Our Company

Lathrop & Gage is considered the oldest continuously operating law firm west of the Mississippi River. Dating back to Lathrop & Smith, which opened in Kansas City in 1873, today’s Lathrop & Gage spans coast to coast, while maintaining a commitment to the Midwestern value platform that has driven more than 135 years of success. Gardiner Lathrop and William Smith open an office in the River Market area of Kansas City, Missouri; at the time, the tallest building in town is three stories high. Both men have a deep commitment to public service, a trait that will become a core value of the firm; they were appointed to U.S. Commissioner and Deputy U.S. Marshall, respectively.