The firm
Experience, dedication and personal attention on every case.
Schmanke Law Office LLC is a full service firm serving East Central Missouri and the surrounding communities. Attorneys Paul Schmanke and Michael Yenzer handle traffic, civil, domestic, criminal, estate planning, real estate and business matters from offices in the heart of Union and Owensville.
Our services
Seven practice areas, one firm, one phone number.
Traffic
Whether you're facing a speeding ticket or a more serious traffic violation, we help protect your driving record and minimize penalties.
Civil
From disputes to claims, we provide effective representation to help you reach fair resolutions, focusing on protecting your rights and achieving practical outcomes.
Domestic
We handle matters involving divorce, custody and family relationships with compassion and professionalism, guiding you through life's most personal legal challenges.
Criminal
When your freedom and future are at stake, experienced defense matters. We stand by your side to ensure your rights are protected at every stage.
Estate Planning
Plan for the future with confidence. We help protect your assets, provide for the next generation, and bring comfort and clarity to loved ones. Wills, trusts, business succession planning and other estate planning documents.
Real Estate
Trusted legal support for residential and commercial matters — buying and selling, landlord-tenant issues and dispute resolution. Deeds and real estate contracts, late rent and eviction, boundary disputes and adverse possession.
Business & Contract Law
Startups and established businesses alike — we help structure, fund and protect your business, whether you are planning for growth or for the next generation of ownership. Formation and structuring advice, contract drafting and review, employment issues and dispute resolution.
Where to find us
We're proud to serve clients from our offices in the heart of Union and Owensville, Missouri.
Client testimonials
I'm not sure I have ever experienced the level of compassion, attentiveness and urgency with a law firm that we saw with Schmanke.
There was trust built and it was earned instantly. I felt at ease with Paul and everyone within his office.
He worked so hard for me and my kids. His hard work and dedication exceeded my expectations tremendously.
Ready to talk it through?
Our firm provides complimentary consultations, so you can get preliminary legal guidance and work out the best path forward without any financial commitment.
Meet the attorneys
Two attorneys with deep roots in East Central Missouri.
Both raised in the counties they practise in — Paul near the Franklin and Gasconade county line, Michael in Franklin County, where his family has lived for more than five generations.
Meet Paul Schmanke
Paul's goals are simple: sound, timely legal advice with a true appreciation for the unique needs of each person he has the privilege of representing.
Paul Schmanke
Being raised near the Franklin and Gasconade county line between Gerald and Rosebud gave Paul a distinct appreciation for the broad legal needs of the people who proudly call East Central Missouri home.
After graduating from Owensville High School in 1995 with numerous honors, Paul earned a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Missouri in 1999, playing football for the Missouri Tigers under head coach Larry Smith and helping the Tigers end a fourteen-year bowl drought. He worked as a commercial real estate agent and small business owner in Topeka, Kansas, before returning home in 2007 to teach United States government and American history at Owensville High School, where he also served as head football coach from 2008 to 2011.
Alongside a master's degree in school administration from Missouri Baptist University, Paul earned his juris doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law in 2016. Since opening Schmanke Law Office that same year he has built criminal jury trial experience alongside extensive civil litigation, representing thousands of clients across a multitude of criminal and civil matters.
Missouri Baptist University, M.Ed., School Administration
University of Missouri, B.S. Education 1999
Owensville High School, 1995
Meet Michael Yenzer
Michael has extensive experience helping small businesses navigate day-to-day challenges, and helping family-owned businesses plan for the future through succession planning.
Michael Yenzer
Michael was born and raised in Franklin County and graduated from Union High School in 2011. With his family calling Franklin County home for more than five generations, he has always had a strong connection to the community and an understanding of the people who live and work here.
He earned a degree in business administration with a focus in finance from the University of Missouri in 2016, then a law degree from the University of Missouri School of Law in 2020 along with a certificate in tax and transactional law. Before returning home, Michael advised businesses of all sizes — from family-owned companies to large corporations — on acquisitions, real estate development, financing, contracts and employment issues, guiding clients through everything from small business start-ups to multimillion-dollar transactions.
Back in his hometown, Michael focuses on estate and succession planning, business and corporate law, real estate and contract disputes, while also assisting with general civil and criminal litigation. He brings a business-minded perspective to his clients' legal issues while staying grounded in the values of the community where he grew up.
Certificate in Tax & Transactional Law
University of Missouri, B.S. Business Administration, Finance 2016
Union High School, 2011
Michael's services
- Wills, trusts and estate planning
- Probate administration
- Business and corporate law
- Business advisingContracts and employment.
- Real estateBuying, financing, development and disputes.
- Creditor rights and collection actions
- Worker's compensation
- Bankruptcy
Legal assistants
Every file has a named assistant, so you are never explaining your matter from the beginning when you call.
Tell us what happened. We'll tell you what's likely next.
Complimentary initial consultation, by phone or across the table.
Before you call
Straight answers about cost, scheduling and what happens next.
The Schmanke Law Office understands how the cost of an attorney can add to the stress of a legal issue. We're willing to discuss a customised strategy for paying your legal fees and expenses, and to answer any question you have about the cost of being represented.
Consultations
How do I schedule a consultation?
Call our office directly, or submit a request through the contact form on this site. Our team will promptly help you arrange a convenient time to meet with one of our attorneys.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes. Our firm provides complimentary consultations so you can receive preliminary legal guidance and determine the best path forward without any financial commitment.
What should I bring to my first meeting?
Bring yourself, and any documents related to your legal matter. If your case involves criminal charges, be sure to bring any tickets, summons or charging documents you have received.
What can I expect during my first consultation?
We'll gather the facts of your case, discuss the legal issues involved and review potential outcomes. We'll also explain our fee structure and take the time to answer any questions you have.
Will I be working directly with an attorney?
Yes. Schmanke Law Office prides itself on service, and we work to give every client a good experience with our attorneys.
Fees and payment
How do your fees work? Do you charge hourly or flat rates?
It depends on the nature and complexity of your case. Some matters are handled on a flat-fee basis, others are billed hourly. During your consultation we'll discuss your specific legal needs and give you a clear explanation of all potential costs before any work begins.
What are the payment options?
We accept Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover, and we're willing to discuss a customised strategy for timely payment of your legal fees and expenses.
All credit card transactions include a 2.75% processing fee per swiped transaction and a 3.5% processing fee per keyed-in transaction.
Your matter
I just got served with papers — now what?
Being served with legal documents can be stressful. Contact Schmanke Law Office as soon as possible so we can review the papers, make sure you understand the deadlines involved, and begin preparing your response.
Can you represent me outside Franklin or Gasconade County?
Yes. While our firm is based in Franklin and Gasconade counties, we handle cases outside these areas on a case-by-case basis. This can be discussed in detail during your initial consultation.
Still not sure?
If your question isn't answered here, call the office and ask. There's no charge for the initial conversation, and if the matter is one you can handle yourself we'll say so.
Ask us directly.
Call the office, or send a confidential message and one of our attorneys will reach out promptly.
Send a message
Please fill out the confidential form below.
One of our attorneys will reach out promptly to discuss your legal needs. There's no charge for the initial consultation.
Our offices
Located in Union and Owensville, Missouri, serving the surrounding areas.