Christi J. Hilker

Partner

Christi J. Hilker

Christi handles labor and employment matters on behalf of a variety of companies, from small, locally-owned companies to national Fortune 500 clients, and individuals.  Christi began her legal career as an in-house corporate attorney at a publicly-traded international healthcare software company, where she advised management on legal issues including real estate, mergers and acquisitions, international law, and employment matters. Christi then joined the Kansas City offices of a national AmLaw100 law firm, became partner, and focused on labor and employment litigation matters. As a defense attorney representing employers, Christi handled single-plaintiff and class/collective action lawsuits, administrative claims/charges, government audits, and labor arbitrations in venues across the United States.  Christi is involved in a number of legal organizations; she is a speaker on employment law issues; and she has been recognized by her clients and peers, including being named a Super Lawyers Rising Star.

Christi grew up in a small town in rural Western Kansas. The daughter of farmers and cattle ranchers, Christi spent her summers driving tractor, working cattle, and checking irrigation wells with her father. Her parents also started, owned, and operated a livestock trucking company. Christi is now part owner of her family’s cattle ranch and agricultural-related businesses, and she returns to the farm and ranch as often as she can to put on her boots and work. Christi is also a busy mom to three young children who she considers her greatest (and cutest) accomplishments.  

Because of her background, Christi has a true appreciation of the challenges business owners/employers face, particularly in the agribusiness and transportation industries. Her passion is helping employers prevent workplace issues from arising through training and education and helping employers address promptly and appropriately any issues that do arise before they evolve into larger problems.