About Neale & Newman, L.L.P.

1920s — Springfield Office Opens

The partnership between Mr. Neale and Mr. Newman experienced a brief hiatus, when Mr. Newman left to join the Frisco Railroad in 1923 as a valuation attorney. The hiatus did not last long, as it was only two years later that Mr. Newman rejoined Mr. Neale. During that two year period, Mr. Neale had opened an office in Springfield, Missouri, located in the Landers Building. At the time of Mr. Newman’s return the office was moved to the Woodruff Building. Mr. Neale and Mr. Newman continued to maintain the Greenfield office, with one of the attorneys visiting at least once a week, until World War II.

1930s — Harry Neale and Flavius Freeman Join the Firm

The firm continued to grow, with the addition of Mr. Neale’s son, Harry G. Neale, and Flavius B. Freeman on January 1, 1936. Mr. Harry G. Neale had followed in his father’s footsteps and graduated from the University of Missouri School of Law in 1931. He brought strong real estate law experience to the firm, as he had previously spent three years as a regional attorney for the federal government’s Home Owner’s Loan Corporation, which made many loans during the Great Depression.

Mr. Freeman was also an alum of the University of Missouri School of Law, class of 1935. Mr. Freeman joined the firm a year after he completed his education. Mr. Freeman held a number of positions throughout his lifetime, including but not limited to: chairman of the Democratic Central Committee, chairman of the Missouri Bar Trustees, and chairman of the University of Missouri Law School Foundation. Mr. Freeman, along with his wife, endowed several different scholarships at Drury University. Alongside his other titles, Mr. Freeman was also named a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation in 1973, and received the Missouri Bar President’s Award in 1981. Mr. Freeman retired from the firm in 1986, and passed away in 1995.

1940s and 50s — The Firm Welcomes Jean Paul and Paul L. Bradshaw

In 1940, the name of the firm became Neale, Newman, Neale & Freeman. A decade after the name change, on January 1, 1951, Mr. Jean Paul Bradshaw joined the firm. Mr. Bradshaw, a 1929 graduate of the University of Missouri School of Law, had been a State Highway Commission attorney for six years. After his time at the State Highway department, Mr. Bradshaw had built a successful private practice in Lebanon, Missouri. Upon his arrival to the firm, the name changed to Neale, Newman, Bradshaw, Freeman & Neale. Mr. Bradshaw was prominent in Republican politics, and was once a candidate for Governor of Missouri and later the United States Senate. In 1970, Mr. Bradshaw passed away.

Mr. Bradshaw’s son, Paul L. Bradshaw, joined the firm in 1956. Previously he had served two years as a judge advocate in the United States Air Force. Mr. Paul Bradshaw was one of the premier attorneys in Southwest Missouri. He was a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. He also followed his father into politics and was a highly respected State Senator. Mr. Paul Bradshaw was a partner with the firm until he died in 1986.

1960s — The Firm Becomes Neale, Newman, Bradshaw, & Freeman

Following the deaths of Mr. Neale in 1966 and Mr. Newman in 1968, Harry G. Neale retired from practice to become president of what was known as the Safety Federal Savings & Loan in Springfield. The firm name then became Neale, Newman, Bradshaw, & Freeman.

2023 - The Law Firm of Neale and Newman LLP Announces Expansion

Daniel Wooten, Managing Partner of Neale and Newman, L.L.P., a full-service law firm in Springfield, MO, is proud to announce that effective October 1, 2023, the Branson-based firm of Cantwell, Smith & Trokey, LLC. will become part of Neale and Newman LLP and Kate Trokey-Harris will join Neale and Newman as a partner. 

This expansion represents a milestone in the 120-year history of Neale and Newman as the firm extends its reach beyond Greene County, Missouri for the first time since its founding in 1903. The firm’s leadership is enthusiastic about the Branson office, which reflects Neale and Newman’s commitment to provide exceptional legal services to southwest Missouri and beyond.