Best Lawyers Near You in Clayton, Missouri for Trusts and Estates
Joseph Demko is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Joseph practices law in Clayton, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Joseph Demko since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Joseph Demko is held by other lawyers.
Kathleen W. Bilderback is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law and Trusts and Estates. Kathleen W. practices law in Clayton, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Kathleen W. Bilderback since 2020. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects t...
Edward F. Reilly is a Member of Muhm & Reilly, LLC. He received a B.A. degree from the University of Illinois in 1975, a J.D. degree from Washington University in Saint Louis in 1978, and an LL.M. degree (Taxation) from Washington University in Saint Louis in 1986. Mr. Reilly is an Adjunct Professor in the LL.M. program at Washington University School of Law, a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and is an Articles Editor for The Tax Lawyer. He is admitted to practi...
Patricia D. Gray is a partner at Muhm & Reilly, LLC. She received a B.S.N. degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1963 and a J.D. from Washington University in 1981. She is admitted to practice in Missouri and the U.S. Tax Court, and is a member of the Missouri Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Bar Association of Metropolitan Saint Louis and the Women Lawyer’s Association. Ms. Gray is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, a former Adjunc...
Donald Paule has extensive experience representing closely-held businesses and not-for-profit organizations. He advises clients on all aspects of the organization and operation of the client’s business including complex sale, financing, mergers and acquisitions, and real estate development transactions. In addition, an extensive portion of his practice is devoted to tax and estate planning matters for individuals, and business owners, including ownership succession planning.
Betty Schaefer draws on not only her significant knowledge of the St. Louis County Probate Division, where she served as legal counsel, but also her considerable experience in private practice to craft arguments that resonate in probate court. Her deep understanding of the probate and trust codes allows her to guide clients through administration and disputes with efficiency and precision. Betty assists clients with estate and trust administration, trust funding, guardianships, and estate pla...
Debra K. Schuster has practiced Elder and Disability law since 1999, having practiced health law since 1991. Ms. Schuster’s practice focuses on elder law issues , a growing area of law with few experienced practitioners. Ms. Schuster works with and advises social workers, geriatric and care managers, financial planners and accountants, psychiatrists and geriatric physicians about incapacity issues and financial exploitation. Ms. Schuster’s practice focuses on multi-disciplinary co...
John Challis is the Managing Partner at Kembell Woods & Martinsen, where he advocates for individuals and businesses in a wide range of contested matters. With a focus on fiduciary litigation and administration, John is recognized for delivering outstanding results for his clients through negotiation, mediation, and litigation. He counsels clients on fiduciary relationships, disputed administration, will and trust contests, and asset transfer disputes, drawing on substantial trial and ap...
Andrew pairs his experience in tax and estate law with a focus on client responsiveness to help families and businesses structure plans for their valuable assets. He works with clients on an array of estate planning matters, including wealth transfer planning, asset protection planning, and closely-held business succession planning. He frequently assists clients with trust and estate administration. He often advises clients on modifying irrevocable trusts. Additionally, he represents clients ...
Bhavik R. Patel is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Bhavik R. practices law in St. Louis, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Bhavik R. Patel since 2015. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflec...
Keith A. Herman is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law and Trusts and Estates. Keith A. practices law in St. Louis, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Keith A. Herman since 2018. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Keith A. Herman is held by other lawyers.
Mr. Keller is a member in our wealth strategies and corporate practice areas. He concentrates his practice in estate planning, probate and general business, corporate law and succession planning. Mr. Keller is an adjunct professor at the Washington University School of Law in the Master's of Taxation Program where he teaches a class in business succession planning. Mr. Keller is a frequent lecturer and speaker on estate planning, business succession planning and tax issues. He has authored ar...
Bridget Nave is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Trusts and Estates. Bridget practices law in St. Louis, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Bridget Nave since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Bridget Nave is held by other lawyers.
Melissa G. Nolan is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Trusts and Estates. Melissa G. practices law in St. Louis, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Melissa G. Nolan since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Melissa G. Nolan is held by other lawyers.
Lisa M. Adams is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Trusts and Estates. Lisa M. practices law in St. Louis, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Lisa M. Adams since 2019. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Lisa M. Adams is held by other lawyers.
Heidi M. Ottsen is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Trusts and Estates. Heidi M. practices law in St. Louis, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Heidi M. Ottsen since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Heidi M. Ottsen is held by other lawyers.
Our Methodology
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Our methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.
The Process
Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.