Olivia Bess-Rhodes
EDUCATION
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law
Juris Doctor (Advocacy Emphasis) – 2024
Southeast Missouri State University
Bachelor of Arts – 2020
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Business and Commercial Litigation
Class Actions
Insurance Litigation
HONORS & AWARDS
- University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law Dean’s List (all semesters)
- Harry S. Truman Leadership Award
- Terry T. Thomas Trial Practice Achievement Award
- Pro Bono Honors
- Order of Barristers
- Mock Trial and Trial Practice Awards
- Best Opening Statement – Buffalo-Niagara Mock Trial Competition
- Finalist – Buffalo-Niagara Invitational Mock Trial Competition
- Champion –Regional Mock Trial Competition
- Medal for Excellence in Advocacy – American College of Trial Lawyers
- CALI Award – Criminal Trial Practice
- Order of Barristers
- Best Oralist (2L) – Ellison Moot Court Competition
- Semi-Finalist – 1L Mock Trial Competition
BAR ADMISSIONS
Missouri
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- American Association for Justice
- Section on Class Actions
- Section on Business Torts
- Section on Insurance Law
- American Bar Association
- Missouri Bar Association
- Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association
- Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys
About Olivia
Olivia joined Schirger Feierabend LLC in 2024 after graduating from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, where she earned Dean’s List recognition all semesters and received pro bono honors after committing hundreds of hours outside of the classroom to pro bono advocacy. As a student, Olivia was the recipient of the Harry S. Truman Leadership and Terry T. Thomas Trial Practice Achievement Awards, was repeatedly recognized for her skill as a member of UMKC’s mock trial team—including several awards for her performances at regional and national mock trial competitions—and was inducted into the Order of Barristers.
Prior to joining Schirger Feierabend, Olivia interned at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri, with the Honorable Fernando J. Gaitan at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, and with Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Janette Rodecap. Through these experiences, she gained a strong foundation in both federal and state legal practice.
Olivia is originally from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and now resides in Kansas City, where she enjoys exploring local coffee shops, practicing hot yoga, and cheering for all of Kansas City’s sports teams.