MoveMakers and NewsMakers for September 2, 2025

St. Louis

Kembell Woods & Martinsen LLP (KWM), a leading boutique law firm in estate planning, administration, and litigation across Missouri and Kansas, is delighted to announce that Betty Hartzel Schaefer has joined the firm’s St. Louis office.

With a distinguished background in private practice and as legal counsel to the St. Louis County Probate Court, Schaefer brings a deep understanding of probate and trust law issues to KWM. Her capacity to assess complex issues with clarity and perspective makes her a highly effective advocate and counselor in probate and trust matters.

“I am delighted to join KWM,” Schaefer said. “The firm shares my professional and personal values of collaboration, integrity, and respect. Here, I will continue helping clients navigate the legal and practical complexities of estate and trust matters efficiently and effectively.”

Betty joins KWM as a trusted advisor in a broad range of services – including estate and trust administration, estate planning, guardianships, and fiduciary litigation. Her experience extends to being appointed by courts as a mediator, neutral party, and special fiduciary in estate and trust controversies. Schaefer also regularly advises financial institutions on their obligations in probate and trust administration as corporate fiduciaries.

“By welcoming Betty to our St. Louis office, we’re strengthening our capacity to serve clients with both deep legal knowledge and local insight,” said John Challis, Managing Partner of KWM. “Her combination of expertise and experience adds an invaluable voice to our team.”

Betty Schaefer’s arrival underscores KWM’s commitment to our clients to bring both legal acumen and personal care to the table. Her addition enhances the firm’s ability to meet client needs with precision, compassion, and regional savvy.