MoveMakers and NewsMakers for July 14, 2026

St. Louis

Michael A. Wolff, former Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court, has joined the Clayton office of Mantese Honigman, PC, as Of Counsel. Wolff brings his considerable expertise and wealth of legal knowledge to the firm, and especially his acumen on appellate practice. Mantese Honigman, PC is a leader in shareholder and member disputes and litigates business breakup litigation in courts around the country.

Michael Wolff received his BA from Dartmouth College and JD from The University of Minnesota Law School. He started his profession as a law clerk in the US District Court, in Minneapolis. His legal career has included a wide variety of practice, litigation, academic, governmental, and judicial experiences.

After serving 13 years on the Missouri Supreme Court, including as Chief Justice, Mr. Wolff returned to the faculty of Saint Louis University School of Law, and thereafter was appointed the Dean of the Law School.

Wolff, a prolific writer and speaker, was a principal author of Federal Jury Practice and Instruction (Devitt, Blackmar, Wolff & O'Malley) used throughout the country by judges and lawyers in federal courts. He was additionally honored to be a Lecturer at the 14th Annual Justice William J. Brennan, Jr., Memorial Lecture on State Courts & Social Justice, in New York City. Wolff is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the Saint Louis University School of Law's Fleur de Lis Award, Lawyer of the Year by Missouri Lawyer's Weekly, and The Missouri Bar's Theodore McMillan Judicial Excellence Awardee.

St. Louis-based law firm Lewis Rice is pleased to welcome Brendan G. Horton as an associate in the firm’s Trust & Estates Practice Group. Horton concentrates his practice on developing and implementing comprehensive estate plans. He regularly advises individuals, families and business owners on business succession and transition planning, helping align estate strategies with clients’ long-term personal and financial goals. Horton also manages probate and trust administration matters from start to finish and prepares federal and state gift and estate tax returns. Additionally, he assists clients with business formation and provides guidance on entity structure and governance as part of an integrated approach to estate and business planning. 

“Brendan’s background in estate planning and trust administration makes him a strong addition to our Trust & Estates team,” said Lewis Rice Chairman Richard B. Walsh Jr. “We are pleased to welcome him to the firm and look forward to the contributions he will make to our clients and our practice.” 

Horton earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from Belmont University in 2019 before receiving his law degree and Master of Business Administration from the University of 
Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law in 2022. He is a member of the Estate Planning Council of St. Louis.