John M. Carnahan III

John M. Carnahan III focuses his practice on tax planning, corporate transactions, estate planning, and business succession planning for family-owned enterprises. He advises clients on complex financial decisions, long-term planning goals, and transactional structures, delivering practical guidance that supports growth, continuity, and compliance across varied business and personal planning needs.

John earned a B.S. in 1971 from Southwest Missouri State University, building an early foundation in analytical thinking. He later completed a J.D., cum laude, 1974 at the University of Missouri, where he served as a Law Review Editor and competed on the National Moot Court Team as a member of the Order of Coif.

John provides counsel across tax and estate planning matters, corporate structuring, real estate transactions, financial institution organization, and regulatory compliance. His work frequently involves guiding clients through acquisitions, sales of businesses, and succession strategies, with careful attention to tax efficiency, risk management, and long-term operational stability.

John has contributed to the legal profession through writing and editorial service, including work with the Missouri Law Review, the Current Case Development ABA Section of S Corporations, and The Tax Lawyer. He has also instructed continuing legal education programs and maintained active leadership within bar association activities.

John is a Fellow Member of the American College of Tax Counsel and served as Regent for the 8th Circuit, reflecting peer recognition in tax practice. He was confirmed by the Missouri Senate to the University of Missouri Board of Curators, representing the Seventh Congressional District.

John has received ongoing professional recognition, including inclusion on the Missouri-Kansas “Super Lawyers®” list since 2006. He was named to the Missouri Lawyers Media POWER List Top Missouri Tax & Estate Planning Attorneys and the POWER List Top 100 Missouri Tax & Estate Planning Attorneys, and was recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®.

John M. Carnahan III approaches client matters with clarity, discipline, and a strong focus on practical outcomes. He helps individuals and businesses address complex tax concerns, plan for future transitions, and structure transactions with confidence, offering steady guidance designed to protect assets, support continuity, and achieve durable planning solutions for clients nationwide.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Carnahan Evans PC
• Member, Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association, Taxation, Business Law, and Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section
• Chairman, The Missouri Bar, Taxation Committee (1984-1985)

Licensed State

• Missouri

Education

• University of Miami
  Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation
• University of Missouri
  Juris Doctor (JD) Cum Laude
• Southwest Missouri State University
  Bachelor of Science

Awards & Badges