Scott Blakesley

Partner in the law firm of Spencer Fane LLP, Kansas City, Missouri (since March 2009). Head of the Estate Planning, Trusts and Estates Practice Group.

Former partner in the law firm of Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP, Kansas City, Missouri (formerly Blackwell Sanders LLP) (1996 – 2009). Head of the Estate Planning, Trusts and Estates Practice Group.

Former partner in the law firm of Husch & Eppenberger, Kansas City, Missouri (1987-1996). Chair of the Estate Planning, Trusts and Estates Practice Group.

Former associate in the law firm of Vinson & Elkins, Houston, Texas (1981-1987).

Legal practice has focused on estate planning, tax, closely-held business and charitable matters, specifically including estate planning, estate and trust administration, estate and gift taxation, income taxation of trusts and estates, tax-exempt organizations, charitable planned giving, closely held businesses and individual and business tax planning.

Admitted to practice law in the states of Missouri (active) and Texas (inactive).

Received his J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1981 (cum laude); and B.A. from Iowa State University in 1978 (Speech & Political Science).

Fellow in the American College of Trust and Estate Council (ACTEC); included on the list of Best Lawyers in America (annually since 2001); Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association (Probate and Trust Committee); Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the American Bar Association; Partnership for Philanthropic Planning (formerly known as NCPG) (President, 2001; Treasurer, 1999; Director, 1997 - 2001); Mid-America Planned Giving Council (President, 1995; Treasurer, 1999-2000; Director, 1992-2001); Kansas City Estate Planning Symposium Committee; legal advisor for Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City; planned giving committee for Children's Mercy Hospital of Kansas City (former chair); planned giving committee for St. Luke's Hospital Foundation, Kansas City; current member of the Board for the Lyric Opera of Kansas City; professional advisor and former Board member for the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Foundation; former member of the Board for YouthCUE; former member of the Board for Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri (Development Committee Chair); former Chair of the Planned Giving Committee for United Way of Greater Kansas City; former member of the United Way National Planned Giving Committee; former member of professional advisors committee for Greater Kansas City Community Foundation.