Our Attorneys

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What Sets Our Attorneys Apart

  1. Experience You Can Trust
    From complex litigation to everyday legal matters, our attorneys bring a depth of knowledge and proven results to every case.

  2. Client-Centered Representation
    We don’t just handle cases — we serve people. Our attorneys are committed to understanding your story, your goals, and your best interests.

  3. Strong Advocacy in Every Courtroom
    Whether negotiating across the table or arguing before a judge, our attorneys are skilled advocates who stand firm for our clients’ rights.

Jacob M. Chinnery, Managing Attorney

Jacob M. Chinnery is the founder and managing attorney of The Law Office of Jacob M. Chinnery, LLC, serving clients across Crawford, Franklin, Phelps, Dent, and Pulaski Counties. Raised in Missouri, Jacob built his practice on small-town values, strong advocacy, and a commitment to helping people through life’s toughest legal challenges.

Jacob represents clients in a wide range of matters, including personal injury, family law, criminal defense, estate planning, bankruptcy, employment law, and traffic cases. Known for his clear communication and relentless preparation, he prides himself on being not just an attorney, but a trusted advocate who stands beside his clients from start to finish.

Before opening his firm, Jacob gained valuable experience clerking in private practice and working in municipal and county courts, giving him firsthand knowledge of how Missouri’s legal system operates at every level. His blend of courtroom skill and practical problem-solving allows him to navigate cases with efficiency and determination.

When he isn’t practicing law, Jacob is deeply involved in his local community. He and his wife, Sarah, are proud to call Crawford County home, where they raise their family and take part in local service and outreach.

Education

  • J.D., Mitchell Hamline School of Law (May 2025)

  • B.B.A., Maryville University, summa cum laude

Bar Admissions

  • Missouri - July 2025

Jose Morales, Attorney at Law

José Morales is an Associate Attorney with The Law Office of Jacob M. Chinnery, LLC.

Before joining our firm, José gained experience in both civil and criminal matters, developing skills in legal research, negotiation, courtroom advocacy, and case management. His background enables him to handle complex legal challenges with confidence and attention to detail.

José is admitted to practice in the State of Missouri. He holds a J.D. from The University of South Dakota School of Law and earned his undergraduate degree from University of California, Berkeley.

When not at work, José is active in his community, volunteering locally and staying engaged in continuing legal education to stay at the forefront of developments affecting his clients.

He believes strongly that clients deserve clear communication, respect, and representation they can trust from first consultation to resolution.

Stephen Paulus, Attorney of Counsel

Stephen Paulus serves as Attorney Of Counsel with The Law Office of Jacob M. Chinnery, LLC. With over two decades of experience practicing law in Missouri, Steve brings seasoned judgment and a wealth of knowledge to the firm’s clients.

As Of Counsel, Steve provides strategic guidance and legal support across a wide range of civil matters, drawing on his extensive background in civil litigation, municipal law, and general practice. His experience in both state and federal courts gives the firm added depth in handling complex cases.

Steve earned his law degree from Tulane Law School and was admitted to the Missouri Bar in 1993. Over his career, he has built a reputation for integrity, practical solutions, and commitment to the communities he serves.

By serving in an Of Counsel role, Steve strengthens the firm’s ability to deliver trusted advocacy while mentoring and collaborating with the attorneys and staff of the practice.