Heather Esau Zerger has practiced law for over twenty-five years, focusing primarily on civil litigation. After graduating from the University of Minnesota Law School, Heather practiced law in Detroit and later Kansas City. She and her family moved back to Newton in 2014, after which she began practicing in Wichita. Heather joined Pankratz & Hodge in the summer of 2025 and is thrilled to be able to work for clients in and around the Newton community. Heather’s practice with Pankratz & Hodge continues to include civil litigation, as well as business advising and contracts, real estate, employment law, municipal law, and trust and estate administration.
Heather grew up on a dairy farm near Beatrice, Nebraska before attending Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas. Her husband, Jon Zerger, is a Newton native and a practicing attorney in Wichita. When not practicing law, Heather enjoys following the activities of her two kids.
Education
- Bethel Collete, B.A., summa cum laude, English and History, 1992
- University of Minnesota Law School, J.D., cum laude, 1999
Professional Background
- Michigan Bar, 1999 (no longer active)
- Missouri Bar, 2001
- Kansas Bar, 2002
- S. District Court for the District of Kansas
- S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri
- S. District Court for the District of Nebraska
- S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth, Tenth, and Eleventh Circuits
- Member of:
- Kansas Bar Association
- Missouri Bar Association
- Harvey County Bar Association
- Named to Super Lawyers list 2014-2021; Named to Rising Stars list 2008; 2011-2013
- Recognized in 2025 Edition of Best Lawyers in America
Civic Involvement
- Health Ministries Board of Directors, 2024 to present
- Harvey County Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors, 2024 to present
- Newton Athletic Booster Club Board, June 2022 to May 2025
- Bethel College Board of Directors, 2011-2021
Reported Case
- Swackhammer v. Sprint/United Mgmt. Co., 493 F.3d 1160, 1163 (10th Cir. 2007)
- City of Greenwood v. Martin Marietta Materials, Inc., 299 S.W.3d 606, 629 (Mo. Ct. App. 2009)