Multistate law firm with Springfield office changes name

Last edited 1:30 p.m., Jan. 2, 2024 [Editor's note: Two uses of the firm's former name have been updated.]

The attorney who launched the Springfield office of a multistate law firm in 2016 is now part of the company's name.

Kirkland Woods & Martinsen LLP on Jan. 1 changed its name to Kembell Woods & Martinsen LLP, according to a news release. That includes partner Emily J. Kembell of the Springfield office, said John Challis, managing partner of Kembell Woods & Martinsen, via email.

The Kembell Woods & Martinsen moniker also includes Richard D. Woods and Scott K. Martinsen of the firm's Overland Park, Kansas, office, said Challis. Kembell Woods & Martinsen additionally has offices in the Missouri cities of Liberty and St. Louis.

“Our new name celebrates the contributions of our leadership team while reaffirming our dedication to helping clients protect their legacies and navigate complex trust and estate matters," Challis said in the release.

Robert K. Kirkland, who previously was a partner in the firm, started as a shareholder with St. Louis-based Sandberg Phoenix in January, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Kembell Woods & Martinsen's Springfield office operates in the Legacy Bank & Trust Co. building at 3250 E. Sunshine St., according to its website.

Kembell opened the firm's Springfield office in August 2016 after previously working for more than six years as a shareholder at Carnahan Evans PC, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.