Emily J. Kembell, Tax Attorney in Springfield, Missouri
Over 23 years of legal practice · focused on Tax and Trusts
Springfield, MO
Practicing tax in Springfield since 2003.
- 23+
- Years practicing
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Emily J. Kembell?
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Quick answer
Emily J. Kembell is an attorney based in Springfield, MISSOURI. The practice focuses on Tax and Trusts. Emily has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kembell Woods & Martinsen LLP.
- Based in
- Springfield, MISSOURI
- Experience
- over 23 years
- Known for
- Tax · Trusts
- Handles Tax and Trusts matters from Springfield, MISSOURI.
- Over 23 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Trusts and Estates, Springfield (MO) (2025).
About Emily J. Kembell: Emily J. Kembell is an attorney based in Springfield, MISSOURI. The practice focuses on Tax and Trusts. Emily has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kembell Woods & Martinsen LLP.
Areas of practice
Emily's practice areas in Springfield
Emily concentrates on tax and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Emily handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Tax cases in Springfield, Missouri
Emily takes tax matters in Springfield, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Emily agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Springfield, Missouri
Emily takes trusts matters in Springfield, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Emily agrees to represent you.
Biography
Emily J. Kembell, tax attorney serving Springfield
Emily J. Kembell is an attorney based in Springfield, MISSOURI. The practice focuses on Tax and Trusts. Emily has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kembell Woods & Martinsen LLP. Emily works from Springfield, Missouri and takes on tax matters across the region.
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 regional bank’s trust department. Prior to taking that position, Emily was a shareholder in a local Springfield firm, where she practiced in the estates and trusts practice area for several years. Ms. Kembell began her legal career in New York City with the law firms of Gibson, Dunn, & Crutcher, LLP and McLaughlin & Stern, LLP. She came home to Springfield in 2007.
A Springfield native, Ms. Kembell received her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A & M University where she graduated summa cum laude. She received both her Juris Doctor degree and L.L.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law.
Ms. Kembell is extremely active in the Springfield community, as she previously served as the Board President of Child Advocacy Center (CAC) and is currently serving as a board member of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks where she helped launch a “next gen” giving circle, known as the Generosity Collective. She has previously served on several other local charitable boards. She was a prior Co-Chair of the Planning Committee of the Missouri Bar's Annual Estate, Trust & Elder Law Institute, a current member of Greene County Estate Planning Council (GCEPC), and a frequent speaker at several Missouri and Arkansas Bar Associations' CLE Courses.
Emily's approach to tax cases
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…
The kind of cases Emily takes
Emily reviews new inquiries case-by-case for tax and trusts matters in Springfield and the surrounding Missouri area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Emily studied and practices
New York University
LL.M. - Taxation · 2006
New York University
JD · 2003
Jurisdictions
Emily's state bar admissions
Arkansas
2011 · ACTIVE
Missouri
2008 · ACTIVE
New York
2003 · ACTIVE
Emily studied at LL.M. - Taxation in New York University and JD in New York University.
Law school and academic background
Emily completed LL.M. - Taxation in New York University and JD in New York University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Emily runs in Missouri is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Emily's legal honors and published work
Emily has received 11 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Trusts and Estates, Springfield (MO)
2025
Lawyer of the Year — Trusts and Estates, Springfield (MO)
2022
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Fellow, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (“ACTEC”)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Springfield's 40 Under 40 in 2011
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Leadership Springfield, Class XXV
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Missouri Lawyers' Weekly - Women's Justice Award recipient
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Co-Chair of the Planning Committee for the Missouri Bar's Estate, Trust & Elder Law Institute in 2018 & 2019
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Trusts and Estates, Springfield (MO) (2025). Lawyer of the Year — Trusts and Estates, Springfield (MO) (2022). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026).
Locations
Emily J. Kembell's office in Springfield
Emily's primary office is at 3250 East Sunshine Street, Suite 310, Springfield, Missouri, 65804. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Kembell Woods & Martinsen LLP
3250 East Sunshine Street, Suite 310
Springfield, Missouri 65804
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Client reviews of Emily J. Kembell
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Emily J. Kembell — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new tax attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Emily usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Emily charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Emily's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Emily will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a tax attorney in Springfield, Missouri
A short list to run through before you commit: How many tax matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Emily
Emily discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in tax practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every tax matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Emily confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Emily's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many tax practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Emily J. Kembell
How much does it cost to hire Emily for a tax case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Emily walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Emily offer a free consultation?
Emily charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Emily's office. Some tax attorneys offer free consults — check Emily's current terms during booking.
How long do tax cases in Missouri typically take?
Simple tax matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Emily gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Emily take my case if I'm outside Springfield?
Emily is licensed in Missouri. Matters governed by Missouri law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Emily will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Emily?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Emily will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Emily accepting new tax clients right now?
Emily's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Tax attorneys serving Springfield, St Louis and Jefferson City in Missouri
Emily handles tax matters throughout Missouri. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified tax attorneys in that community.
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If Emily's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these tax attorneys in Springfield handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





