Timothy Laughlin

Bar / Professional Activity

• EARL E O'CONNOR INN OF COURT, 2021
• KANSAS CITY METROPOLITAN BAR FOUNDATION Student Law Academy (SLA) Moderator and Speaker (June 2021 - present) The SLA’s mission is to provide under-served urban high school students, who would not otherwise have the opportunity, meaningful exposure to careers in the legal profession and a broad overview of the legal system. I moderated discussion with other attorneys regarding tips for well-being and character and fitness. I attended reunion events and connected with scholars as a mentor outside of scheduled SLA events., 2021
• KANSAS CITY METROPOLITAN BAR ASSOCIATION Lawyer Well-Being Committee: (2020 – present) Lawyer Well-being Committee Vice Chair: (Dec. 2021- present); Lawyer Well-Being Summit Planning Committee: (2020 – present); Young Lawyers Section member: (Dec. 2021 – present)., 2020

Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

• Successfully obtained a corrective action decision at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims that resulted in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency voluntarily rescinding two noncompetitive contracts valued at over $894 million. My client was able to compete for these contracts following the agency's decision., 2024
• Successfully intervened on behalf of a client, allowing them to retain a federal contract valued at over $160 million., 2024
• Received fifteen favorable protest outcomes from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and/or the Small Business Area Offices and the Administration Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA). Many favorable outcomes were the result of federal agencies taking voluntary corrective action in favor of my clients. Others required GAO, the Area Office, or the OHA to issue difinitive decisions. Ultimately, as a result of protesting, my clients were given additional opportunities to further compete for federal contracts valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars across all fifteen protests., 2024
• After granting my client's petition for review, the Kansas Supreme Court overturned a decision by the Kansas Court of Appeals. This action  reinstated a favorable District Court decision which upheld my client's challenges to water permits issued by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to four large factory farms for swine. The Kansas Supreme Court ultimately held that the appeal from the district court was mooted based on the permits being modified midway through litigation. The reinstatement of the District Court's original decision left my client free to challenge the new permits on the same grounds.  , 2023
• Successfully intervened on behalf of clients four times to defend contract awards received from various federal agencies. With the Government Accountability Office ruling in my clients' favor, my clients were able to retain their lucrative, multi-million dollar federal contracts. , 2023
• Received twelve favorable protest outcomes from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and/or the Small Business Administration Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA). Many favorable outcomes were the result of federal agencies taking voluntary corrective action in favor of my clients. Others required GAO or the OHA to issue difinitive decisions. Ultimately, as a result of protesting, my clients were given additional opportunities to further compete for federal contracts valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars across all twelve protests., 2023
• Successfully negotiated Kansas' first Energy Efficiency Program. This multi-million dollar program features nine energy efficiency programs aimed at helping customers save energy and lower their monthly bills. , 2023
• Negotiated multi-million dollar rate case on behalf of client. Of the utility's two Kansas jurisdictions, negotiations resulted in over 60% reduction to utility's original rate increase request in one jurisdiction and an overall reduction in rates in the other jurisdiction. , 2023
• After filing a complaint and motion for judgment on the administrative record, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims ruled in my client's favor, holding that despite the discretion afforded to federal agencies, it was arbitrary for the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) not to seek clarification of a minor typo contained in my client's proposal. With a finding that my client had been arbitrarily excluded from the competition, the Court ordered that my client be reinstated into the competition for possible contract award., 2023

Videos

• This newscast gives some updates on some legislation the Drone Service Providers Alliance has been following, as well as trying to help steer. Also discussed, the Advanced Aviation Advisory Committee meeting, Kenji Sugahara's work on the Beyond Visual Line of Sight Aviation Rulemaking Committee, as well as new drone rule request for comments in Oregon State Parks., DSPA Newscast 13, Drone Service Providers, 2022

Special Licenses / Certifications

• FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION - Part 107 SUAS Pilot Certificate, 2021
• FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION - TRUST Certificate, 2021

Pro bono / Community Service

• 1L MENTOR PROGRAM - WASHBURN LAW (2020 - present) Washburn Law’s 1L Mentor Program offers first-year students a meaningful mentoring experience. I provide my mentees with tips related to study habits, well-being, finals preparation, and job applications. My mentor relationships extend past the 1L year. , 2023
• 1L MENTOR PROGRAM - WASHBURN LAW (2020 - present) Washburn Law’s 1L Mentor Program offers first-year students a meaningful mentoring experience. I provide my mentees with tips related to study habits, well-being, finals preparation, and job applications. My mentor relationships extend past the 1L year. , 2024
• 1L MENTOR PROGRAM - WASHBURN LAW (2020 - present) Washburn Law’s 1L Mentor Program offers first-year students a meaningful mentoring experience. I provide my mentees with tips related to study habits, well-being, finals preparation, and job applications. My mentor relationships extend past the 1L year. , 2022
• 1L MENTOR PROGRAM - WASHBURN LAW (2020 - present) Washburn Law’s 1L Mentor Program offers first-year students a meaningful mentoring experience. I provide my mentees with tips related to study habits, well-being, finals preparation, and job applications. My mentor relationships extend past the 1L year. , 2021
• 1L MENTOR PROGRAM - WASHBURN LAW (2020 - present) Washburn Law’s 1L Mentor Program offers first-year students a meaningful mentoring experience. I provide my mentees with tips related to study habits, well-being, finals preparation, and job applications. My mentor relationships extend past the 1L year. , 2020
• KANSAS CITY METROPOLITAN BAR FOUNDATION Student Law Academy (SLA) Moderator and Speaker (June 2021 - present) The SLA’s mission is to provide under-served urban high school students, who would not otherwise have the opportunity, meaningful exposure to careers in the legal profession and a broad overview of the legal system. I moderated discussions with other attorneys regarding tips for well-being and character and fitness. I also attended reunion events and connected with scholars as a mentor outside of scheduled SLA events., 2022
• KANSAS CITY METROPOLITAN BAR FOUNDATION Student Law Academy (SLA) Moderator and Speaker (June 2021 - present) The SLA’s mission is to provide under-served urban high school students, who would not otherwise have the opportunity, meaningful exposure to careers in the legal profession and a broad overview of the legal system. I moderated discussions with other attorneys regarding tips for well-being and character and fitness. I also attended reunion events and connected with scholars as a mentor outside of scheduled SLA events., 2021
• SIGMA PHI EPSILON ALUMNI & VOLUNTEER CORPORATION (Aug. 2014 - present) - Vice President  (May 2020 – present); Collections Chair (May 2020- present), Restructured collections process leading to an average collections rate of 96.5%. Reduced outstanding accounts receivable. At-large Representative and Finance Committee (May 2019 – present); Chapter Counselor (Aug. 2014 – May 2017)., 2014

Honors

• Membership in the Order of Barristers is limited to graduating law students and practicing lawyers who demonstrate exceptional skills in trial advocacy, oral advocacy and brief writing. The Order is highly selective and provides national recognition to the top advocates at their respective law schools., Order of Barristers, Washburn University School of Law, 2018
• The Faculty Brief Award is presented each year to team members who author the best interscholastic competition brief. (2016-2017 School Year), Faculty Brief Award, Washburn University School of Law, 2017

Educational Background

• WASHBURN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW - Juris DoctorActivities: Moot Court Council – Secretary Octofinalist in the 2017 Energy and Sustainability Competition – Morgantown; Oil, Gas, and Energy Law Society – Vice President;  Washburn Student Bar Association – Section Representative (2014/2015 term);  Environmental Law Society., 2018
• BAKER UNIVERSITY - B.S. in Sociology (Department Honors)                     Activities: Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity (2010 - 2014)  -  President, 2013 Term, Standards Board Representative- November 2013 – May 2014, Vice President of Communication 2013, Vice President of Member Development 2012, Vice President of Residential Living Community & Social Events 2011, Historian 2011 - 2013, Youth Aids Philanthropy Event Volunteer Spiking out Youth Aids, Spring 2011 - 2013; Student Senate, Baker University Junior Class Secretary/ Treasurer; 2012/2013 Term Internal Affairs Committee Drafted amendments involving voting rights to senators, campus organizations and other recognized committees. Revise the constitution of the student body Review budget requests sent in from student organizations Freshman Class Representative 2010/2011 Term; Radio Disk Jockey KNBU-FM, Baker University; January 2011- May 2012 Host and select tracks to be played on "The Recovery" radio show Voted "Best Show/ Best DJ" for the Spring of 2012.Awards & Honors Outstanding Senior for Academics, Leadership, Service, Co-curricular Activities and Off-campus Educational Opportunities, Baker University; 2014; Ruck Leadership Academy, Sigma Phi Epsilon; Summer 2013; Greek Man of the Year, Baker University; 2013; Dean’s List, Baker University; Spring/Fall 2012 & Spring 2013; Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program Graduate, Baker University; Spring 2012/Fall 2013; Mr. Baker University, 2013., 2014

Scholarly Lectures / Writings

• In this piece, I examine a recent Court of Federal Claims case that reshapes the interplay between the Buy American Act and the Trade Agreements Act., Author, Waiving the Buy American Act is not a Free Pass to Procure Just Any Foreign-Sourced Product, GovConBrief, Government Contractors, Federal Government, 2025
• This presentation discussed the spate of recent Executive Orders, including the order to end affirmative action programs; strategies to stay in compliance with policies that are a moving target; concerns about what to do in the face of termination and what this means for the future and growth; and other legal concerns and updates that federal contractors must consider as they plan for their future., Speaker, Navigating Uncertainty - Recent Changes in the Federal Contracting Landscape, Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), Greater Kansas City Post, Government Contractors, 2025
• This presentation walked through the Defense Federal Aquisition Regulation Supplement's Par 228 regarding Bonds and Insurance for Department of Defense contracts., Speaker, DFARS Part 228, Bonds and Insurance, J. Schaus & Associates, Federal Contractors, Department of Defense, 2025
• This presentation provided an overview of FOCI regulations and walked through some of the specified mitigation strategies., Speaker, Takeaway Tuesday: Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI), Macomb Regional APEX Accelerator, Government Contractors, Foreign Ownership, 2025
• In this presentation, I discussed key considerations for structuring teaming and subcontracting relationships. Topics included federal regulatory considerations, drafting considerations, affiliation and control concerns, and anecdotal tips for helping foster a productive relationship. ​​​​​​​​, Speaker, Subcontracting Considerations for Government Contractors, El Paso APEX Accelerator, Government Contractors, Subcontractors, 2025
• This article provides an overview of President Trump's executive orders and their impact on federal contracting., Author, Federal Contracting: The good, bad, and ugly of Trump’s Executive Orders, Schoonover & Moriarty LLC, Federal Contractors, 2025
• This presentation will act as an introduction for small businesses who wish to scale their business or diversify their clientele by contracting with the federal government. This course will discuss small business registration requirements, various certifications and designations within the small business environment, programs tailored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) that give preference to certain small businesses, and strategic partnerships like joint ventures and teaming agreements., Speaker, Working with Uncle Sam | Key Considerations for Small Businesses, Society of American Military Engineers, Small Business, Contractors, Engineers, 2024
• This presentation discusses the FAR requirements for bonding and insurance., Speaker, FAR Part 28 - Bonds and Insurance, JSchaus & Associates, Federal Contractors, Small Business, Federal Government, Construction, 2024
• This presentation delved into the Buy Indian Act, the Department of Interior and Indian Health Service regulations that implement the Act, and various other federal government contracting updates., Speaker, Buy Indian Act, Indian Economic Enterprises, and Federal Contracting Updates, Wyoming APEX Accelerator: Government Contracting Summit, Small Business, Indian-Owned Business,, 2024
• This CLE presentation provided practitioners with a brief overview of several topics which are important to anyone who owns, is employed by, or works with businesses.  Topics discussed will include the new Corporate Transparency Act, Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), tips for Federal Small Business Ventures, and the growing use of artificial intelligence technology in the legal field and ethical issues it raises. , Speaker, Let's Get Down to Business, Earl E. O'Connor Inn of Courts, Attorneys, CLE, 2024
• This article dives into how a federal court decision may have larger impacts on the SBA's set-aside programs., Author, DBE Program challenged: Is 8(a) next?, Schoonover & Moriarty LLC, Federal Contractors, 2023
• An hour long presentation discussion the Department of Defense's and Small Business Association's Mentor-Protege Programs for small and large businesses., Speaker, Mentor-Protege Programs, Nebraska Business Development Center APEX Accelerator, Small Business, Federal Contractors, Federal Agencies, 2023
• Hour long presentation discussing the nuances of Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI).  , Speaker, Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence ("FOCI"), Nebraska Business Development Center APEX Accelerator, Small Business, Federal Contractor, Federal Agency, 2023
• The Buy Indian Act is a century-old federal law that aims to specifically promote economic development in Native American communities. This article discusses how the Act has been underutilized and the nuance related to structuring compliant joint ventures., Author, The Buy Indian Act is finally working—but confusion remains, Schoonover & Moriarty, Federal Contractors, Indian-owned Businesses, 2023
• An hour long presentation discussing the intracacies of the Federal Buy Indian Act., Speaker, The Buy Indian Act, Nebraska Business Development Center APEX Accelerator, Small Business, Federal Contractor, Federal Agency, 2023
• CLE Course Description: This program discusses my own personal experience, and the experience of attorneys in general, who deal with mental health and "work-life" issues. The program discusses tactics on how to remedy, mitigate, and otherwise address the stresses experienced by lawyers. Participants learn about:•    Lawyer well-being statistics over the years•    What law firms are doing•    "Work-Life" balance fallacy•    Shifting the focus away from balance•    The interplay between well-being issues and ethical rules, Speaker/Moderator, “Work-life” battle? Boundaries over balance, Missouri Bar Association, Legal, 2023
• CLE co-presented with expert, Amy Johnston. Discussed: 1. Mental Health & Identity2. Burnout, Compassion Fatigue & Secondary Trauma3. Stress & Stressors4. Indicators of Distress5. Self-Care, Boundaries & Coping Tools6. Self-reflection and reframing, Speaker, Wellbeing Crash Course: Addressing and Understanding Attorney Burnout and Compassion Fatigue, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, Legal, 2022
• Discuss personal experience juggling work, life, and extracurriculars pre, post, and after the pandemic., Speaker, Personal Stories: Caregivers in the Pandemic, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, Legal, 2022
• CLE Course Description: "Over the past 10 years, drones have been changing the way many industries collect, interpret, and retain valuable data.  Given the influx of recreational and commercial drone use, the FAA has continually updated the regulations controlling when and how drones can fly in the public, navigable airspace. This presentation will discuss various federal and state regulations, current drone case law, and legal issues related to privacy, the first amendment, and negligence.", Speaker, The Dawn of Drone Law: An Analysis of Drone Regulations and Case Law, Earl E O'Connor Inn of Court, Legal, 2022
• I discussed when a person is required to take the Part 107 test, how to prepare for the test, where to take the test, and discussed an active lawsuit involving a drone company and a state surveying board., Speaker, Aerial Mapping Technologies and Procedures – FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License, HalfMoon Education, Engineering, Architecture, Land Surveyors, 2021
• This discussion included a personal story related to personal well-being issues and offered advice on how to use anxiety to fuel confidence and productivity., Speaker, Shifting Focus from Anxiety to Confidence, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association - Lawyer Well-Being Summit, Legal, 2021
• The legal industry should focus on belonging and creating cultures where employees--an organization's most important asset--feel valued and part of the team., Author, Workplace Belonging: More Than Just Opening the Door, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association - KC Counselor, Legal, 2021
• CLE Course description: "This course will discuss how autonomous vehicles operate, the current rules and regulations that govern autonomous vehicles, and what future rules and policy changes we might expect to see in the future.", Speaker, Digital Nervous Systems: A Technical and Regulatory Overview of Drones and Other Autonomous Vehicles, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association's 48th Annual Bench Bar, Legal, 2021
• General discussion related to drone use by a public entity and one court's interpretation of U.S. Supreme Court case law related to governmental drone use and Fourth Amendment violations., Speaker, Drones and the Fourth Amendment - Long Lake Township v. Maxon, Clubhouse - Drone Law Connections, Commercial Drone Industry, 2021
• CLE Course Description: "From a market share of $17.82 billion in 2017, drones are expected to hit $48.88 billion in 2023.  While a majority of the market share is occupied by commercial and recreational users, many governmental, public agencies and municipalities have started to utilize drones as well. This presentation will discuss the application process for public entities and will also conduct a deep-dive analysis of privacy and 4th Amendment caselaw considerations that all public entities must contemplate before implementing a drone in their day-to-day operations.  What you will learn:  FAA Part 107 Rules  Part 107 License v. Certificate of Authorization (COA)  Invasion of Privacy Issues  4th Amendment Considerations ", Speaker, Drone Law: Governmental and Municipal Operators, Missouri Bar Association, Legal, 2021
• CLE Course Description: "Many industries have implemented drones for cost-saving, efficiency, and memory-capturing purposes. For instance, drones have been used to inspect tall buildings, analyze crops, and capture some of life's most precious moments. Now, more than ever, it is important for drone operators to have an “air-tight” drone program. This presentation will offer an in-depth analysis of drone-related statutes and case law and will shed light on the steps that drone operators must walk through to mitigate liability. What you will learn: FAA Part 107 Rules “Reasonable Operator” Standard Agency Law and Liability (Employee v. Independent Contractor) Protecting Rights to Work Product", Speaker, Drone Law: Commercial Operators, Missouri Bar Association, Legal, 2021
• CLE Course Description: "Cities have an opportunity to reduce costs and risk when performing mission critical jobs. Drones can be used in search and rescue missions, natural disasters, and for code enforcement. However, as public entities, cities and municipalities must understand the logistical and legal risks associated with using a drone for a public purpose.", Speaker, Drones: What Can a Municipality Do?, City Attorneys Association of Kansas Virtual Meeting, Legal, City Attorneys, 2020
• Plain and simple: law firms need to start prioritizing lawyer well-being. Not only can it be the profitable thing to do, but it is simply the right thing to do!, Author, Lawyer Well-Being: A Tope Investment for a New Decade, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association - KC Counselor, Legal, 2020
• General discussion about the legal risks associated with flying a drone commercially., Speaker, Drones and the Law, Heartland Drone Company Air Academy, Commercial Drone Operators, 2020
• General discussion about the legal risks associated with flying a drone commercially in the construction industry., Speaker, If I Crash My Drone, How Will and Attorney Sue Me?, American Society of Professional Estimators - Chapter 32, Construction, 2020
• General discussion about the legal risks associated with flying a drone commercially in the construction industry., Speaker, If I Crash My Drone, How Will an Attorney Sue Me?, Construction Leadership Counsel of The Builders Association of Kansas City, Construction, 2019
• General discussion about the legal risks associated with flying a drone commercially in the construction industry., Speaker, If I Crash My Drone, How Will and Attorney Sue Me?, Construction Safety Group of The Builders Association of Kansas City, Construction, 2019
• An analysis of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit's decision that after an underground storage facility has been properly certified by a State or Federal commission, landowners and producers will not be compensated in a condemnation proceeding for the value of any gas they produced which migrated from a certified underground storage facility. The court reasoned that landowners and producers have no right under the “rule of capture” to produce such gas after the date of certification. , Author, Northern Natural Gas Co., v. L.D. Drilling (U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit), The Center for American and International Law - Oil & Gas E-Report, Legal, 2018

• Commercial
• Environmental
• Federal Government Contractors