About Our Firm

About Neale & Newman, L.L.P.

Neale & Newman, L.L.P.’s story began over a hundred years ago, when Ben Neale and Charles Newman formed a law partnership in Greenfield, Missouri.

Founding by Ben Neale and Charles Newman

The two founders of Neale & Newman each brought a unique background to the firm. Mr. Neale had graduated from the University of Missouri School of Law in 1902, an impressive fact considering at the time many lawyers “read law” in a lawyer’s office rather than attend law school. However, the firm was not lacking in tradition, as Mr. Newman received his law education in the then traditional manner. Mr. Newman was educated by reading law in the office of an old-time Greenfield attorney, Mr. Mace Talbut. Once Mr. Newman had finished his education with Mr. Talbut, he received his license on the approval of local lawyers. To receive this approval, Mr. Newman took a public oral examination on the first night of the fall term of court, as at the time there was no written bar examination. Both Mr. Neale and Mr. Newman’s unique education backgrounds were essential to the success of the partnership.

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.

Our Civic Commitment

During the last 115 years, attorneys of the firm have devoted a substantial amount of time to politics, bar association work, and civic and educational activities. Mr. Ben M. Neale was chairman of the Missouri Democratic Party during the presidency of Woodrow Wilson. Alongside Mr. Freeman, Mr. Ben Neale and Mr. Newman were Green County Democratic chairmen, and all three men were also president of the Greene County Bar Association at different times. Mr. Paul L. Bradshaw was the Greene County Republican chairman from 1965 to 1970. During his last six years as a State Senator, Mr. Paul L. Bradshaw was the Republican leader in the Senate.

Attorneys in Springfield, MO, Proudly Serving Clients for More Than a Century

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The Firm Today - Neale & Newman, L.L.P.

With the passage of time comes change, and this is true for the firm as well. The firm stayed in the Woodruff Building for more than 55 years, until it was moved to the present offices in One Corporate Centre in July of 1981. As of January 1, 1997, the Firm shortened its name to Neale & Newman, L.L.P. which is still the name of the Firm to this day. Neale & Newman, L.L.P has continued to be considered a distinguished law firm. The Firm has grown during its lifetime to include the practice of virtually all areas of law.

The firm has been honored to serve as counsel to many prominent individuals, as well as corporate counsel to major public corporations including Ozark Air Lines, Inc. and Trans World Airlines, Inc. The firm is home to more than 15 attorneys, who provide representation for many different areas of law.

Neale and Newman, L.L.P. continues to grow and change as it has for over a century. However, even with the changes of time the foundation of the firm has not changed. The attorneys of Neale & Newman, L.L.P. are committed to helping their community, as they continue to adhere to the values of the founders.

The law firm of Neale & Newman, L.L.P. remembers its past as it looks to the future. We hope to continue to serve our community for years to come.

Committed to Helping Our Community

Unique Blend of Experience & Technology
Assisting our clients with a combination of deep experience and current technology.
Comprehensive & Coordinated Representation
Providing cost-effective, multifaceted representation for our clients on a wide range of legal matters.
Generations of Service to Our Southwest Missouri Neighbors
Supporting the legal needs of businesses and individuals since 1903.

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Hear From Our Happy Clients

At Neale & Newman, L.L.P., your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

“The easiest, most comfortable Lawyer I have ever had the pleasure of speaking with and I've spoke with a few!”
Kathleen E.
“The team at Neale & Newman has been with us through every step and we're so thankful.”
“We also appreciate all Neale & Newman staff do to support our community.”

Nicole B.
“They work so hard to ensure that every client gets the best possible outcome!”
My husband and I both hired Kirsten Poppen to help with child custody/parenting plan issues. She was so amazing! She was so punctual, it was super frustrating when the opposing counsel would drag their feet and Kirsten was on top of it and always keeping us updated with every detail. In the past, I have also hired Judson Poppen, who also was a great attorney! They work so hard to ensure that every client gets the best possible outcome! Also, attorneys are not cheap, this is a fact but they were very reasonable and never overcharged for minor things. I have witnessed many attorneys drag their feet and charge insane amounts for nothing because it is all about making money. Kirsten and Judson actually care about their clients, they are not just there for a paycheck. It means so much when you know that the person representing you actually cares about you. HUGE Shout out to her paralegal Sherry! She was wonderful too! She is just an all around good person! They all are!

Amber L.
“Could not recommend more highly.”
Patrick Platter was extremely knowledgeable and helpful with some legal issues related to zoning and planning.

Tim W.
“I’m happy with how everything was handled. Highly recommend!”
Mr Platter, Patrick, very professional and considerate with my case. This was my first time getting a lawyer.

Erika O.
“Melissa Bade, Partner at Neale and Newman, exceeded my expectations in every way.”
“Whether you need guidance with a dissolution, adoption, or estate planning, it’s important to have a trustworthy, strong, and caring attorney to guide you through the legal issues.”

Mike M.

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