Douglas County saw two more lawyers in good standing practicing in January than December 2025, according to the Missouri Bar Association.
In total, there were 12 lawyers working in Douglas County in January, compared to 10 the month before.
Countywide, all of the lawyers with active licenses were registered in Ava.
Data refers to all lawyers who were actively practicing during this time period. Lawyers in good standing do not have any complaints or disciplinary actions being taken against them.
As of February 1, 2026, average lawyer salaries in Missouri ranged from $95,087 for an entry-level attorney handling routine legal work (Attorney I) to $240,594 for highly experienced attorneys managing complex cases with significant autonomy (Attorney V). Mid-level attorneys, such as those in Attorney III roles—who handle highly complex legal work with moderate supervision—earned on average $178,132 in Missouri, compared to $187,488 nationwide.
Missouri has a high concentration of lawyers, with nearly four attorneys per 1,000 residents in 2024 — the 10th highest ratio in the country, according to the ABA Profile of the Legal Profession.
The United States has more than 1.3 million active lawyers, with employment projected to grow 4% between 2024 and 2034.
| Lawyer Name | Bar Number | Date of Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Carla Therese Dobrovits | 78351 | 10/15/2025 |
| Chase Edmon Opolka | 73885 | 09/15/2021 |
| Christopher Daniel Wade | 50665 | 09/24/1999 |
| Christopher John Swatosh | 45845 | 10/04/1996 |
| Christopher Shane Hatley | 50460 | 10/02/1998 |
| Curtis D. Trent | 61962 | 09/09/2009 |
| James Matthew Colston | 70005 | 09/13/2017 |
| John William Bruffett | 24585 | 04/26/1975 |
| Karen Anne Bates-Crouch | 60320 | 03/11/2008 |
| Marsha I. Stiles | 53456 | 04/16/2003 |
| Matthew Thomas Weatherman | 65625 | 04/17/2013 |
| Robert Craig Carter | 52247 | 09/27/2000 |
