Championing Justice in Kansas City: The Hastings Law Firm
The Hastings Law Firm has emerged as a trusted legal resource for residents of the Kansas City metro area. Founded in 2014 by veteran attorney Molly Hastings, the firm quickly built a reputation for unwavering commitment to clients and aggressive advocacy in and out of the courtroom[1][2]. With deep roots in the community and a “no judgment” philosophy, The Hastings Law Firm treats every client with respect and dignity while fighting tirelessly to protect their rights[3]. From high-stakes criminal trials to helping accident victims, the firm’s mission is simple: to stand up for individuals and families in their hour of need and deliver real results.
Comprehensive Legal Services for Kansas City Residents
Serving Jackson County and the surrounding areas, The Hastings Law Firm offers a wide range of legal services to meet community needs. While the firm is best known for its criminal defense expertise, its practice encompasses both criminal and civil matters. Key service areas include:
· Criminal Defense: Vigorous defense against charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The firm has tried over 90 jury trials – including high-profile cases – and is ready to defend clients no matter how daunting the accusations[1]. This includes violent crimes, drug offenses, sex crimes, and more.
· DUI/DWI Defense: Skilled representation for those facing drunk driving charges. The Hastings Law Firm understands Missouri’s DUI laws and works to protect clients’ freedom and licenses, recognizing that a single mistake shouldn’t derail one’s future. Same-day consultations are available to address urgent DUI arrests without delay[4].
· Personal Injury Law: Compassionate advocacy for individuals injured due to others’ negligence. Whether it’s a slip-and-fall or a serious incident, the firm negotiates with insurance companies and, if needed, litigates aggressively to secure fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
· Car Accident Claims: Focused attention on auto accident victims throughout the Kansas City metro. The firm assists clients in navigating insurance claims or lawsuits after car, truck, or motorcycle collisions, ensuring that those hurt on the road are not taken advantage of by insurers.
· Traffic Law: Practical help with traffic tickets and driving-related offenses. From speeding tickets to license suspensions, The Hastings Law Firm guides clients through the legal process to minimize fines, points, and other consequences, recognizing that protecting one’s driving record can be essential for employment and daily life.
This comprehensive approach means Kansas Citians can turn to The Hastings Law Firm as a one-stop legal advocate for many of life’s challenges. Clients appreciate the convenience of a full-service firm that can handle both a criminal case and a related driver’s license hearing, for example, or assist with civil injury claims that arise from criminal circumstances. In every practice area, the firm’s philosophy remains consistent: provide “top-tier legal defense to those who need it most,” and do so with unwavering loyalty to the client’s best interests[5].
An Experienced Team of Dedicated Advocates

Molly Hastings, the firm’s founder and lead attorney, brings over 23 years of legal experience exclusively in criminal law[1]. She began her career in 2001 as a public defender, serving both rural and urban Missouri communities[6]. After 13 years of public service, Molly entered private practice in 2014 determined to continue fighting for justice on her own terms[6]. She has since tried nearly 100 felony jury trials with notable success – including achieving acquittals for charges like first-degree murder, rape, child molestation, armed assault, and manslaughter[7]. Colleagues and clients describe Molly as fearless and passionate in the courtroom, an attorney who “will defend ANYONE” with unwavering commitment[8]. She is regularly featured on local and national television for her role in some of Kansas City’s most serious criminal cases[9], reflecting her status as one of the area’s go-to trial lawyers.
But The Hastings Law Firm is more than just its founder. Molly has built a full team of legal professionals who reinforce the firm’s client-focused mission. Kimberly M. Pyles, the firm’s lead criminal investigator, joined in 2020 and brings over 20 years of investigative experience to the table[10]. A former investigator for the Missouri State Public Defender’s Office, Kim is adept at unearthing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and, as the firm puts it, “finding needles in haystacks” to strengthen each case[10]. By having an in-house investigator of Kim’s caliber, the firm ensures no stone is left unturned when preparing a defense – a key advantage that sets it apart from many solo practitioners. Additionally, the office staff provides friendly, bilingual assistance (English and Spanish) to make every client feel welcome and understood. Even “Betty,” the office’s beloved canine team member, plays a role: this friendly dog (featured prominently on the firm’s website) provides comfort and smiles to clients dealing with stressful situations, exemplifying the firm’s compassionate culture[11]. From top to bottom, the team operates with a shared legal philosophy: every client deserves empathy, open communication, and a tireless champion for their cause.
A Track Record of Success and Recognition
Results matter, and The Hastings Law Firm has a proven track record of victories that have cemented its reputation for excellence in legal advocacy. Over the course of her career, Molly Hastings has secured numerous not-guilty verdicts and case dismissals in serious felony trials[12]. She has won “acquittals in many murder, rape, child molestation, first-degree assault and manslaughter cases,” according to Missouri Lawyers Media[12]. These courtroom triumphs not only highlight Molly’s formidable litigation skills but also provide life-changing second chances for clients who had much at stake.
Such success has not gone unnoticed. Molly Hastings has received multiple prestigious awards recognizing her excellence in criminal defense. Among them are the Charles M. Shaw Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy, the Lon O. Hocker Award (a statewide honor given to outstanding young trial lawyers), and the Atticus Finch Award from the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers – an award named for the iconic fictional attorney that celebrates ethical and courageous advocacy[13]. She has also been named to the Super Lawyers list (top 5% of attorneys) for Missouri in 2022, 2023, and 2024, reflecting peer recognition of her professional achievement[14][15]. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Law Firms” has ranked The Hastings Law Firm among the top criminal defense firms in the Kansas City region (Tier 2 for Criminal Defense: General Practice)[16][17]. These accolades, while impressive, are simply a byproduct of the firm’s deeper commitment to excellence. As Molly notes, “I’m really grateful that my clients trust me to do this important work for them”[18] – a trust she has earned through consistent, outstanding results.
Of course, the praise that matters most comes from the firm’s satisfied clients. The Hastings Law Firm has garnered glowing testimonials and reviews from those it has represented. Former clients frequently commend the team’s responsiveness, expertise, and genuine care. On social media, the firm maintains a 100% recommendation rate – every reviewer has given positive feedback. One reviewer even called Molly “the best criminal defense lawyer in Western Missouri,” highlighting the respect she’s gained in the community. Such word-of-mouth reinforces what the case outcomes already show: clients know they can count on Hastings Law Firm when the stakes are high.
Community Commitment and a Client-Centered Approach
Beyond winning cases, The Hastings Law Firm has demonstrated a profound commitment to the Kansas City community. Molly Hastings in particular has never lost sight of her public-service roots. She strongly believes that “everybody gets a lawyer,” a core principle she carried from her public defender days into private practice[19]. In that spirit, Molly has spent over a decade volunteering her legal expertise to those who need it most. For years, she has visited a local charitable Serve & Lift Center once a month to provide free legal counseling to individuals who cannot afford an attorney – offering guidance on everything from expungements to handling minor disputes. This kind of hands-on community involvement has a direct impact on countless lives and underscores the firm’s broader commitment to justice outside the courtroom as well as inside it.
Clients of The Hastings Law Firm also feel the firm’s compassionate, client-first philosophy in every interaction. From the free initial consultation – where anyone with a legal issue can receive an honest case assessment at no cost – to flexible payment plans that make quality representation accessible, the firm strives to reduce barriers to legal help[20]. The team understands that facing a criminal charge or recovering from an accident can be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. That’s why they prioritize clear communication, prompt updates, and a supportive atmosphere. Even small touches, like keeping coffee brewing in the lobby or having Betty the office dog greet clients with a wagging tail, help put people at ease. “I see my job as identifying the best possible aspect of a person or their situation and trying to persuade others to see them the same way,” Molly explains[21] – a reflection of the empathy that guides how the firm handles every case. This approach ensures clients not only receive top-notch legal advocacy, but also moral support and understanding during difficult moments.
In a crowded legal market, The Hastings Law Firm stands out through a combination of seasoned experience, personal dedication, and community values. It offers the aggressive representation of a big-city firm with the personal touch of a hometown practice. Whether defending someone’s freedom or fighting for an injury victim’s recovery, the firm operates with the mantra “the badder, the better,” embracing tough cases as opportunities to champion individual rights[22]. With free consultations, same-day appointments, and an open-door policy, help is always just a phone call away[23][24]. For the people of Kansas City, having a trusted advocate like The Hastings Law Firm in their corner can make all the difference. In the words of one client: “They gave me my life back.” And that, ultimately, is the legacy The Hastings Law Firm aims to build – one of hope, justice, and unwavering excellence in legal advocacy for all who need it.
[1] [2] [3] [4] [20] [22] [23] Felony Lawyer Kansas City, MO | The Hastings Law Firm
https://www.hastingslawfirmonline.com/
[5] [24] Criminal Defense Attorney | The Hastings Law Firm | Kansas City, MO
https://www.hastingslawfirmonline.com/criminal-defense
[6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] Attorney | Investigator | The Hastings Law Firm | Kansas City, MO
https://www.hastingslawfirmonline.com/attorney-investigator
[12] [13] [18] [19] [21] WJA 2024: Molly Hastings
https://molawyersmedia.com/2024/05/09/wja-2024-molly-hastings/
[14] [15] Top Rated Kansas City, MO Criminal Defense Attorney | Molly Hastings | Super Lawyers
[16] [17] The Hastings Law Firm in Kansas City-MO, MO, US
https://www.bestlawfirms.com/firms/the-hastings-law-firm/100475/US
Write A Comment