Business Details
Your Legal Advocates in Southwest Missouri
Schenewerk & Finkenbinder Attorneys At Law is a dedicated legal practice serving Southwest Missouri, specializing in real estate, business litigation, consumer protection, and appellate law. With over 50 years of combined experience, our attorneys, including founder Russ Schenewerk and associate Chaste Higgins, provide strategic representation for property associations, developers, entrepreneurs, and defrauded consumers.Our track record includes landmark verdicts in timeshare fraud, property disputes, and tax appeals, alongside a commitment to pro bono services for vulnerable clients. Licensed in Missouri and Arkansas, we combine local knowledge with statewide legal expertise to deliver results-driven advocacy.
Services
Real Estate Law
Business Litigation
Consumer Protection
Appellate Practice
Civil Litigation
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of combined legal experience in Missouri and Arkansas courts.
- Specialized expertise in real estate, timeshare fraud, and business litigation.
- Proven track record with landmark verdicts in property and consumer law cases.
- Licensed to practice in state and federal courts across Missouri and Arkansas.
- Committed to pro bono representation for indigent clients and veterans.
Services
Real Estate Law
We represent property owners, developers, and associations in transactions, zoning disputes, and construction litigation. Our expertise includes boundary conflicts, easements, and condominium law. Clients benefit from decades of courtroom success and tailored legal strategies for residential and commercial real estate matters.
Consumer Protection
Our firm specializes in combating timeshare and vacation club fraud through litigation and settlements. We advocate for consumers deceived by high-pressure sales tactics and undisclosed property defects. With millions recovered for victims, our work includes collaboration with the Missouri Attorney General's office to combat industry-wide abuses.
Business Litigation
We handle complex commercial disputes involving contracts, shareholder conflicts, and business formations. Our attorneys advise on entity selection (LLC, corporation, partnership) and litigate breaches of fiduciary duty. Clients receive strategic counsel for resolving disputes while protecting long-term business interests.
Appellate Practice
Our appellate team represents clients in Missouri Court of Appeals and Supreme Court proceedings. We specialize in preserving trial victories and overturning unjust rulings through rigorous legal analysis. Services include brief preparation, oral argument strategy, and appellate consultation for complex legal questions.
Civil Litigation
We litigate diverse civil matters including property damage claims, lease disputes, and tax appeals. Our attorneys have secured significant verdicts in breach of contract cases and property tax reductions. Clients receive aggressive advocacy backed by decades of trial experience in state and federal courts.
People
Russ Schenewerk
Partner
Russ Schenewerk founded the firm after practicing in St. Louis and serving as a municipal judge. He specializes in real estate litigation, consumer fraud, and tax appeals with 20+ years of courtroom experience. Licensed in Missouri, Arkansas, and federal courts, he lectures on collections law and landlord-tenant issues.
Chaste Higgins
Associate
Chaste Higgins joined the firm after a decade of legal practice in Kansas City. He focuses on business litigation, real estate disputes, and HOA compliance. A graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, he brings extensive trial experience and a commitment to client-focused legal solutions.
Questions
What areas of law does Schenewerk & Associates specialize in?
We focus on real estate law, business litigation, consumer protection (especially timeshare fraud), appellate practice, and civil litigation. Our attorneys handle cases involving property disputes, contract breaches, and corporate legal matters.
Which geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Southwest Missouri, including Taney, Stone, Christian, and Greene Counties. Our attorneys are licensed in Missouri and Arkansas and handle cases in both state and federal courts across the region.
Can you help with timeshare fraud cases?
Yes, we specialize in timeshare and vacation club fraud litigation. Our firm has recovered millions for victims of deceptive sales practices and works closely with the Missouri Attorney General's office to combat industry fraud.
What is your experience with appellate cases?
Our attorneys have successfully represented clients in the Missouri Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. We handle both civil and criminal appeals, focusing on preserving trial outcomes or overturning unjust verdicts through detailed legal analysis.
Do you offer pro bono services?
Yes, we provide pro bono representation for indigent clients and veterans. The firm has a longstanding commitment to community service, including legal aid for disabled individuals in the Tri-Lakes area.
