Dennis E. Egan: The Veteran Trial Lawyer Championing Employee Rights for Nearly 50 Years
Lawyers make their name not by the number of cases they handle but by the battles they fight for those who have no voice.
One name that has made a remarkable mark in law is attorney Dennis E. Egan. He has spent nearly fifty years in courtrooms across Kansas City proving that justice belongs to the people, not just the powerful. He is more than a lawyer; he is a force of persistence, fairness, and unwavering dedication to employee rights. Every case he takes and every verdict he wins tells the story of someone standing up against systems designed to silence them.
His career is a testament to the impact one determined lawyer can have on the lives of countless employees and the rules that govern fairness in the workplace.
A Journey Built on Purpose and Persistence
Egan’s story begins not in a courtroom but at the University of Missouri, where he earned a degree in journalism in 1973. Reporting and understanding stories would shape the way he listens to clients decades later. By 1976, he had earned his law degree and clerked for a justice of the Missouri Supreme Court. Those early experiences were not just stepping stones. They were formative years that taught him how the law could be used to defend individuals against systems much larger than themselves.
Joining Popham Law in 1985 as a partner, Dennis E. Egan immediately brought his relentless energy and sharp legal mind into the mix. His approach is simple but profound: understand the client, know the law, and fight for justice. Kansas City became the stage where he would make a real difference for countless employees.
Landmark Cases That Shaped His Career
Over the years, Egan has tried over 150 cases, including more than 120 jury trials. Each case is a story of perseverance.
One of his early high-profile victories was the Christine Craft case in 1983, which addressed gender and age discrimination in broadcasting. This case set the tone for Egan’s career. He did not just win cases; he created precedents that protected employees across industries.
Egan argued a case before the United States Supreme Court in 2007, winning a unanimous 9–0 decision that expanded the use of “me too” witnesses in employment-discrimination trials. This victory became a reference point for many lawyers and gave victims of workplace discrimination a stronger voice in court.
In Missouri, he further cemented his influence with landmark rulings, including the Cox v. KC Chiefs case. The outcomes of these trials were more than just numbers; they were validation that courage and commitment could shape law itself.
Leading Through Mentorship and Advocacy
What sets Egan apart is not just his courtroom success but also his role as a mentor. He served on the board of the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) for the maximum 12-year term, founded its Kansas City chapter, and led it as president. He also helped launch the national Trial Boot Camp, mentoring newer attorneys who aspire to follow in his footsteps.
Through these efforts, Egan has passed on lessons that are not in any textbook. He teaches how to listen to clients, how to prepare relentlessly for trial, and how to balance the law with human empathy. For him, shaping future lawyers is as important as winning cases today.
Recognition That Reflects True Impact
Egan’s career is marked by achievements that reflect his dedication to employee rights:
- Consistently named in Best Lawyers in America since 1993
- Selected for Super Lawyers every year from 2005 to 2025
- Awarded the ICON Award by Missouri Lawyers Media in 2018
- Recognized as a leading figure in employment law in Kansas City
- Known for landmark cases that shaped workplace fairness
- Mentored countless young lawyers through NELA and Trial Boot Camp
These accolades showcase a career built on excellence, influence, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Philosophy That Drives Every Case
At the core of Egan’s work is a simple principle: stand for the person who faces an unfair system. He focuses on plaintiff-side employment law, representing employees against corporations that have the power and resources to intimidate. For Egan, it is never just about winning a case; it is about ensuring that every client feels heard, supported, and protected.
His philosophy extends beyond the courtroom. He believes the law should serve people, not just procedures, and every verdict should reflect justice for the individual. Through decades of experience, he has learned that courage, preparation, and empathy matter as much as legal knowledge.
Lessons from a Life in Law
There is a rhythm to Egan’s career that is both structured and flexible. Preparation is meticulous, but he knows that each case has unique human elements that cannot be scripted. Young lawyers can learn from his example how persistence and patience shape outcomes. Employees facing workplace challenges can find reassurance in his work, knowing that even the largest corporations can be held accountable.
Egan’s career teaches that law is more than statutes and precedent; it is about people, fairness, and change. His approach combines sharp legal strategy with a heart that listens. He does not just practice law; he shapes it, leaving a legacy that inspires new generations of lawyers and protects countless employees across Missouri and beyond.
A Career That Speaks Volumes
Egan’s journey is a testament to what dedication, skill, and empathy can achieve. From landmark victories to mentoring young attorneys, he has defined what it means to fight for employee rights in Kansas City. His story reminds us that justice is built one case at a time, but its impact lasts for generations.
For anyone interested in understanding the difference a committed lawyer can make, his career offers lessons that go beyond the courtroom.
