Best Lawyers in Missouri, United States for Trusts and Estates

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.

Harvard Muhm approaches his clients in a comprehensive way that transcends formulaic estate planning: Mr. Muhm is known for being independent-minded and an advocate for his clients. His knowledge of the law and experience with a wide variety of investment strategies enables him to bring his clients’ advisors together to work as a team. This multi-disciplinary approach leverages opportunities and enhances the benefits to the clients. Harvard served on the Board of Directors of Big Brothe...

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...

Melissa G. Nolan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Melissa G., who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Melissa G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bhavik R. Patel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Bhavik R., who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Bhavik R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic...

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...

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...

Heidi M. Ottsen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Heidi M., who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Heidi M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Daniel P. Wheeler is a partner with the firm of Kembell Woods & Martinsen LLP. Mr. Wheeler focuses his practice on fiduciary litigation, probate administration, adult and minor guardianships, and mediation in cases throughout Missouri and Kansas. Mr. Wheeler served as a Probate Commissioner for the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri for more than fourteen years. As Probate Commissioner, he presided over family and fiduciary disputes in trust and probate matters, including fiduciary...

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...

Keith A. Herman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law and Trusts and Estates. Keith A., who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Keith A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Stephen Daiker focuses his practice on estate, gift and income tax planning for high net-worth individuals, charitable planned giving, and succession planning for owners of privately-held businesses. He is a frequent speaker on these topics and has written articles for numerous publications, including Taxation for Accountants, taxation for Lawyers, The Florida Bar Journal, The Journal of the Missouri Bar, The Journal of Financial Planning, and the Tax Management Journal of Estates, Gifts and ...

Bridget Nave is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Bridget, who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Bridget is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Elizabeth L. Pack is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Elizabeth L., who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Elizabeth L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Born and raised in mid-Missouri, Stephen Rehagen has a general civil practice focusing primarily on estate planning, probate, and trust administration. Stephen also assists businesses with formation and governance, and he represents companies seeking federal permits to produce or distribute alcohol. Outside of the office, Stephen serves as a board member of the Pregnancy Help Center and is a graduate of the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce Leadership Jefferson City program. Stephen is a mem...