Attorneys at Chinnery Evans & Nail
Gayle Evans
Gayle Evans has practiced law for over 40 years, concentrating in the areas of estate planning, corporate law, real estate, and employee stock ownership plans.
Having accumulated Malcom Gladwell’s 10,000 hours, Gayle enjoys putting her expertise to work assisting her clients, and sharing with the lay and legal community alike by speaking frequently at national estate planning and tax forums, including Duke University, the Mountain States Tax Conference, and the American Law-Institute-American Bar Association Estate and Gift Tax Seminar.
She has written a number of works, including Estate Planning for the Family Business Owner, published by the AICPA; chapters on Estate Planning for Business Owners and Retirement Plan Distributions for Missouri Estate Planning published by the Missouri Bar; and ESOPs for The Practical Tax Lawyer.
She received her bachelor's and master's degrees (cum laude) from the University of Missouri - Columbia, and received her law degree (with distinction) from the University of Missouri - Kansas City, where she was Articles Editor of the Law Review and appointed to the Order of the Bench and Robe.
When not helping her clients, you may find her immersed in British mysteries, doting on grandchildren, golfing or raising chickens.
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Molly Nail
Molly has practiced with the firm since 1999. This longevity has allowed her to counsel many clients with equal doses of humor, humility, and straightforward, no-nonsense advice. She especially enjoys hearing clients say, “Well that wasn’t so bad!” after initial consultations.
She graduated from Vanderbilt University with a bachelor's degree and received her law degree from the University of Missouri at Columbia. Molly is a member of the Missouri Bar, the Kansas Bar, the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, the Greater Kansas City Estate Planning Society, and the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys. She has been named both a Rising Star and subsequently Super Lawyer by the Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine and KC Magazine since 2008.
She is active in the legal community, having served on the Trust & Probate Committee of the Missouri Bar and has been an adjunct professor at Avila University in the Paralegal Studies Program. When she is not spending time with her husband and their two boys, Molly gives back to the community by serving as a member of the Truman Medical Center Charitable Foundation Board, the UMKC Dental School’s Rinehart Foundation Board, the ReDiscover Foundation Board, and as a past president of the Lee's Summit Rotary Club. She is also a sucker for dogs, live music and sporting events. She is responsible for the family’s latest unplanned Wayside Waifs adoption and has visited over half of the MLB ballparks.
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Andrew Felker
Andrew S. Felker’s sensible, problem-solving approach makes him a favorite with the firm’s clients and business partners alike. He brings his expertise and passion to aspiring and experienced business owners in need of legal guidance. Andrew walks with individuals and families as they navigate the intimate, and often difficult, decisions associated with drafting a will or trust or planning for the possibility of disability, and he often helps clients piece together the subtle complexities of a real estate transaction.
Andrew's commitment to clients spills over into the community. Since joining Chinnery Evans & Nail in 2013, Andrew has played an active part in Lee's Summit Chamber, participating in the Chamber's 2013 class of Leadership Lee's Summit and currently serves on the Chamber's Board of Directors. He is an immediate past-member of the Chamber's Executive Committee where he served as vice-chair of business and economic development. Andrew has served on and believes in the community-enriching programs and missions of Lee’s Summit CARES and Pro Deo Youth Center. He currently serves as a member of Lee's Summit Medical Center's Board of Trustees. Andrew has also played an active role in his neighborhood's homeowners' association, serving on its Board of Directors as well.
Andrew maintains professional associations that enrich his ability to provide meaningful legal advice to clients. For a number of years, Andrew has served on the Kansas City Estate Planning Symposium's committee for Estate Planning Fundamentals, a program that provides quality instruction to attorneys new to estate planning or in need of a basic refresher; he served as Program Chair for the 2017-2018 programs and currently co-chairs the committee. Andrew presently serves as a member of the Kansas City Estate Planning Symposium's board of directors. Andrew is a member of the Kansas City Estate Planning Society and the American Bar Association, and he serves as a board member of, and has chaired, the Kansas City Chapter of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society.
Before joining Chinnery, Evans & Nail, Andrew administered trusts and estates for UMB Bank's Private Wealth Management division, and gained valuable perspective about how will and trust planning is actually carried out. He studied at the University of Missouri at Columbia where he received his bachelor's degree (with honors) and his law degree. Before law school, Andrew coordinated media relations for legislators in the Missouri House of Representatives' Communications Department. While in law school, he was the Associate Managing Editor for the Journal of Dispute Resolution, the president of the student chapter of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society and a clerk in a local law firm. Andrew is an Eagle Scout.
Despite his many professional and civic commitments, Andrew remains committed to his family and faith. You’ll see him sometimes strolling through Downtown Lee’s Summit with kids in tow. At other times, he is cheering on--or coaching--a daughter on the soccer field or volleyball court. When he has his wish, he’s likely at home in the throes of a wrestling match with toddlers or trying to double-bounce big kids on the trampoline. Better yet, he might be lost in a good book or just passing time in conversation with his wife, Sarah.
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Casey Crawford
Casey G. Crawford is a long-time resident of the Kansas City area, attending Blue Valley North High School in Overland Park, Kansas and graduating from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a bachelor’s degree (with honors) in Political Science. While in college, Casey was a member of the Men’s Basketball team at the University of Colorado at Boulder, playing professional international basketball in Europe and Asia after graduation.
Casey attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, graduating with honors. While in law school, Casey was a member of the UMKC Law Review, was a research assistant for Dean Nancy Levit, served on the Law Review Board as a Comments Editor, and participated in many other student organizations. Casey made the Dean’s List, received the Top Appellate Advocate award, and was a recipient of the Judge David T. and Hope Cavanaugh Scholarship.
After law school, Casey practiced with a prominent civil defense firm, practicing in the areas of insurance defense, personal injury, subrogation, contractual analysis, insurance investigation and real estate. After joining Chinnery, Evans & Nail in 2018, Casey focused his practice on civil litigation, general business and real estate law, probate, and estate planning. Casey is licensed to practice in the Missouri and Kansas state courts, as well as the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri and the United States District Court for Kansas.
In 2017, Casey was recognized as an “Up and Coming” lawyer and awarded the “Law Firm Leader” by the Missouri Lawyers Media Association. In 2019 and 2020, Casey was nominated and recognized as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers magazine, receiving special recognition in business litigation. Casey has litigated and tried cases in both federal and state courts, handling numerous bench and jury trials on behalf of clients.
Casey is active in the community, having previously during law school been an assistant basketball coach at Lee’s Summit High School, and a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus Council #6819, achieving in 2020 the honor of a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. Casey is also a member of the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce (2017 – Present), Advisory Board Member for the Truman Heartland Community Foundation (2019 – Present), Lee’s Summit Rotary Club (2018-Present), President of Legacy Wood Property Owners’ Association (2020 – Present) and was appointed (2018 – Present) by the Mayor of Lee’s Summit to serve as a member of the Board for the Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation.
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Corey Henry
Corey Henry was born and raised in Lee’s Summit and has remained a long-time resident of the Kansas City area, attending Archbishop O’Hara High School in Kansas City, Missouri, and graduating from the University of Missouri – Kansas City with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice. While in college, Corey was active in Pi Sigma Alpha, the Political Science Honor Society, as well as Alpha Phi Sigma, the Criminal Justice Honor Society.
Corey attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. While in law school, Corey participated in various student organizations including the UMKC Law Review and the UMKC Urban Lawyer. While in Law School, Corey made the Dean’s List and was also president of the Law School Emissaries.
After law school, Corey was in-house counsel for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners where he learned the intricacies of state-based insurance regulation as well as the unique practice of representing one client. Following his practice with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Corey went to work in a prominent and successful boutique law firm in Lee’s Summit, practicing in the areas of municipal law, economic development, and real estate. Joining Chinnery, Evans & Nail in 2021, Corey focuses his practice on civil litigation, general business and real estate law, probate, and estate planning. Corey is licensed to practice in the Missouri and Kansas state courts, as well as the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri and the United States District Court for Kansas.
Corey's commitment to clients spills over into the community. Corey has played an active part in Lee's Summit Chamber of Commerce, participating in the Chamber's 2021 class of Leadership Lee's Summit. Corey currently serves on the Board of Directors of Meals on Wheels Lee’s Summit and is a new member of the Rotary Club in Lee’s Summit.
Despite his many professional and civic commitments, Corey remains committed to his family and faith. Corey and his family are long-time Parishioners of Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church. Corey is also active in the Knights of Columbus and is a member of the Catholic Guild of Lawyers – Kansas City. Corey and his wife, Ashley, live in Lee’s Summit, and have two wonderful children: Michael and Stella. Corey and his family are big fans of all things Kansas City, specifically, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas City Royals, and all things barbeque.
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Rebecca Henderson
Rebecca Henderson was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas. Even at a young age, she knew she wanted to be an attorney. While law school was always the plan, she also fiercely competed in volleyball. She received a scholarship to play volleyball at Johnson County Community College, and then graduated from Pittsburg State University with a bachelor’s degree (with honors) in Strategic Communications and Political Science.
Driven by her passion for the law, Rebecca attended the University of Kansas School of Law. She received the CALI Award for Excellence in several classes, including Elder Law. She also distinguished herself as a leader in the legal community. She served as the President of the Student Bar Association where she advocated for student interests and fostered a collaborative environment. Additionally, Rebecca served as the President for the Ambassadors program, representing the law school and assisting prospective students in their journey towards legal education.
Rebecca went to work at a prominent law firm in Topeka, Kansas, where she sharpened her legal writing and gained experience guiding clients through the legal process of business transactions, estate planning and probate. She served on the board for the Women’s Attorney’s Association of Topeka and the Topeka Bar Association Young Lawyer’s Division. Joining Chinnery, Evans & Nail in 2023, Rebecca focuses her practice on business and commercial law, real estate law, probate, and estate planning. Rebecca is licensed to practice in the Missouri and Kansas state courts, as well as the United States District Court for Kansas.
A dedicated member of the legal community, Rebecca actively engages with professional organizations, including the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association and the Association for Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City. Outside of her professional pursuits, she maintains an active lifestyle, participating in various sports leagues such as volleyball, softball, and kickball. Additionally, Rebecca is an avid traveler, aspiring to explore different cultures and cuisines around the world.
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Betsy Lynch
Betsy Lynch, is a proactive problem solver for small businesses. She represents small businesses in contract and vendor disputes, loan negotiations, bankruptcy, and also helps protect assets using estate & succession planning tools. She received her Bachelors degree in Business and Finance from Westminster College in 2002 and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2005. While clerking for the Honorable Robert L. Trout, an Associate Circuit Judge in Jackson County, she gained experience with landlord-tenant matters, collection suits, small claims matters, county ordinance violations, and civil trials. She left the clerkship in 2007 to practice bankruptcy law at a small law firm in Kansas City. In 2011, she, like many of her clients, opened her own business where she practiced in the areas of business law, bankruptcy, and estate planning, representing small business owners in all areas of asset protection for over twelve years. She joined Chinnery Evans & Nail, PC in 2023 in an effort to provide more comprehensive services to her small business clients.
Betsy is a legal contributor on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered” for her knowledge on bankruptcy-related matters. She was also featured as a contributor on “Planet Money” and the podcast “Case Closed.” Betsy has been named Best of the Bar by the Kansas City Business Journal 6 times. She was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers magazine 8 times. In the Spring of 2014 she was honored as a Rising Star of Philanthropy by the Independent magazine and NonProfit Connect for her volunteer service in the Kansas City community. Betsy was appointed to the City of Kansas City's Fairness in City Contracts board, where she served for 5 years. She is one of the first nine women appointed to a city board or commission through the Women's Foundation Appointments Project, which works in conjunction with the Mayor's office to improve the number of quality women appointed to city board positions. She is a Spring 2015 graduate of the Citizens Academy for the Federal Bureau of Investigations and a 2013 graduate of the Show Me Series for Excellence in Public Service.
Betsy sits as the Legal Advisor on the Executive Committee to the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Foundation. She spent nine (9) years on the Board of Directors for Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph with three (3) years as Chairman of the Board. She previously served on the Council for the Young Lawyers Section of the Missouri Bar Association and the Boards of Directors for the Kansas City Bankruptcy Bar Association as well as the Association for Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri and provides volunteer legal services for Military Matters and the Volunteer Attorney Project, all while volunteering for a number of other organizations that help improve the Kansas City community.
Betsy is married to Jake Lynch, and they live in Kansas City, Missouri with their three children. Betsy enjoys being the Den Mother and Pack Leader for the kids Cub Scout Troop, coaching youth sports teams, and taking her kids hiking.
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Carl Chinnery
Driven by an unsinkable entrepreneurial spirit, Carl L. Chinnery founded the firm in 1967 and has been serving the community ever since. He enjoys contributing to the civic, charitable and educational life of the Lee’s Summit and greater Kansas City area.
His charitable service includes serving as Chairman of the Truman Medical Center Planned Giving Council; Chairman of the Children's Mercy Hospital Planned Giving Council; Secretary of the Powell Gardens Board; and Chairman of the Community Foundation of Lee's Summit.
Carl's civic activities include the Rotary Club, serving as a District Governor of Rotary International in 2002-2003; the Lee's Summit Chamber of Commerce, serving as its president in 1978; the Lee's Summit Economic Development Council, as president in 1996-97; and the Rockhurst College Small Business Development Corporation, as past Chairman. He has served as president of the Lee's Summit R-7 Board of Education, and as president of the Lee's Summit Educational Foundation. Carl was a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and was also a Charter Life Underwriter. His indelible mark on the community is evidenced, among other things, by the nature trail at Unity Village that bears his name.
Carl earned a B.A. degree from Beloit College and a J.D. degree from the University of Missouri - Kansas City. His first love is his family, followed by hobbies and interests as varied as the Midwestern weather, including woodworking, sailing, gardening, golf, and boat-building.
Nancy Blackwell
Nancy E. Blackwell, much-loved by her clients and colleagues for her elegance, grace, and experience, has dedicated over 28 years to the practice of law and to the service of the Lee’s Summit community.
Nancy received her B.A. degree and her J.D. degree (with distinction) from the University of Missouri - Kansas City, where she served as Managing Editor of the Law Review and wrote for the legal journal. She is a member of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association and the Greater Kansas City Estate Planning Society, and she is a former member of the American Bar Association and the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys.
Nancy is active in service to the community, having served on the Board of Directors and as Chairman of the Board of John Knox Village; the Board of Directors of the Lee's Summit Educational Foundation; the Board of Directors of the Lee's Summit Economic Development Council; the Board of Trustees of the University of Missouri - Kansas City Law Foundation; and the Children's Mercy Hospital Planned Giving Council. She was named as The Outstanding Young Woman of Lee's Summit by the Lee's Summit Jaycees early in her career.
