Your St. Louis Partner for Estate Planning & Probate Solutions

Welcome to Joseph R. Burcke, LLC
Guidance You Can Trust for Missouri Families
As a St. Louis estate planning attorney, Joseph R. Burcke helps families across the metro create clear, legally sound plans that reflect their values. If you've been searching for an experienced estate planning lawyer St. Louis residents rely on, our Clayton office provides straightforward advice, plain language, and plans that actually work when your family needs them most.
Our practice areas.
We approach every legal matter with a broad perspective and a sharp focus, integrating insights across our practice areas to deliver unparalleled results for our clients.
Comprehensive Estate Planning Services
Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney & More
From simple wills to revocable living trusts, we tailor every plan to your goals. We regularly prepare powers of attorney for finances & healthcare, advise on guardianships & conservatorships when a loved one can't make decisions, and guide families through probate administration when someone passes away. If you're unsure where to start, we'll map the right path for you.
Why St. Louis Chooses Us
Experience, Credentials & Personal Attention
For more than three decades, Joseph R. Burcke LLC has focused on estate planning & probate for Missouri families. Our credentials include Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent recognition, active membership in leading professional organizations, and a long record of practical results. You'll get direct attorney access, clear timelines, and documents that reflect your exact wishes-never a one-size-fits-all plan.
Serving St. Louis & Surrounding Areas
Local Knowledge Across the Metro
We work with clients in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Jefferson County-from Downtown, the Central West End, Tower Grove & The Hill to Clayton, University City, Kirkwood, Chesterfield, St. Charles, O'Fallon, and Arnold. Wherever you are in the metro, we make planning convenient with in-office and virtual options.
What Clients Say
Real Feedback From Local Families
Joe Burcke has been our attorney for over 35 years. He has always done a great job for us. We have always found him to be personable, accurate, intelligent, and hard working. We highly recommend him.
- Susan V.
Joseph was very knowledgable. Estate planning is not a fun exercise, but he made it a pleasant experience. He was patient in answering my questions and thorough in explaining my various options. I would recommend Joseph to others looking for estate planning services.
- Jacklyn B.
Mr. Burcke was wonderful in taking care of my case and I would recommend him to anyone who needs a down to earth and caring lawyer! Thank you so much Mr. Burcke for everything you've done for me and my family!
- Morgan M.
Start Planning Today
Let's Put A Solid Plan In Place
Have questions about choosing between a will or trust? Want to avoid probate delays? Let's talk through your options and make a plan you feel confident about. Existing clients can pay retainers or invoices through our secure LawPay portal.
Office Location & Payments
Visit Our Clayton Office
231 South Bemiston Avenue, Suite 800, St. Louis (Clayton), MO 63105
Call
314-250-3560 or email
jrburcke@burckelaw.com. We accept
online payments via
LawPay for your convenience.

"Stephen is an asset to our company. He skillfully reviews and negotiates multimillion-dollar contracts, he artfully drafts subcontracts and leases, and he has successfully represented us in court and before municipal boards. He is an accomplished lawyer that is always there when we need him. He is our confidant and friend."
Furino & Sons Inc. (Brothers Four)
"It is truly our pleasure to recommend Stephen to any individual or corporation looking for highly skilled legal counsel. He has represented us on a variety of corporate legal matters and he is a master with both contract and lease negotiations, always offering exceptional strategic advice. More recently, he represented us in front of the Township Planning Board and helped us achieve our desired results when it seemed impossible. We highly endorse Stephen both personally and professionally."
HEC Holding Co., LLC
"Stephen has successfully represented our company’s interests in several matters involving intricate fact patterns and novel legal theories. In one, a particularly aggressive plaintiff was convinced by Stephen to voluntarily dismiss a lawsuit in which it sought significant monetary damages. These favorable outcomes have resulted from Stephen’s thorough and careful review of all facts and circumstances and his dedication to the best interests of his client. In every matter in which we have retained Stephen he has sought to obtain the best possible result in the shortest possible time. We recommend Stephen without reservation."
RPM Development Group
What sets your approach apart?
Our attorneys combine academic rigor, industry leadership, and a deep understanding of complex legal landscapes to deliver strategies uniquely tailored to each client.
How do you handle intricate legal challenges?
We thrive on complexity, leveraging decades of experience to uncover solutions others might miss. Every case is approached with precision, diligence, and creativity.
What kind of communication can clients expect?
We prioritize direct and consistent communication, offering clear updates and actionable insights throughout the legal process, so you remain confident and informed.
How do you approach long-term legal partnerships?
We build enduring relationships by aligning with our clients’ long-term objectives, acting as trusted advisors who guide and support through every phase of their ventures.
What can I expect during my consultation?
Your initial consultation will involve an in-depth discussion of your goals and challenges, allowing our attorneys to outline tailored strategies and next steps. See below for a typical process cadence.
Plan
We develop a tailored legal and business strategy to bring clarity to your path forward.
Execute
We handle all the details, transactions, and filings with expertise and efficiency.
Assess
We listen to your needs, goals, and concerns to understand your unique situation.
We build lasting relationships—offering guidance and support long after the initial engagement.