Kansas City-based business law firm Spencer Fane LLP recently announced 13 attorneys have been elected partners, five of whom constitute expansion into two new markets for the firm. 

Spencer Fane’s expansion into Minneapolis, Minn., and Tampa, Fla., marks new geographical territory for the firm. The new additions increase the firm’s offices nationwide to 17.

Donald Heeman, Jessica Nelson and Randi Winter joined Spencer Fane from Minneapolis, effective Jan. 8., while Doug Knox and Kirby McDonough opened the firm’s first Florida practice in December. All five specialize in business litigation and financial services.

Spencer Fane’s new Midwestern partners include:

• Stephanie Lovett-Bowman, Kansas City, Mo.
• Mike Seitz, Kansas City, Mo.
• Stacy Harper, Overland Park
• Crystal Howard, Overland Park
• Reed Williams, Overland Park
• Megan Meadows, St. Louis
• Tom George, Denver

In December, the firm welcomed partner David Funkhouser to the firm’s Phoenix office, established in 2017.

“When bringing on new talent, we are proactive in ensuring we get a good match for both our firm and the individual at the front end,” said Patrick J. Whalen, managing partner at Spencer Fane. “We don’t focus on succeeding or failing to attract a certain employee. We want to find attorneys who share our passion and vision for client-centered growth and provide them with a path to partnership that supports their professional development.”

In addition to the Minneapolis and Tampa offices, the firm expanded into the Dallas area in 2018; established its Las Vegas office in 2017; added an Oklahoma City office in 2016; and doubled in size in Denver during the same three-year period.