Ryan Shernaman, Kansas City Lawyer & Attorney at Law 2017-09-05T17:33:01+00:00

One of my favorite quotes comes from Walt Disney, “All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles have strengthened me. You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” It made me realize that we all face tough times, but when we make it through, we are stronger and better for it. That’s how I look at bankruptcy.  No one wants to have to go through it, but with the right help, they can come out okay on the other side. I chose bankruptcy law so I could help people through this difficult time. I appreciate my clients and enjoy being here for them.I grew up in Columbia, Missouri and I spent every moment I could outdoors. Rain, snow, or shine I was outside. One time my friends and I decided to race our bikes in the pouring rain. We all got deathly sick, but it was worth it! I love bicycles and have since I was two years old. I started racing motocross at the tender age of five and fell in love with the sport. As an amateur, I won 14 Missouri State Championships, six Texas State Championships, and two California State Championships. And speaking of love, I met Briana, the love of my life, in high school. I was her geometry tutor. I was only 15 years old. We married when I was only 17 and we started a family when I was 26.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in criminology and sociology with Magna Cum Laude honors from Missouri State University in Springfield. College was fun, but my goal was getting a degree that would allow me to help people. Undergraduate degrees were just steps to achieving that dream. I earned my Juris Doctor at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law. I chose bankruptcy law so I could help people through difficult times. I appreciate my clients, and enjoy being here for them. Reflecting on my life, I realize obstacles in our lives are what shape us as individuals and persuade us to be the ultimate best version of ourselves. I make sure my clients know that even the most successful people in the world have had trials in their lives. After all, Mr. Disney filed for bankruptcy early in his career and look at the legacy he left to the world!

Publications:
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act: The Protector of Anti-Competitive Business Models, 80 UMKC L. Rev. 545 (2012).

Professional Affiliations:

  • Missouri Bar Association
  • Federal Courts of Missouri & Kansas
  • Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • American Bankruptcy Institute