PRACTICE AREAS
Business Litigation
Zoning and Land Use
Greg Musil has more than 22 years of experience in business litigation for both plaintiffs and defendants, from initial investigation through mediation, as well as arbitration and jury trials for clients such as Learjet Inc., Carrier Corporation, HCA Inc., Applied Resources, Inc., and others.
He also has an outstanding record of successful land use planning and zoning work in both Kansas and Missouri, including offices, retail, residential, automotive dealership, and mixed-use projects. Since reappraisal of property occurred in Kansas in 1989, he has spent considerable time representing commercial, industrial and multi-family residential properties in property tax valuation and assessment appeals.
Mr. Musil has tried cases in state and federal courts in Kansas and Missouri. In addition, he has litigated disputes in arbitration and before various state and local administrative agencies and commissions.
He has represented developers, business owners and landowners in numerous real estate matters involving the use of state and local economic development incentives, public financing, zoning and special use applications, and permitting and licensing. He has significant experience in condemnation proceedings and litigation on behalf of both landowners and condemning authorities.
Mr. Musil's experience and expertise benefits any business that requires governmental permitting, particularly in land use, construction, or economic development incentives or assistance, such as real estate development, engineering and architectural planning firms. Additionally, his experience can assist businesses and individuals in the investigation, negotiation and resolution of all types of commercial or property disputes.
Mr. Musil has served as faculty for various seminars and presentations on civil litigation, administrative law, property taxation, and review and reform of the judicial system.
Mr. Musil served on the staff of United States Senator Nancy Kassebaum Baker (R.-Kan.) from 1983 to 1987 and on the Overland Park City Council from 1993 to 2001. He was a candidate for the U.S. Congress in 2000. He continues to be active in government affairs, civic and charitable activities and politics in Kansas and the Kansas City metropolitan area.
DISTINCTIONS
Appointed by the Kansas Supreme Court to the Kansas Continuing Legal Education Commission in 2003 and reappointed to a second, three-year term in 2006. The Commission is responsible for administering continuing legal education rules and politics for licensed Kansas attorneys. Vice Chair (2006-2008).
Appointed by the Kansas Supreme Court to the Kansas Client Protection Fund Commission in 1996 and reappointed to a second, three-year term in 1999. Served as Commission chair in 2001-2002. The Commission is responsible for reviewing applications and awarding compensation to persons injured by the fraudulent conduct of attorneys.
Awarded Martindale-Hubbell AV rating in 1998
Listed in Best Lawyers in America for Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation and Land Use & Zoning Law: 2005-2009
Best Lawyers named Mr. Musil as a "Kansas City Area Best Lawyers Bet-the-Company Litigator of the Year" for 2009
Recognized in Chambers USA Client's Guide to America's Leading Business Lawyers in general commercial litigation (2003-2008)
Mr. Musil was selected for inclusion in Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers 2008 for Business Litigation
Recognized as a Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyer by Kansas City Magazine (2005-2007)
Kansas State University Blue Key Honor Society Alumnus of the Year (2004)
2000 Rotary International Paul Harris Scholar (2000)
Kansas Leadership Center Board of Directors (2007-present), Member
Kansas State University Leadership Studies & Programs Advancement Council (2005-2008), Chair
Wyandotte Health Foundation Board of Trustees (1997-present), Member
Kansas Hospital Association Board of Directors (1996-1998), Member
COMMUNITY AND BAR INVOLVEMENT
Kansas Bar Association
Missouri Bar Association
Johnson County (Kansas) Bar Association
Board of Directors (1994-1996)
American Association for Justice
Kansas Association for Justice
U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas
Civil Justice Reform Act Advisory Committee Member (1993-1996)
Overland Park Chamber
Board of Directors, 2008
Chair 2008
NOTABLE EXPERIENCE
Business Litigation/Products Liability:
Represented business aircraft manufacturer in defending breach of warranty claims brought by aircraft purchaser, with resulting litigation in both state and federal courts.
Represented plaintiff technology company in UCC breach of contract action against distributor who defaulted on distribution agreement. Jury trial resulted in a $1.3 million verdict in federal court.
Represented industrial manufacturer in product liability lawsuit brought by plaintiff who suffered serious personal injury, allegedly as the result of unreasonably dangerous design by manufacturer. Mediation resulted in a highly successful settlement after investigation disclosed a material modification of the product by plaintiff�s employer.
Represented business aircraft manufacturer in breach of contract, breach of warranty and fraud claims against component parts manufacturer.
Represented national child care provider in breach of warranty action involving the purchase and delivery of 100 small school buses.
Represented national manufacturer in defending claims brought by purchaser of a commercial HVAC system for a hospital.
Represented Kansas hardware and software company in tortious interference claim against a national defendant on allegations of tortious interference.
Represented firm involved in the import and distribution of apparel products in litigation involving alleged misappropriation of trade secrets, tortious interference and breach of employment covenants.
Real Estate:
Represented not-for-profit land owner in condemnation action seeking to acquire a sizeable tract of land in a commercially desirable location. Litigation resulted in a successful settlement whereby the landowner received approximately seven times the amount initially offered by the condemning authority.
Represented multiple large projects seeking zoning approval and public financing assistance for mixed use projects including office, residential and retail uses.
Represented natural gas pipeline company in its acquisition of new right-of-way for a 37-mile intrastate and interstate natural gas transmission pipeline. Successfully defended multiple lawsuits in Kansas and Missouri ranging from claims for injunctive relief, challenges to the company�s authority to exercise condemnation, and jury resolution of valuation disputes.
Represented owners of vacant land zoned for multi-family development in condemnation action by electric utility. Jury trial resulted in increased compensation for landowners.
Represented banking organization in litigation and negotiations regarding acquisition of land, condemnation and valuation of land and improvements.
Represented developer of tax-credit multi-family apartments in zoning application in metropolitan suburb. Multiple hearings before municipal bodies resulted in favorable development opportunity for developer.
Represented automobile dealership in re-zoning application for rehabilitation of large box retail site in metropolitan suburb. Multiple hearings before municipal bodies and multiple meetings with neighborhood stakeholders results in unanimous support for project re-zoning.
Property Taxation:
Represented 1.2 million square foot distribution center in valuation dispute with taxing authority. Evidentiary hearing resulted in resolution favorable to taxpayer.
Represented 200-plus unit multi-family development in valuation dispute with taxing authority. Evidentiary hearing resulted in administrative tribunal decision adopting taxpayer value.
Represented tax-exempt church in challenge to imposition of special assessments, interest and penalties without notice of obligation. Litigation resulted in favorable decision waiving interest and penalties.
Represented rural salt mine owner in valuation dispute with taxing authority. Evidentiary hearing resulted in administrative tribunal decision adopting taxpayer value.
Represented synagogue in tax exemption dispute with taxing authority. Evidentiary hearing result in resolution favorable to taxpayer as the commencement of exemption.
Represented Kansas county in taxpayer challenge to real property and personal property assessements.
Other:
Representation of various plaintiffs in personal injury and wrongful death claims ranging from victims of automobile collisions, burns and workplace injuries.
Representation of individuals regarding state licensing applications and challenges.
Represented various interests in communicating positions and information on public policy and legislative issues to local, county, state and national elected and appointed officials.
PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
September 2005
Life, the Law and a Kansas Farm Boy
Journal of the Kansas Bar
1995-2008
Kansas Chapter, ABA Property Tax Deskbook
ABA Property Tax Deskbook
1995-2003
Institute of Professionals in Taxation (IPT) Overview of the 50 States
Institute of Professionals in Taxation (IPT)
March 1988
Kansas Property Tax, Surviving Reappraisal and Reassessment
Journal of the Kansas Bar
EDUCATION
J.D., with honors, University of Virginia, 1983, Order of the Coif; Editorial Board, University of Virginia Law Review (1981-82)
B.S., Political Science, cum laude, Kansas State University, 1980
BAR ADMISSIONS
Kansas, 1987
Missouri, 1989 |