Lauren M. Hawkins

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...

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...

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...

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.

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: ...

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.

Bert Twibell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice. Bert, who practices law in Springfield, Missouri, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Bert is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

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.

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.