Don was born and raised in Concordia, Kansas, and for a time in the Denver, Colorado area. He acquired a hard work ethic early from the examples of his parents and grandparents, and took pride in studying hard, excelling in school, sports and high school debate. He learned all he could both in school and outside of school. He was, and still is, insatiably curious about lots of things(especially science, aerospace, electronics, physics, mechanics and medicine) and has never stopped learning. In junior high and high school, he started gaining personal experiences in different kinds of small businesses, farm work, working for a professional photographer, and then learning his family’s plumbing, heating, electrical and air conditioning business. He went on to earn a business management degree, and returned to his roots to become a part owner in the family business, and started a small accounting business for other local businesses, and in his spare time became a pilot.
Don has a passion for helping people, and he takes pride in striving for excellence. During high school, he saw the legal field as a highly honorable way to do just that. He entered law school to pursue a career that had captured his imagination since high school. Since his first day of law practice in 1987, he has been blessed by knowing and working for clients. His past business experience gives him his passion for business owners. He loves solving problems, and he is continually amazed by all the creative entrepreneurial genius that he sees in his clients. “I love working with entrepreneurs, care deeply for my clients, and endeavor to find practical, common sense solutions for them. I highly value the long- term client relationships with which my practice has been blessed.” – Don Whitney
Don concentrates his law practice in the areas of business law, civil litigation, trial, and appellate work . His practice emphasizes representation of small and medium-sized businesses and owners, as well as not-for-profit entities. His practice includes commercial and business law, litigation, employment law, insurance coverage, and administrative law. He consults, advises and helps plan in the areas of business and corporate work including business formation, purchase and sale, business torts, infringement, real estate and leases, construction, corporate and contracts law, non-competes, discrimination, and wrongful discharge.
Don and his wife Susan are “empty-nesters.” They enjoy keeping up with Susan’s son, Don’s daughters, and extended family, and also enjoy time in the mountains of Colorado when they can. Don is also actively involved in the community. He proudly serves as a Lt Col in the Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, assisting with volunteer emergency services, airborne search and rescue, disaster relief and homeland security missions. Don also serves as Legal Officer for the Kansas Wing. He also volunteered as a FAA Fast Team representative to promote pilot safety training and programs. Don is an amateur radio operator, and a trained weather spotter, and he enjoys volunteering to assist in times of disaster.
Don enjoys serving in several roles in music ministry services at his local church. He is actively involved in a number of business and professional networking groups. He has assisted and served as a mentor for the Olathe Youth Court program. He has also helped found several community charitable organizations. Other past community involvement has included serving as Chairman of the Olathe Board of Zoning Appeals, Vice-President of the Kansas Pilots Association, President of the Spearhead Chapter of the Kansas Pilots Association, President of the Phi Delta Lambda Honor Society for Mid America Nazarene University, and coaching three different youth soccer teams for several years.
EDUCATION
Washburn University School of Law, J.D.
Mid America Nazarene University, B. Bus. Admin.
COURT ADMISSIONS
Kansas
Missouri
United States District Court, District of Kansas
United States District Court, Western District of Missouri
United States 8th Circuit Court of Appeals
United States 10th Circuit Court of Appeals
United States Court of Federal Claims, Washington, D.C.
Click here to view the Lawyers of Distinction Recognition of Excellence In the Practice of Law for Don Whitney.
