John Kail

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.

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...

Tom Carver has over 36 years of experience handling serious criminal defense issues, including white collar crimes, federal drug crimes and capital murder charges, along with federal gun and sex crimes. A seasoned trial lawyer, he has been listed in "Best Lawyers in America," over the course of several years and also has been listed as a Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyer. He has been selected numerous times for designation as one of the best lawyers in Southwest Missouri by 417 Magazine and is a f...

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.

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...

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...

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.

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.

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...

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: ...