As an entrepreneur and former executive, she understands the issues clients are wrestling with and can help them prioritize and address the growing pains and challenges they face every day.

While Rita used to be a shareholder at Seigfreid Bingham, she recently accepted a position to serve as the Executive Director of the Jewish Heritage Foundation and is now affiliated with Seigfreid Bingham in an Of Counsel capacity.

A law practice that mirrors business consulting.

Rita’s practice is built out of her experience as a practicing attorney and former business owner. She has significant experience on both sides of the table, and clients appreciate her practical expertise and ability to counsel on a wide variety of issues including:

• Business formations;
• Business success planning;
• Commercial real estate;
• General transactions;
• M&A;
• Construction contracts and transactional work;
• Non-profit organizations;
• Estate planning; and
• Tax planning.

Rita’s experience gives her the ability to bring a legal framework to business growth, opportunities, and challenges. She understands and articulates issues and priorities and prides herself on speaking her clients’ language. This insight gives her a wider viewpoint than most Kansas City attorneys and allows her to better serve owners of closely held businesses and tax-exempt organizations and their board members.

The experience of a CEO in an attorney.

Rita went to law school and practiced law in Washington, D.C. before moving home to Kansas City to run her family’s business. She served as chief executive officer of Hoffman Cortes Contracting Company, a commercial construction company, and was responsible for all operations including construction law matters, contract negotiation, employment agreements, financial management, risk management, and surety relations. During her 20 years with the company, she also oversaw private real estate ownership and development and management, and regularly participated with outside partners in the development of retail properties, small office buildings, and commercial properties.

A devotion to her community.

Outside of the office, Rita donates her time as a board member to both the Midwest Innocence Project and also the Truman Medical Centers, and she serves as a mentor to the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program.

She also enjoys other hobbies such as sports, coaching basketball (which has earned her some awards and state championships), being a diehard baseball fan (Go Royals!), and staying involved in the Jewish community, teaching students, and volunteering.