Overview

Joyce Capshaw is a principal at Carmody MacDonald and concentrates her practice in the area of family law. Throughout her career, she has become well known for her effectiveness in handling clients’ complicated family law matters as well as for her successes in the court room.

Joyce has been practicing law since 1982 and has been recognized by Best Lawyers® on their “Best Lawyers in America” list for Family Law each year since 2018. She was also designated in the 2019 edition of Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers® as one of the top family law attorneys in the state. In 2020, Joyce received “The Dudley C. Dunlop Distinguished Service Award” from the St. Louis County Bar Association.

St. Louis Magazine recognized Joyce in its “Best Lawyers” edition, stating that her “electric energy, flamboyant style and sharp intellect have made Joyce Capshaw one of the most sought-after divorce attorneys in St. Louis.” She has achieved an AV rating in the Martindale-Hubbell Inc. law directory, the highest rating attainable for legal ability and ethical standards.

Education

University of Missouri, School of Law, J.D., 1982

University of Missouri, B.S. in Education, 1976

Community Involvement
  • Missouri Bar Association
  • Illinois Bar Association
  • St. Louis County Bar Association
  • University of Missouri Law School Foundation, Board of Trustees
    • President (2022-2024)
    • 1st Vice President (2021)
    • 2nd Vice President (2020)
    • Board Member, 2014-present
  • Special Representative for the Region X Disciplinary Committee, 1991-2015
  • Caring for Kids Board of Directors, Charter Member, 2003-2012
  • Make-A-Wish Foundation “Friends” Board of Directors, Charter Member, 2005-2010
  • Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metropolitan St. Louis, Board of Directors, 2001-2007
  • St. Louis County Bar Association, Executive Board Member, 1988-1993; President, 1994
Awards
  • Best Lawyers – The Best Lawyers in America – Family Law (2018-present)
  • Super Lawyers
    • Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers (2016-present)
    • Top 50 Women Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers (2019-2021)
  • The Dudley C. Dunlop Distinguished Service Award, St. Louis County Bar Association (2020)
  • AV Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
  • Missouri Lawyers Weekly “Missouri’s Best Divorce Attorney” (2008)
  • University of Missouri School of Law Order of Barristers (2007)