“For the meaning of life differs from man to man, from day to day and from hour to hour. What matters, therefore, is not the meaning of life in general but rather the specific meaning of a person's life at a given moment.” 

-- Viktor Frankl, Austrian Neurologist, Psychiatrist, and Holocaust Survivor

Megan Walawender's practice is devoted to representing employers in workplace matters. Ms. Walawender represents clients before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, and in federal and state court.

Ms. Walawender has counseled employers on a variety of employment law and traditional labor subjects, including the FMLA, Title VII, NLRA, ADA, ADEA, FLSA, and OSHA, as well as state and local employment laws.  Megan advises clients on how to avoid problems before they occur, proactively addressing issues to avoid litigation.  This portion of her practice includes developing workplace policies and procedures and providing training for management, supervisors, and employees.  Megan’s prior experiences as a member of management bring a practical perspective to her advice and training sessions.  Megan also represents public and private employers, defending them from various types of employment claims.  She has participated in several jury trials and has successfully argued motions for summary judgment and a motion for a directed verdict.  During her time with Constangy, Megan has had the opportunity to assist clients with handbook creation and revision, has conducted extensive legal research in both the federal and state labor and employment law areas, and has advised clients on proactive strategies to avoid litigation.  Megan enjoys working with businesses and public entities, helping them establish practical human resources policies and procedures designed to meet the growing needs of each individual business and public entity.    Ms Walawender is a frequent presenter in Missouri and Kansas.  

Before joining Constangy, Ms. Walawender was an attorney with the law firm of McAnany, VanCleave, and Phillips, P.A.

Publications/Presentations

• Presenter, Missouri Society for Healthcare Human Resources Association Conference, 2010
• Presenter, Successfully Litigating Employment Discrimination, National Business Institute, April 2010
• Presenter, Employment Laws Made Simple, National Business Institute, February 2010
• "Employee Participation in Events May Be Hazardous," co-written with Michelle Haskins, Kansas City Small Business Monthly, July 2008
• Served as Speaker for Wyandotte County Bar Association Seminar on Workers Compensation and Subrogation
• Served as speaker for Leavenworth County Bar Association Seminar on Subrogation and Workers Compensation
• Served as speaker and panel member at employment law symposium in 2006 regarding Fair Labor Standards Act and in 2007 regarding preventing claims of retaliation and family responsibilities discrimination

Professional Activities/Associations

• American Bar Association
• Missouri Bar Association
• Kansas Bar Association

Civic/Charitable Activities/Associations

• United Way

Other Personal Background Information and Interests

• Megan is married to Brian Walawender, and has two young sons, Henry and Jack. She enjoys collecting depression glass, football, and spending time with her family.