Tamara Putnam has been practicing law for over 15 years in the Kansas City metropolitan area. She attended the University of Missouri at St. Louis to earn a bachelor’s degree in economics with honors. She earned a four year athletic scholarship as a member of the University of Missouri–St. Louis NCAA Women’s Basketball team. Tamara then attended Washburn University School of Law to obtain her Juris Doctorate.
Tamara worked for the Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. She worked as a drug prosecutor. She was promoted to the lead prosecutor of the Violent Gang Crime Unit. She worked closely with the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) and Street Narcotics Unit (SNU) to prosecute crimes related to illegal production, transfer, sale and possession of controlled substances. As head of the Gang Unit, she focused on the prosecution of violent offenses committed by suspected gang members, including assaults, robberies, armed criminal action and shooting into a dwelling.
After a successful term as a prosecutor, Tamara moved into private practice with a focus on criminal defense. As a former prosecutor, she has a deep understanding of the strategies used by the prosecution and law enforcement to obtain convictions. She prepares for the prosecutor’s tactics and walks into court prepared to defend her client’s case.
Tamara later expanded her practice to include personal injury. She litigates personal injury cases in both Missouri and Kansas from a simple slip and fall to wrongful death. She has an unwavering commitment to assist people who have been injured due to the negligent actions of others. She takes great pride in taking on the profit motivated insurance companies and holding them accountable to fully compensate her clients.
Tamara has focused her practice on criminal defense and serious personal injury her entire career. She has handled countless felonies charges in State Court as a prosecutor and now as a criminal defense counsel. She also focuses her practice on litigation of serious personal injury accidents. Tamara has a fierce reputation as an outstanding advocate excelling in both criminal defense and personal injury.
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
KS | Authorized to practice law | 1996 | 04/27/2022 |
MO | Good Standing, Active | 1995 | 02/08/2022 |
Legal answers | 1 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers Association | 2015 |
Top One Percent | National Association of Distinguished Counsel | 2015 |
Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers Association | 2014 |
Certified DWI Detection & Standarized Field Sobriety Testing | NHTSA | 2014 |
Cum Laude | University of Missouri, St. Louis | 1992 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Managing Partner | Carter & Putnam, LLC | 2010 - Present |
Managing Partner | Tamara Meeks, LLC | 1998 - 2010 |
Assistant District Attorney | Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney's Office | 1996 - 1998 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2014 - Present |
Eastern Jackson County Bar Association | Member | 2010 - Present |
Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys | Member | 2010 - Present |
Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association | Member | 1998 - Present |
Kansas Bar Association | Member | 1996 - Present |
Missouri State Bar | Member | 1995 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
34 Washburn Law Journal 556 | Will Debtors Win the Battle as Creditors Win the War? Retroactive Recovery of Attorney Fees in Consumer Credit Contracts in Kansas | 1995 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Washburn University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1995 |
University of Missouri, St. Louis | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1992 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
15 Hour Review of the Law - CLE's for Attorneys | DUI Update on the Law | 2019 |
The Time is Now! - CLE for Attorneys | Update of Changes in the Law - DUI/Criminal Law | 2018 |
Quick Pitches - DWI CLE | 4th Amendment Issues | 2018 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
State v. GA | Client charged with Statutory Rape First Degree. Negotiated down to a non-sexual child endangerment offense |
LK v. Olathe | Settled for Maximum recovery allowed by law against a City |
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July 27, 2016
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November 23, 2015
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February 4, 2015
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November 24, 2014
Michael Leonard, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 7, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Tamera is a zealous advocate. It is so rare to see an attorney go to the wall on behalf of a client. She is the woman who puts herself between you and the government. I would hire her myself. That's the highest endorsement I can give.
Elliott Wilcox, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 22, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I'm proud to endorse Tamara Putnam as a lawyer who is serious about DWI defense. As a member of The National College for DUI Defense, Tamara is committed to DWI defense, and will work hard to help you through this stressful situation. If you've been charged with a Summit DWI, call Tamara and ask for help.
Michael Leonard, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 7, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Tamera is a zealous advocate. It is so rare to see an attorney go to the wall on behalf of a client. She is the woman who puts herself between you and the government. I would hire her myself. That's the highest endorsement I can give.
Elliott Wilcox, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 22, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I'm proud to endorse Tamara Putnam as a lawyer who is serious about DWI defense. As a member of The National College for DUI Defense, Tamara is committed to DWI defense, and will work hard to help you through this stressful situation. If you've been charged with a Summit DWI, call Tamara and ask for help.
Christopher Fink, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 2, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Tamara is a tremendous lawyer with a terrific courtroom presence. I highly recommend this lawyer.
J. Denise Carter, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 24, 2014
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Tamara as opposing counsel and now as a partner. She is a tenacious, hardworking and formidable opponent that manages to maintain integrity and professionalism at all times. She achieves great results by virtue of her dedicated hard work.
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