Julia M. Vander Weele

Scott R. Manuel brings over 30 years of experience practicing in the areas of fiduciary litigation, estate planning, probate, trust and guardianship law to Kembell Woods & Martinsen LLP. Prior to joining KWM, Scott served as the Probate Commissioner for the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri starting in November 2014 following his initial appointment as the court’s Deputy Probate Commissioner in January 2014. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Scott was a shareholder with...

A native of St. Louis, Bill received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Missouri. He has fought hard for personal injury victims for 33 years, spending many sleepless nights worried about his clients and thinking of new and creative ways to litigate their cases. Bill is passionate about helping his clients receive the best medical care and the best results on their cases, whether by trial or settlement. In fact, he has successfully collected well over $250 Million for hi...

Katrina Smeltzer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law and Litigation - Insurance. Katrina, who practices law in Kansas City, Missouri, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Katrina is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Donald S. Prophete is a trial lawyer who excels at representing large clients in complex and multi-plaintiff race employment discrimination cases. He has handled many high-profile and high-damage cases in the sports, military contractor and retail industries. Don has served as lead trial counsel in all types of employment disputes in federal and state courts in New Hampshire, Kansas, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, including post-decertification wage and h...

Jonathan Sternberg is an appellate lawyer based in Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri, representing businesses and individuals in civil and criminal appeals and related matters before state and federal courts nationwide. His practice is focused exclusively on appellate litigation, including briefing and arguing appeals and related actions and advising trial lawyers on procedural and strategic issues at all stages of a case. Since opening his practice upon his admission to the bar in 2007, Jo...

Reed Martens is a skilled trial attorney and relentless advocate for victims of sexual abuse and personal injury . His ability to secure favorable verdicts and settlements has made him a trusted name in the courtroom. Fighting for Survivors of Sexual Abuse Reed is passionate about helping survivors find their voice and pursue the justice they deserve. His compassionate approach has helped countless victims hold perpetrators and institutions accountable. He treats each case as if it were his o...

Scott S. Bethune is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs, Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Scott S., who practices law in Kansas City, Missouri, has been recognized since 2009. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Scott S. is held by other top lawyers in the sa...

Chris R. Pace is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Chris R., who practices law in Kansas City, Missouri, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Chris R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Robert (“Bobby”) Thrasher was born and raised in Columbia, Missouri. After graduating from Rock Bridge High School, Bobby attended the University of Missouri. He graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree, double majoring in Finance and Banking as well as in Real Estate. While in college, Bobby was deeply involved with the Zeta Phi chapter of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Bobby earned his law degree in 2012 from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Bobby focuses his practi...

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