March 11, 2026
Former Dysart Taylor president Bob Cotter has been selected to receive the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association’s (KCMBA) Dean of the Trial Bar Award at the upcoming Annual Bench-Bar and Boardroom Conference.
The Dean of the Trial Bar Award is presented to one or more attorneys who have a substantial and distinguished trial career. The award, created in 1985, acknowledges the service of current KCMBA members whose litigation skill and professionalism have resulted in consistent exemplary recognition by peers. It is the longest-standing award presented at the conference.
The award is presented at the organization’s Bench-Bar & Boardroom Conference, which is a longstanding tradition and unique opportunity for the Kansas City legal community to come together in a relaxed setting for education, networking and connection. The 53rd annual conference will be held in April 2026 in Nebraska City.
Cotter joined Dysart Taylor in 1976 and served at the firm for 47 years before retiring. He served as the firm’s president for 18 years before taking an of counsel position prior to retirement. He is a highly regarded litigator with extensive experience representing many of the nation’s largest aviation and insurance companies and their insureds. He has a history of successfully defending cases involving wrongful death, personal injury and property damage in state and federal courts throughout the Midwest. Other attorneys have regularly asked Bob to mediate high-exposure commercial, personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout his career.
“Bob left his mark on Dysart Taylor in his 45 years there, including 18 years as President,” said Dysart Taylor attorney Lee Brumitt in an article for KCMBA’s The Counselor publication. “It is appropriate to honor Bob as a Dean of the Trial Bar not only because of his success in the courtroom but because of his friendship and giving nature to many. As Einstein once said, ‘We know from daily life that we exist for other people first of all, for whose smiles and well-being our own happiness depends.’ That aptly sums up Bob’s professional career and character.”