Aaron Johnson (Attorney)

In my professional life, I basically do two things: (1) I seek justice for people who have been hurt by the wrongdoing of others; and (2) I help people plan for the “what-ifs” and “inevitables” of life. As a practicing lawyer, I have earned the highest possible ratings in legal ability and ethical standards from peer reviews by my fellow lawyers (see my rating https://www.martindale.com/attorney/aaron-c-johnson-1035402/).

Personal Injury/Wrongful Death
People who have been hurt by defective drugs, dangerous medical devices, hazardous chemicals, motor vehicle accidents, etc. need a lawyer who knows the law, works hard, is conscientious, and – most importantly, cares about his clients as human beings.  It’s not just a job for me.  My clients matter to me personally, and I take seriously my role as their protector and champion in the legal battle

Estate Planning
My estate planning work began in 2004 when my Grandmother’s illness became too obvious to ignore.  Like many families, we failed to address her gradual decline until it was almost too late.  Since then, it has become my mission to help people avoid our mistake.  I enjoy giving folks the peace of mind that comes from creating a plan to care for their family no matter what happens.
There are several critical documents everyone should have in case something happens and while they are alive, such as powers of attorney and living wills. I’ve even made my kids sign them when they became “adults” at 18.  As for “estate planning,” most people can avoid probate with a few well-drafted documents. Taking care of the details beforehand can make a world of difference to your loved ones

My Background
The “Readers Digest” version of my biography starts in 1965, when I was born.  My family farmed a patch of Nodaway County near Sheridan, Missouri.  My father and grandfather worked together on the farm every day.  When I was big enough, I helped cut weeds out of soybeans, picked up little round hay bales, fixed fence, checked the cows, disked the fields, mowed hay, and otherwise helped with the endless tasks necessary to operate a farm.
After high school, I went off to college in Maryville, MO.  
Apparently my upbringing taught me some work habits because I graduated summa cum laude in 1987 from Northwest Missouri State University, http://www.nwmissouri.edu/, with majors in economics and finance. After a year working for the F.D.I.C. as a bank examiner, I went off to the big city of St. Louis for law school. I completed my law degree in 1991 from Washington University, http://www.wulaw.wustl.edu/.  Those lessons learned on the farm paid off again because I graduated 3rd in my class from Washington University Law School.

Personal Life
Like most people, I keep busy away from work.  I have traveled with my family to far-flung places like Palau (scuba diving trip), Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, South Korea, Ireland, Greece, Costa Rica, and (soon) Peru (Machu Picchu and the amazon basin).
I also enjoy working on my farm and using my chainsaw to turn cedar trees into a stairway and other structural elements for the “cabin” I’ve been building (it’s been “under construction” for years).  But probably my most significant accomplishment is raising four kids to adulthood with Renee, my wife of more than 30 years.