When voters go the polls in Kansas City next week, a number of law firms are hoping their vote for light rail is a yes.

Some of the city's largest law firms have contributed a sizeable chunk of money to the campaign in favor of the $815 million starter line. The proposed line, which is to run through downtown, Crown Center and the Plaza, would be reasonably close to all the donor firms.

Pat McLarney, an attorney with Shook, Hardy & Bacon and an avid supporter of the system, said light rail would allow employees to get to and from work easily. It would also allow attorneys to easily visit other downtown and midtown firms, as well as the federal and state courthouses.

"Most of the big firms are either on the route or close to the route," McLarney said. "They're primarily interested in it because it would be a great benefit for their employees. "

Shook, located on Grand Boulevard near Crown Center, has contributed $10,000 to Citizens for Light Rail, according to filings with the Missouri Ethics Commission. Spencer, Fane, Britt & Browne; Polsinelli Shalton Flanigan Suelthaus; and Husch Blackwell Sanders each gave the same amount. Lathrop & Gage; Armstrong Teasdale's Kansas City office; and King Hershey, which all occupy various suites of 2345 Grand, gave a combined $10,000. Stinson Morrison Hecker, in downtown Kansas City, gave $5,000.

Altogether, law firm giving of $55,000 constituted about a fifth of the money that Citizens for Light Rail reported having raised as of last week.