John A. Layton

John A. Layton

Attorney
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  • Layton & Southard, LLC
  • 2845 Professional Ct Cape Girardeau MO 63703
  • 573-335-3359

About John

John graduated from Southeast Missouri State College in Cape Girardeau with a BS in accounting in 1967 and from the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law with a JD degree in December 1971. John was in the general practice of law in Kansas City, Mo., until moving to Cape Girardeau in 1979. He has practiced alone and in partnerships since. John's practice has narrowed from general practice to now only estate planning/trusts, real estate, and business matters, including purchases and sales.

While John has, through his years in Cape, been active in his church and community, he is now retired from his service on various boards and committees at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Notre Dame Regional High School, City of Cape Girardeau, Saint Francis Healthcare System and Commerce Bank, allowing him to devote time fully to his law practice.

Education and Background

  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting - Southeast Missouri State College, 1967
  • Juris Doctor - University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, December 1971
  • Bar Admission - Missouri, 1972
  • Experience - 50+ years practicing law

Legal Career Timeline

Kansas City (1972-1979)

John began his legal career in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1972 with a general practice of law, gaining broad experience across multiple legal areas.

Cape Girardeau (1979-Present)

In 1979, John moved to Cape Girardeau where he was associated with William S. Rader until the governor appointed Rader to fill the vacant Division III Associate Circuit Judge position. Mr. Layton then worked with Raymond H. Vogel. Benjamin F. Lewis later joined Vogel, Layton, and Lewis. Vogel retired in 2000 after 50+ years in practice, and Lewis was elected Circuit Judge in 2004.

Founding Layton & Southard (2006)

In 2006, Stephen Southard joined John to form Layton & Southard, combining their expertise to better serve Cape Girardeau and Southeast Missouri.

Areas of Legal Expertise

John's practice focuses on three specialized areas:

Estate Planning and Trusts

Comprehensive estate planning services including wills, trusts, probate administration, and tax planning strategies.

Real Estate Law

Real estate transactions for both residential and commercial properties, including purchases, sales, and development matters.

Business Law

Business legal services including business purchases and sales, contract drafting, and general business matters.

Community Service

John has been active in his church and community throughout his years in Cape Girardeau, serving on various boards and committees at:

  • St. Vincent de Paul Parish
  • Notre Dame Regional High School
  • City of Cape Girardeau
  • Saint Francis Healthcare System
  • Commerce Bank

John is now retired from most board and committee service, allowing him to devote his time fully to his law practice.

Professional Associations and Recognition

Bar Memberships

  • Missouri Bar Association - Member since 1972
  • Cape Girardeau County Bar Association - Active local bar member
  • Southeast Missouri Bar Association - Regional legal community involvement

Professional Recognition

Over his 50+ year career, John has earned recognition for his legal expertise and professional conduct:

  • Peer Recognition - Respected by judges, attorneys, and legal professionals throughout Southeast Missouri
  • Client Testimonials - Decades of satisfied clients who return for multiple legal matters
  • Community Respect - Recognition for combining legal excellence with community service
  • Professional Mentorship - Guidance provided to younger attorneys entering the profession

Contact John Layton

With over 50 years of legal experience serving Cape Girardeau and Southeast Missouri, John Layton provides experienced counsel in estate planning, real estate, and business law matters.