Daniel E. Dan Monnat
Appellate Practice
Appellate Practice
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Whether by obtaining an acquittal of his white-collar client at the conclusion of the prosecutor's opening statement, or proving that the drug dog's sensitive nose has been kicked by a horse, during the past 45 years, Dan Monnat has been recognized as a creative trial and appellate criminal defense lawyer. He co-founded Monnat & Spurrier, Chartered, a criminal defense trial and appellate firm in Wichita, Kansas, in 1985.A graduate of the Creighton University School of Law and Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyer's College, Mr. Monnat is a two-term past President of the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He served eight years on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, the Litigation Counsel of America, the American Bar Foundation and the Kansas Bar Foundation.In 2007, then-Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius appointed Mr. Monnat to the Kansas Sentencing Commission, acknowledging his lifelong career as a trial and appellate litigator and legal scholar. Mr. Monnat has been listed as one of the “Top 100" lawyers in the Missouri & Kansas edition of Super Lawyers for nearly 20 years and named to Super Lawyers' “Top 10” list in Missouri & Kansas from 2018 - 2022. He has been listed in Best Lawyers in America® for 37 consecutive years.Mr. Monnat is frequently published and lectures throughout the United States on a variety of criminal defense topics. He is licensed to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, and the Federal and State Courts in Kansas. Whether by obtaining an acquittal of his white-collar client at the conclusion of the prosecutor's opening statement, or proving that the drug dog's sensitive nose has been kicked by a horse, during the past 45 years, Dan Monnat has been recognized as a creative trial and appellate criminal defense lawyer. He co-founded Monnat & Spurrier, Chartered, a criminal defense trial and appellate firm in Wichita, Kansas, in 1985.A graduate of the Creighton University School of Law and Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyer's College, Mr. Monnat is a two-term past President of the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He served eight years on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, the Litigation Counsel of America, the American Bar Foundation and the Kansas Bar Foundation.In 2007, then-Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius appointed Mr. Monnat to the Kansas Sentencing Commission, acknowledging his lifelong career as a trial and appellate litigator and legal scholar. Mr. Monnat has been listed as one of the “Top 100" lawyers in the Missouri & Kansas edition of Super Lawyers for nearly 20 years and named to Super Lawyers' “Top 10” list in Missouri & Kansas from 2018 - 2022. He has been listed in Best Lawyers in America® for 37 consecutive years.Mr. Monnat is frequently published and lectures throughout the United States on a variety of criminal defense topics. He is licensed to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, and the Federal and State Courts in Kansas. Whether by obtaining an acquittal of his white-collar client at the conclusion of the prosecutor's opening statement, or proving that the drug dog's sensitive nose has been kicked by a horse, during the past 45 years, Dan Monnat has been recognized as a creative trial and appellate criminal defense lawyer. He co-founded Monnat & Spurrier, Chartered, a criminal defense trial and appellate firm in Wichita, Kansas, in 1985. He is licensed to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, and the Federal and State Courts in Kansas.
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 1989
Carol Reed
My family retained Daniel Monnat for a complex misdemeanor case that had the potential to escalate. His 49 years of experience, particularly his recognition in criminal defense, were evident from our first meeting. He clearly understood the nuances of the local Wichita courts and his analysis of the prosecution's initial strategy was sharp, reminiscent of the strategic acumen noted in his professional accolades. Ultimately, the outcome was favorable, which is the primary goal. However, the experience had some notable frustrations. Communication was sometimes a challenge; responses to emails could take several days, and there were instances where I felt updates on procedural steps were provided after the fact rather than proactively. While his expertise from Monnat & Spurrier is undeniable, and his deep background in both trial and appellate practice is impressive, the client service aspect felt transactional. For the substantial investment, I expected more consistent accessibility and a clearer management of expectations regarding timelines. He is undoubtedly a competent and knowledgeable lawyer, but the overall experience was merely satisfactory.