Kirkland Woods & Martinsen LLP is pleased to announce that thirteen of its attorneys have been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® as leaders in the legal profession for 2025.  Ten of those KWM attorneys were listed in the 2025 Best Lawyers list.  Of those ten, KWM partners Emily J. Kembell, Aaron K. Kirkland, Bob Kirkland, and Scott Martinsen were also recognized as the "Lawyer of the Year" in their respective practices and locations.  Finally, KWM attorneys Joshua Rose, Brandon Oldham, and Shane Rader were listed in the 2025 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch list.  KWM was also again the "Top Listed" law firm for Litigation - Trust and Estates in Missouri having more attorneys (7) ranked by Best Lawyers in that practice area than any other firm in the State.  This is the fifth straight year that KWM has received this distinction.

Since it was first published more than three decades ago, Best Lawyers has become a definitive guide to legal excellence, earning the respect of the profession, the media, and the public as the most reliable, unbiased source of legal referrals.  Lawyers on The Best Lawyers in America list are reviewed by their peers on the basis of professional expertise, and undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in current practice and in good standing.  Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognizes associates and other lawyers who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States.  "We are thrilled with the continued recognition of our attorneys by Best Lawyers" says KWM managing partner John Challis.  "These recognitions are a testament to our firm and our attorneys' commitment to client and community service."

Those attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers are:

• John M. Challis: Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Trusts and Estates, and Commercial Litigation 
• Emily J. Kembell: Tax Law, Trusts and Estates, and Litigation - Trusts and Estates 
• Aaron K. Kirkland: Litigation - Trusts and Estates
• ​Robert K. Kirkland: Trusts and Estates, Litigation - Trusts and Estates, and Litigation and Controversy - Tax 
• Scott K. Martinsen: Trusts and Estates and Litigation - Trusts and Estates 
  
• Andrew M. Mitchell: Tax Law, Trusts and Estates, and Litigation - Trusts and Estates 
• Catherine E. Moore: Trusts and Estates and Litigation - Trusts and Estates
• Robert J. Selsor: Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Commercial Litigation 
• Daniel P. Wheeler: Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates 
• Richard D. Woods: Trusts and Estates and Tax Law 

The attorneys recognized as "One to Watch" by Best Lawyers is:

• Brandon Oldham: Trusts and Estates
• Shane Rader: Trusts and Estates
• Joshua Rose: Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates 

Those attorneys recognized as "Lawyers of the Year" by Best Lawyers are

• Emily J. Kembell: Trusts and Estates in Springfield, Missouri
  
• Aaron K. Kirkland: Litigation - Trusts and Estates in Kansas City, Kansas
• Robert K. Kirkland: Trusts and Estates and Litigation and Controversy - Tax in Kansas City, Missouri
• Scott K. Martinsen: Trusts and Estates in Kansas City, Kansas

To learn more about any of the KWM attorneys referenced above, please click on their names to be taken to their bio pages.  To learn more about any of our professionals, click here.  If you need to contact us by telephone or visit us in person, please see information about our offices here.

ABOUT KIRKLAND WOODS & MARTINSEN LLP
Kirkland Woods & Martinsen LLP focuses its practice on estate planning, administration, litigation, and related matters. The firm has four offices in Liberty, Missouri; Overland Park, Kansas; Springfield, Missouri; and St. Louis, Missouri. The firm has twenty attorneys across these offices and assists individual and business clients in all matters relates to trusts and estates.  More information is available at www.kwm-law.com. ​

ABOUT BEST LAWYERS
Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected lawyer ranking service in the world. For 40 years, Best Lawyers has assisted those in need of legal services to identify the lawyers best qualified to represent them in distant jurisdictions or unfamiliar specialties. Best Lawyers awards are published in leading local, regional and national publications across the globe. Lawyers who are nominated for consideration are voted on by currently recognized Best Lawyers working in the same practice area and located in the same geographic region. Our awards and recognitions are based purely on the feedback we receive from these top lawyers. Those who receive high peer reviews undergo a thorough verification process to make sure they are currently still in private practice. Only then can these top lawyers be recognized by Best Lawyers.

​Kirkland Woods & Martinsen LLP is honored to again be recognized by the elite Chambers and Partners ranking service in its High Net Worth Guide for 2024. For the second year in a row, KWM was the only law firm that received the top "Band One" ranking in both Missouri and Kansas for Private Wealth Law. It is one of only four law firms in Missouri to achieve this ranking and one of only two in Kansas.  

​Chambers identifies and ranks firms and individuals based on the independent efforts of its over 200 research professionals that discuss KWM and other firms with references from across the country.  A ranking from Chambers shows that an attorney or firm stands out in the most rigorous, independent, and in-depth research process of any legal directory on the market, and has emerged as one of the best in their field. In all, five KWM partners were also individually rated.  

​About KWM, those references stated things such as:
​

• "I am thoroughly impressed with the depth and breadth of Kirkland Woods & Martinsen. The synergy within the team was remarkable, with collaborative efforts leading to innovative, effective strategies."
  
• "Kirkland is always in the top three referral firms when clients are looking for trust and estate attorneys."
  
• "We have worked with the Kirkland Woods & Martinsen attorneys for opinions on drafting and litigation due to their extremely high level of competency and expertise."
  
• "The Kirkland Woods & Martinsen team includes experienced partners as well as junior staff, providing a solid bench currently and for their future."

In addition to being ranked as a firm in the top tier, the five KWM partners individually recognized are:

Bob Kirkland was ranked in Band One for Private Wealth Law and is the only Private Wealth attorney recognized by Chambers in the Kansas City, Missouri market.  

Scott Martinsen was ranked in Kansas for Private Wealth Law for the eighth straight year.  Scott has been ranked in Chambers since the inception of the High Net Worth guide.  

Emily Kembell was ranked for the second year in Private Wealth Law.  Emily is the only Private Wealth attorney recognized by Chambers in the Springfiled, Missouri market.  

Robert Selsor was ranked in Band One in Missouri for Private Wealth Disputes for the fifth straight year.  Bob has been ranked by Chambers every year since that publication started ranking Private Wealth Dispute attorneys.

John Challis was also ranked in Band One in Missouri for Private Wealth Disputes for the fourth straight year.  Together, John and Bob represent half of all individuals recognized by Chambers for Private Wealth Disputes and KWM is the only firm with more than one ranked individual.

ABOUT KIRKLAND WOODS & MARTINSEN LLP
Kirkland Woods & Martinsen LLP focuses its practice on estate planning, administration, litigation, and related matters. The firm has four offices in Liberty, Missouri; Overland Park, Kansas; Springfield, Missouri; and St. Louis, Missouri. The firm has twenty attorneys across these offices and assists individual and business clients in all matters relates to trusts and estates.  More information is available at www.kwm-law.com. ​

ABOUT CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS
Chambers and Partners is the leading independent professional legal research company operating across 200 jurisdictions.  Chambers rankings are the definitive mark of excellence across the legal industry. Law firms and individual lawyers are ranked in bands from 1 (highest) to 6 (lowest). Being ranked in any band is a significant achievement.  The Chambers High Net Worth Guide differentiates the best professional advisers for international private wealth by identifying and ranking law firms, lawyers, and a range of other professional advisers globally. The firms and individuals ranked in Chambers High Net Worth understand the complex needs of high net worth individuals and provide specialist advice. 

Kirkland Woods & Martinsen LLP is pleased to announce that St. Louis partner John Challis has been ​selected as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America. ​The LCA is a trial lawyer honorary society composed of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. Fellowship in the LCA is highly selective and by invitation only. Fellows are selected based upon excellence and accomplishment in litigation, both at the trial and appellate levels, and superior ethical reputation.

John is a 2000 graduate of Truman State University who received his Juris Doctor degree magna cum laude from Saint Louis University in 2004.  In addition to being a Fellow of LCA, John is also a Fellow ​in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. As such, he is one of very few who has been recognized for excellence in both trusts and estates law, as well as litigation. The only other attorney who holds both of these distinctions in the State of Missouri is KWM partner Bob Selsor. John is also the Chair of the Missouri Bar Probate and Trust Division and has been ranked as a “Band One” attorney for Private Wealth Disputes by Chambers. John has been named as the “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers for Trust and Estates Litigation, as well as a “Top 100 Lawyer” in Missouri and Kansas a “Top 50 Lawyer” in St. Louis by SuperLawyers on numerous occasions. John serves clients by providing counseling, advice, and litigation support on matters relating to fiduciary relationships, will and trust contests, and all other disputes arising from asset transfer.

ABOUT KIRKLAND WOODS & MARTINSEN LLP:
Kirkland Woods & Martinsen LLP focuses its practice on estate planning, administration, litigation, and related matters. The firm has four offices in Liberty, Missouri; Overland Park, Kansas; Springfield, Missouri; and St. Louis, Missouri. The firm has twenty-one attorneys across these offices and assists individual and business clients in all matters relates to trusts and estates.  More information is available at www.kwm-law.com. ​

ABOUT LCA:
Established as a trial and appellate lawyer honorary society reflecting the American bar in the twenty-first century, the LCA is aggressively diverse in its composition and represents the best in law among its membership. The number of Fellowships has been kept at an exclusive limit by design, allowing qualifications, diversity and inclusion to align effectively, with recognition of excellence in litigation across all segments of the bar. Fellows are generally at the partner or shareholder level, or are independent practitioners with recognized experience and accomplishment. In addition, the LCA is dedicated to promoting superior advocacy, professionalism, and ethical standards among its Fellows. Learn more about LCA at www.litcounsel.org/

Kirkland Woods & Martinsen LLP is pleased to announce that thirteen of its attorneys have been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® as leaders in the legal profession for 2024.  Ten of those KWM attorneys were listed in the 2024 Best Lawyers list.  Of those ten, KWM partners Bob Kirkland, Scott Martinsen, and John Challis were also recognized as the "Lawyer of the Year" in their respective practices and locations.  Finally, KWM attorneys Joshua Rose, Brandon Oldham, and Shane Rader were listed in the 2024 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch list.  KWM was also again the "Top Listed" law firm for Litigation - Trust and Estates in Missouri having more attorneys (7) ranked by Best Lawyers in that practice area than any other firm in the State.  This is the fourth straight year that KWM has received this distinction.

Since it was first published more than three decades ago, Best Lawyers has become a definitive guide to legal excellence, earning the respect of the profession, the media, and the public as the most reliable, unbiased source of legal referrals.  Lawyers on The Best Lawyers in America list are reviewed by their peers on the basis of professional expertise, and undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in current practice and in good standing.  Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognizes associates and other lawyers who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States.  "We are thrilled with the continued recognition of our attorneys by Best Lawyers" says KWM managing partner John Challis.  "These recognitions are a testament to our firm and our attorneys' commitment to client and community service."

Those attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers are:

• John M. Challis: Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Trusts and Estates, and Commercial Litigation 
• Emily J. Kembell: Tax Law, Trusts and Estates, and Litigation - Trusts and Estates 
• Robert K. Kirkland: Trusts and Estates, Litigation - Trusts and Estates, and Litigation and Controversy - Tax 
• Aaron K. Kirkland: Litigation - Trusts and Estates
• Scott K. Martinsen: Trusts and Estates and Litigation - Trusts and Estates 
• Andrew M. Mitchell: Tax Law, Trusts and Estates, and Litigation - Trusts and Estates 
• Catherine E. Moore: Litigation - Trusts and Estates
  
• Robert J. Selsor: Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Commercial Litigation 
• Daniel P. Wheeler: Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates 
• Richard D. Woods: Trusts and Estates and Tax Law 

The attorneys recognized as "One to Watch" by Best Lawyers is:

• Brandon Oldham: Trusts and Estates
  
• Shane Rader: Trusts and Estates
• Joshua Rose: Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates 

Those attorneys recognized as "Lawyers of the Year" by Best Lawyers are:

• John M. Challis: Litigation - Trusts and Estates in St. Louis, Missouri
• Robert K. Kirkland: Litigation - Trusts and Estates in Kansas City, Missouri
• Scott K. Martinsen: Litigation - Trusts and Estates in Kansas City, Kansas

To learn more about any of the KWM attorneys referenced above, please click on their names to be taken to their bio pages.  To learn more about any of our professionals, click here.  If you need to contact us by telephone or visit us in person, please see information about our offices here.

ABOUT KIRKLAND WOODS & MARTINSEN LLP
Kirkland Woods & Martinsen LLP focuses its practice on estate planning, administration, litigation, and related matters. The firm has four offices in Liberty, Missouri; Overland Park, Kansas; Springfield, Missouri; and St. Louis, Missouri. The firm has twenty-one attorneys across these offices and assists individual and business clients in all matters relates to trusts and estates.  More information is available at www.kwm-law.com. ​

ABOUT BEST LAWYERS
Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected lawyer ranking service in the world. For 40 years, Best Lawyers has assisted those in need of legal services to identify the lawyers best qualified to represent them in distant jurisdictions or unfamiliar specialties. Best Lawyers awards are published in leading local, regional and national publications across the globe. Lawyers who are nominated for consideration are voted on by currently recognized Best Lawyers working in the same practice area and located in the same geographic region. Our awards and recognitions are based purely on the feedback we receive from these top lawyers. Those who receive high peer reviews undergo a thorough verification process to make sure they are currently still in private practice. Only then can these top lawyers be recognized by Best Lawyers.

Kirkland Woods & Martinsen LLP is honored to again be recognized by the elite Chambers and Partners ranking service in its High Net Worth Guide for 2023.  This year, KWM was the only law firm that received the top "Band One" ranking in both Missouri and Kansas for Private Wealth Law. It is one of only four law firms in Missouri to achieve this rating and one of only three in Kansas.  Chambers identifies and ranks firms and individuals based on the independent efforts of its over 200 research professionals that discuss KWM and other firms with references from across the country.  In all, five KWM partners were also individually rated.  About KWM, those references stated things such as:

• "Kirkland Woods & Martinsen is one of our go-to firms for highly complex and sophisticated matters for our high net worth clients. Not only do they have a great local team, they have great teams in each of their offices and they are nimble enough to help in every situation needed."
• "There is not a matter that they cannot handle. We have worked with multiple attorneys at the firm and have complete confidence in any attorney we work with."
• "Kirkland Woods & Martinsen is an extremely capable firm with immense talent in estate plans, trust drafting and litigation. They are a very talented and capable team willing to take on highly difficult matters. The firm seemingly has an expert in every aspect of trust and estates law, regardless of the specific area of that concentration. The firm attracts very knowledgeable and seasoned veterans, and it shows throughout their ranks."

In addition to being ranked as a firm in the top tier, five KWM partners were individually recognized.  This total too exceeds any other firm's ranked attorneys in Missouri and Kansas.  They are:

Scott Martinsen was ranked in Band One in Kansas for Private Wealth Law for the seventh straight year.  About Scott, the references remarked that "Scott is a superior technician and has amazing client relationship management."  And also that "When you have a client with sophisticated needs, you go to Scott."

Robert Selsor was ranked in Band One in Missouri for Private Wealth Disputes for the fourth straight year.  In discussing Bob, one reference stated: "I can't say enough good things about Bob Selsor. His level of intelligence and professionalism is extraordinary."

John Challis was also ranked in Band One in Missouri for Private Wealth Disputes for the third straight year.  "John Challis is smart, analytical and is always thinking a step ahead. He is aware of trending issues in this area of the law and how it may impact a particular matter."

Bob Kirkland was the only attorney ranked in Kansas City Missouri for Private Wealth Law.  In discussing Bob, one market commentator stated: "I think the world of him. He is extremely sharp, has such a good bedside manner, keeps great client relations, and is very thorough and responsive."

Emily Kembell was the only attorney ranked in Springfield Missouri for Private Wealth Law.  References stated that "Emily is very professional and very respected in our estate planning community," and that "Emily is one of my go-to referrals for complex estate planning situations."

ABOUT KIRKLAND WOODS & MARTINSEN LLP
Kirkland Woods & Martinsen LLP focuses its practice on estate planning, administration, litigation, and related matters. The firm has four offices in Liberty, Missouri; Overland Park, Kansas; Springfield, Missouri; and St. Louis, Missouri. The firm has twenty attorneys across these offices and assists individual and business clients in all matters relates to trusts and estates.  More information is available at www.kwm-law.com. ​

Kirkland Woods & Martinsen LLP has once again been ranked in the 2023 U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" list.  The firm was awarded a "Tier 1" metropolitan ranking in each of its four offices - the highest designation given.  In addition, the firm was recognized nationally.

Firms included in the 2023 U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. Achieving a ranking signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise and recognizes the high level of respect a firm has earned among other leading lawyers and clients for their abilities, professionalism, and integrity. To be eligible for a “Best Law Firms” ranking, a firm must have a lawyer recognized in The Best Lawyers in America©, which honors only 5% of lawyers practicing in the United States. KWM's "Best Law Firms" ranking is supported by eight attorneys who are individually recognized as “Best Lawyers in America," and one attorney recognized on the Best Lawyers "Ones to Watch" list.

​
Kirkland Woods & Martinsen LLP received the following rankings in the 2023 U.S. News – Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms":
​
Trusts & Estates Law

• National Tier 2
• Regional Tier 1 - Kansas City, MO
• Regional Tier 1 - Kansas City, KS
• Regional Tier 1 - St. Louis, MO
• Regional Tier 3 - Springfield, MO

Litigation - Trusts & Estates

• Regional Tier 1 - Kansas City, MO
• Regional Tier 1 - Kansas City, KS
• Regional Tier 1 - St. Louis, MO
• Regional Tier 1 - Springfield, MO

Commercial Litigation

• Regional Tier 2 - St. Louis, MO

ABOUT KIRKLAND WOODS & MARTINSEN LLP
Kirkland Woods & Martinsen LLP focuses its practice on estate planning, administration, litigation, and related matters. The firm has four offices in Liberty, Missouri; Overland Park, Kansas; Springfield, Missouri; and St. Louis, Missouri. The firm has twenty attorneys across these offices and assists individual and business clients in all matters relates to trusts and estates.  More information is available at www.kwm-law.com. ​

ABOUT "BEST LAW FIRMS"
The U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys in the field, and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process. To be eligible for a 2023 ranking, a law firm must have at least one lawyer recognized in the 13th edition of The Best Lawyers in America® list for that particular location and specialty.

ABOUT U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower people to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives. A digital news and information company focused on Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars and News, USNews.com provides consumer advice, rankings and analysis to serve people making complex decisions throughout all stages of life. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

ABOUT BEST LAWYERS
Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected lawyer ranking service in the world. For 40 years, Best Lawyers has assisted those in need of legal services to identify the lawyers best qualified to represent them in distant jurisdictions or unfamiliar specialties. Best Lawyers awards are published in leading local, regional and national publications across the globe. Lawyers who are nominated for consideration are voted on by currently recognized Best Lawyers working in the same practice area and located in the same geographic region. Our awards and recognitions are based purely on the feedback we receive from these top lawyers. Those who receive high peer reviews undergo a thorough verification process to make sure they are currently still in private practice. Only then can these top lawyers be recognized by Best Lawyers.