Mike Sanders, former Jackson County executive, starts work at Independence law firm

Former Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders has joined the Independence law firm of Humphrey, Farrington & McClain.

He started his new job Monday, a month after resigning as the county’s top administrator.

Sanders had three years remaining on his third, four-year term when he stepped down. Former Kansas City Royals player Frank White was appointed county executive on an interim basis. A permanent replacement will be elected in November.

While no longer on the county payroll, The Star has learned that Sanders is under contract for six months at $10,000 a month under a professional services agreement to provide legal services.

Under that contract with the county counselor’s office, Sanders will help with continuing negotiations on the acquisition of the Rock Island railroad corridor for use as a trail and possible commuter rail line. Sanders was instrumental in getting that deal brokered.

The contract also calls for him to help White on an “as-needed basis” as White transitions into the job. It was signed Jan. 15, more than a week after he resigned, and runs through July 15.

Sanders said at the time of his resignation that he wanted to return to private law practice after a long run as a public servant. He was a county prosecutor for four years before serving nine years heading county government.

Humphrey, Farrington & McClain specializes in personal injury and business litigation and has gained a national reputation for suing tobacco companies, trucking firms and makers of microwave popcorn.

Calling Sanders the most successful Jackson County executive, Ken McClain, a partner in the firm, said in a news release that Sanders’ experience makes him well-suited for his new position.

“Mike’s creativity, business acumen and common sense really set him apart in that job,” McClain said. “We are proud that he has found a home at our firm.”

Sanders lives in Independence. He and McClain are longtime friends. McClain contributed to Sanders’ political campaigns, and they worked together on the renovation of the historic Truman Courthouse in downtown Independence.

The courthouse’s second floor now is home to the Jackson County Museum of Art, which features two dozen paintings by Missouri artist George Caleb Bingham, many of which McClain owns.

McClain and his wife, Cindy, own several of the buildings surrounding the old courthouse, where Sanders had an office until four weeks ago.

His new office is less than a block away.

This story was originally published February 1, 2016 at 11:24 AM with the headline "Mike Sanders, former Jackson County executive, starts work at Independence law firm."