Emily J. Kembell

Description

Professional Overview

Emily J. Kembell is a partner at Kembell Woods & Martinsen LLP. Her practice focuses on estate planning, trust and probate administration, transfer tax planning, business succession planning, and guardianships for both adults and minors. She works closely with individuals and families to help manage, protect, and transfer assets in a clear and organised way.

Emily is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), a recognition given to leading professionals in trust and estate law.

Areas of Practice

Primary Practice Areas

• Estate Planning
• Trust Administration
• Probate Administration
• Transfer Tax Planning
• Business Succession Planning
• Adult and Minor Guardianships
• Trusts and Estates Litigation

Professional Experience

Before joining Kembell Woods & Martinsen LLP, Emily served as Chief Regional Administrative Officer and Trust Counsel at a regional bank’s trust department in Springfield. Before that role, she was a shareholder at a local Springfield law firm, where she practised in estate and trust law for several years.

Emily began her legal career in New York City, working with the law firms of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP and McLaughlin & Stern, LLP. She returned to Springfield in 2007 to continue her legal practice and serve her local community.

Education

Master of Laws (LL.M.) – Taxation

New York University School of Law, 2006

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

New York University School of Law, 2003

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Texas A & M University, summa cum laude

Professional Memberships & Community Involvement

Legal & Professional Memberships

• Fellow, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC)
• Member, Greene County Estate Planning Council (GCEPC)

Community Leadership

• Board Member, Community Foundation of the Ozarks
• Founder Supporter, Generosity Collective (“Next Gen” Giving Circle)
• Former Board President, Child Advocacy Centre (CAC)

Bar & Education Involvement

• Co-Chair, Missouri Bar’s Estate, Trust & Elder Law Institute Planning Committee (2018 & 2019)
• Frequent Speaker at Missouri and Arkansas Bar Association CLE Programs

Honors & Recognition

Lawyer of the Year – Best Lawyers®

• Trusts and Estates, Springfield, Missouri (2025)
• Trusts and Estates, Springfield, Missouri (2022)

Best Lawyers in America® Recognition (2026)

• Trusts and Estates
• Litigation – Trusts and Estates
• Tax Law

Additional Awards

• Springfield’s 40 Under 40 (2011)
• Leadership Springfield, Class XXV
• Missouri Lawyers’ Weekly – Women’s Justice Award Recipient