J. Michael Bridges

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...

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.

Katie Moore joined the firm as Of Counsel in April, 2018 and practices primarily in the firm's office in Springfield, Missouri. Ms. Moore focuses her practice on estate planning, trust and probate administration, business succession planning and mediation. ​Ms. Moore received her Juris Doctor degree and LL.M. in Tax from the University of Missouri at Kansas City and a LL.M. in Alternative Dispute Resolution from the University of Missouri - Columbia. While at UMKC, Ms. Moore was an intern law...

Thomas D. Peebles, Jr is a shareholder and member of the Estate Planning Practice Group of Carnahan Evans PC in Springfield, Mo. Mr. Peebles has over 40 years of private practice experience in the preparation of basic and sophisticated estate planning documents, and in wealth transfer planning for high net worth clients, closely held business owners and their families. In 2004, Mr Peebles was elected a Fellow of The American College of Trust & Estate Counsel (ACTEC) in recognition of dist...

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.

Douglas D. Lee is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Douglas D., 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 Douglas D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Steven B. Garner is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law, Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Steven B., who practices law in Springfield, Missouri, has been recognized since 2003. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Steven B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice a...

James Meadows focuses his practice on contract disputes, real estate claims, construction payment and defect claims, insurance coverage actions, and employment cases. As a former law clerk for the Supreme Court of Missouri, Mr. Meadows has handled high-profile state and federal appeals as a replacement for trial counsel as well as handling litigation from start through jury trial to a verdict himself.

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...

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.