Christiaan D. Horton

Emily Kembell is a partner in the law firm of Kembell Woods & Martinsen LLP. Ms. Kembell focuses her practice on estate planning of all types, trust and probate administration, transfer tax planning, issues relating to business succession planning, and adult and minor guardianships. Emily is a Fellow in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. Prior to joining KWM, Ms. Kembell served as Chief Regional Administrative Officer and Trust Counsel in the Springfield office of a regiona...

Julie T. Brown is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) and Corporate Law. Julie T., who practices law in Springfield, Missouri, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Julie T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ryan Frazier is a Springfield native. He graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in finance and a minor in economics. Ryan attended law school at the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law. During law school, Ryan was widely recognized for his skill and passion for advocacy, competing on the mock trial team and traveling to competitions across the country. A large portion of Ryan’s...

Jay Preston is a shareholder in the Litigation/Dispute Resolution, Transactional, and Marijuana and Hemp practices groups of Carnahan Evans PC. Mr. Preston represents clients in civil litigation in both federal and state court focusing on business and real estate matters. Mr. Preston also assists clients in avoiding litigation through proper drafting of contracts/agreements, and counseling on how to deal with precarious situations. Mr. Preston is a member of the Marijuana and Hemp Law Group a...

John M. Carnahan III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. John M., who practices law in Springfield, Missouri, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joseph S. Passanise graduated with honors from Missouri State University with an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Communication (1991) and a Master of Arts in Communication (1993). He continued his education as a Rotary Scholar, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of London, Imperial College (1995). He received a Juris Doctor degree, with Honors, from Washburn University School of Law (1997). Passanise is licensed to practice before th...

Branden Scott Twibell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Branden Scott, who practices law in Springfield, Missouri, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Branden Scott is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Courtney L. Fletcher is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Courtney L., who practices law in Springfield, Missouri, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Courtney L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jeff Bauer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law, Litigation - Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Jeff, who practices law in Springfield, Missouri, has been recognized since 2011. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jeff is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Chip Sheppard is a shareholder in the Litigation/Dispute Resolution and Transactional Practice Groups of Carnahan Evans PC. He concentrates his practice in the areas of medical marijuana, hemp, licensing, business, real estate, employment, acquisitions, banking, contracts, municipal, planning and zoning, securities and intellectual property transactions, litigation and dispute resolution. A substantial portion of Mr. Sheppard’s practice is focused in Missouri’s newest industries: ...