Title: Managing Attorney, Certified Italian Translator
Company: Bakula Law LLC, Self-employed
Education: JD, The University of Iowa (2015); MBA, Boise State University (2008); BBA, University of Maryland
Career History: Managing Attorney, Bakula Law LLC, Kansas City, MO (2017-Present); Certified Italian Translator, Kansas City, MO (2016-Present); Freelance Attorney, Langdon & Emison Attorneys At Law, Kansas City, MO (2017-2022); Research Assistant, Professor Emeritus Burns H. Weston, The University of Iowa, Iowa (2013-2015); Finishing Line Test Operator, Micron Technology, Inc., Boise, ID (2006-2007); Transportation Security Program Manager, Italy, ArmorGroup, Aviano, Italy (2003-2005); Senior Field Advisor, University of Maryland Campus, Europe
Damian Bakula, Managing Attorney at Bakula Law LLC, has been recognized as a Marquis Emerging Leader for their contributions and achievements in the field of law.
Mr. Bakula had always been drawn to the legal profession, as well as the research and learning opportunities that accompany the career. It was one of his first cousins, an accomplished real estate attorney in Chicago, who inspired him to make his dream a reality. Prior to this, he had served in the U.S. Air Force as a U-2 Aircraft Crew Chief for four years and was a transportation security program manager for ArmorGroup in Italy from 2003 to 2005, a finishing line test operator at Micron Technology, Inc. from 2006 to 2007, and a UK Senior Field Advisor for UMUC Europe from 2010 to 2012. Already equipped with a Master of Business Administration, he began pursuing his law degree at the University of Iowa in 2012, during which time he served as a research assistant for Professor Emeritus Burns H. Weston at the institution.
Upon earning his JD in 2015, and becoming licensed to practice law in Missouri, Mr. Bakula was a freelance attorney at Langdon & Emison Attorneys at Law in Kansas City from 2017 to 2022 and has been a managing attorney at his own firm, Bakula Law LLC, since 2017. Specializing in personal injury/accident, real estate, labor, and contract law, he excels as a litigation attorney who represents tenants against landlords, homeowners against contractors, and commercial clients dealing with contract disputes, among several other cases. In addition, he has found success as a Certified Italian Translator since 2016, through which he serves as an independent consultant who is uniquely qualified to facilitate communication with Italian companies, provide business consulting services, and translate Italian documents—particularly those involved in litigation. Always striving to give back to society, he provides services for free or at reduced rates for veterans and tenants, and for more than 10 years, he has lent his services as a volunteer tax preparer at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and as a volunteer at the Salvation Army.
Attributing his success to developing good relationships with clients and other attorneys, Mr. Bakula’s most notable professional achievement was winning a Missouri Merchandising Practices Act suit against a landlord who allowed their premises to be occupied before passing the final inspection, securing occupancy certificates, and addressing safety issues—including electrical and fire safety problems. Looking toward the future, Mr. Bakula plans to narrow his focus and handle fewer cases in order to be more efficient as a professional.