Joseph D. “Chip” Sheppard III

Joseph D. “Chip” Sheppard III is an experienced attorney and shareholder with a practice spanning complex litigation, dispute resolution, and high-level business transactions. He serves as chair of the Cannabis/Marijuana Law Group and is a member of the Litigation/Dispute Resolution and Transactional Practice Groups, advising clients across emerging and regulated industries nationwide.

Joseph earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with honors from Missouri State University in 1980. He later received his Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University School of Law in 1983, where he was recognized as an E. Eugene Mason Endowed Scholar. His education supports a practice that blends legal strategy with financial and regulatory insight.

A substantial portion of Joseph’s work focuses on cannabis and hemp law, including medical, adult-use, and micro-business operations. He assists clients with licensing, regulatory compliance, real estate, employment, banking, intellectual property, mergers, and municipal matters, particularly under Missouri’s evolving constitutional and regulatory framework.

Joseph is actively involved in professional and civic leadership. His affiliations include the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association, American Bar Association, The Missouri Bar, International Cannabis Bar Association, and Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association. He has held leadership roles in bar associations, community boards, and judicial committees, reflecting long-standing service to both the profession and the community.

Joseph D. “Chip” Sheppard III is widely recognized for his legal skill, leadership, and influence in complex and emerging areas of law. His practice is defined by strategic judgment, trial experience, and a comprehensive approach to solving sophisticated legal and business challenges.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Carnahan Evans PC
• Board of Directors, Missouri Cannabis Trade Association (MoCannTrade) Governmental Affairs and Health Education and Training Committees
• Member, Missouri Cannabis Industry Association
• Former Board Member & Former President, Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association
• Board Member, Springfield Metropolitan Bar Foundation
• Chairman, Non-Partisan Court Plan Committee
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, The Missouri Bar
• Member, Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association
• Member, International Cannabis Bar Association

Licensed State

• Missouri

Education

• Southern Methodist University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Missouri State University
  BS in Accounting with Honors

Awards & Badges