Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Legal Representation in Jefferson City
Established in 1966, CVDL has built a reputation as a trusted law firm dedicated to delivering exceptional legal services across Missouri. Our team of seasoned attorneys specializes in civil litigation, business and employment law, personal injury, administrative law, estate planning, and trust and probate matters. With a client-centric approach, we prioritize understanding individual needs to provide tailored solutions that address complex legal challenges. Our attorneys combine decades of experience with a commitment to integrity, teamwork, and excellence, ensuring clients receive strategic advocacy in both courtroom and transactional settings.Recognized by peers and legal organizations, including Best Lawyers in America, we serve businesses and individuals with a focus on achieving measurable results. Our practice extends to appellate work, class actions, and governmental matters, supported by a network of experts for specialized cases. We emphasize proactive legal strategies to minimize risks while maintaining accessibility and transparency throughout the client relationship.
Services
Civil Litigation
Business Law
Personal Injury
Estate Planning
Class Actions
Employment Law
Appellate Practice
Governmental Law
Trust Administration
Banking Law
Details
- Year established: 1966
Highlights and features
- We have over 55 years of experience in Missouri legal matters.
- Our attorneys are recognized in Best Lawyers in America for multiple practice areas.
- We employ a team-based approach to leverage collective expertise for client benefit.
- We focus on cost-effective solutions while maintaining rigorous advocacy standards.
- We combine appellate expertise with practical litigation strategies for optimal outcomes.
What people say
Top Missouri personal injury attorneys
Recognized in Best Lawyers
Successfully resolved class actions
Dedicated legal professionals
Experienced appellate advocates
Services
Civil Litigation
Our civil litigation practice handles complex disputes in state and federal courts, including business conflicts, employment issues, and appellate matters. We combine strategic analysis with aggressive courtroom representation to protect client interests. Our attorneys have resolved over 300 appeals and high-stakes commercial cases while maintaining cost-effective solutions for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to individuals.
Estate Planning
We provide comprehensive estate planning services for families and business owners, including trust administration and probate guidance. Our attorneys help clients create customized plans that ensure asset protection and smooth succession. With deep experience in Missouri probate law, we assist with wills, non-probate transfers, and tax-efficient strategies for estates of all complexities.
Class Actions
CVDL represents clients in class action cases across Missouri, with experience in both plaintiff and defense roles. Our team handles all stages from early assessment to appeals, having secured significant settlements like the $3.7M recovery for Missouri landowners affected by unauthorized telecommunications use. We partner strategically with other firms to assemble specialized legal teams for complex cases.
Employment Law
We advise employers on policy development, non-compete agreements, and discrimination defense while handling licensing board investigations. Our services include termination risk assessment, employee classification audits, and harassment investigation protocols. Attorneys focus on minimizing litigation risks through proactive compliance strategies aligned with ADAA, FMLA, and Missouri labor laws.
Appellate Practice
Our appellate specialists handle complex state and federal appeals, including constitutional issues and extraordinary writs. With collective experience in over 300 appellate matters, we provide strategic consultation during trial phases to strengthen case records. The team regularly presents continuing legal education programs and maintains leadership roles in the Eighth Circuit Bar Association.
People
Dale C. Doerhoff
Partner
Dale Doerhoff is a seasoned trial lawyer specializing in business litigation, personal injury, and governmental issues. With decades of courtroom experience, he focuses on strategic solutions for complex cases while maintaining a strong track record in Missouri courts.
Heidi Doerhoff Vollet
Partner
Heidi Doerhoff Vollet handles complex litigation, class actions, and appellate matters. Recognized in Best Lawyers for Appellate Practice, she represents clients in state and federal courts while advising on trust and estate disputes with a focus on results-driven advocacy.
John D. Landwehr
Partner
John Landwehr specializes in LLC formation, banking law, and estate planning. He provides strategic counsel for commercial transactions and real estate matters while representing professionals in licensing board proceedings across Missouri.
Shelly A. Kintzel
Partner
Shelly Kintzel focuses on employment law and complex litigation. She defends businesses against discrimination claims, drafts employment policies, and represents professionals in licensing matters while emphasizing compliance with federal and state labor regulations.
Eric W. McDonnell
Associate
Eric McDonnell assists clients in litigation and appellate cases. With prior experience in government and public defense roles, he brings practical insights to commercial disputes and complex legal challenges while maintaining a client-focused approach.
Questions
What areas of law does CVDL specialize in?
CVDL specializes in civil litigation, business law, personal injury, estate planning, class actions, employment law, and appellate practice across Missouri.
How long has CVDL been in operation?
CVDL has provided legal services since its founding in 1966, with over five decades of experience in Missouri legal matters.
Does CVDL handle cases outside Missouri?
While based in Missouri, CVDL represents clients in federal courts and multi-state matters requiring specialized legal expertise.
What distinguishes CVDL from other law firms?
CVDL combines a team-based approach with recognized expertise in appellate practice and class actions, maintaining a focus on cost-effective, client-centered solutions.
How can I schedule a consultation?
Contact CVDL through their Jefferson City office to arrange a free legal consultation for case evaluation and strategic planning.
