dempsey and Kingsland as a Project Manager in 2007. He performs research with a special emphasis in keeping the staff up-to-date regarding current medical malpractice, pharmaceutical and medical devices issues.

Mike received his Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from Missouri State University in 1989. Prior to joining Dempsey and Kingsland, he worked in the real estate, health care and pharmaceutical industries.