Craig A. Van Matre (Retired) was in the private practice of law continuously since 1975 in Columbia, Missouri. He focused his practice on business, taxation, and municipal law matters, including estate planning, corporate and tax planning, and real estate transactions. Mr. Van Matre graduated from Mexico Senior High School in Mexico, Missouri, in 1963, obtained his A.B. Degree from the University of Missouri – Columbia in 1967, his law degree (J.D.) from the University of Missouri – Columbia School of Law in 1970, and a Masters of Law Degree in Taxation from The New York University School Law. He was on active duty in the United States Air Force from 1970 until 1974.

Mr. Van Matre has been a member of the Missouri Bar Association since 1970, of the American Bar Association since 1974, is admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court, the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri, the United States Court of Appeals for Eighth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Van Matre was included in the 21st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the practice of Real Estate law. He was also recognized in the Best of CLE Spotlight for Outstanding Leadership and Dedication to MoBar CLE.

Mr. Van Matre taught courses in federal taxation and legal accounting at the University of Missouri – Columbia School of Law from 1977-1979, and has authored chapters and articles in Missouri Bar publications dealing with estate planning and taxation issues. In addition, Mr. Van Matre wrote a weekly column in the business section on legal and business topics from 1998-2002 in the Columbia Daily Tribune and still contributes articles to that newspaper from time to time. In addition he has been the lecturer and moderator on numerous continuing legal education presentations from 1980 until the present.

Mr. Van Matre previously served as President of the Boone County Bar Association, as Chairman of the Community Advisory Committee to the Missouri Foundation for Health, as Vice Chairman of the Boone County Mental Health Board of Trustees, as a member of the Board of Trustees of Stephens College, as Co-Chairman of the capital campaign for Phoenix House, a local charity, and as a member of the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education. Mr. Van Matre also served as member of Governor Jay Nixon’s State Tax Credit Review Commission and as a member of the Board of Curators for the University of Missouri.

Mr. Van Matre has received an “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell, is listed as one of the “best lawyers in America” by Best Lawyers, and is also listed as a Missouri-Kansas super lawyer. In 2010, Mr. Van Matre was honored by the University of Missouri – Columbia School of Law with its Citation of Merit of award. He is a Fellow of the American Bar Association.

Mr. Van Matre is married and has four children. He is a licensed pilot with a commercial pilot’s license (multi-engine, instrument).