Experience at Work
Michael L. Schechter is a distinguished Family Law attorney and shareholder at Capes Sokol, where he serves as the practice group chair of the Family Law practice group, established in 2024. Recognized as one of The Best Lawyers in America® since 2012, Mike was honored as the 2022 Lawyer of the Year in Family Law for St. Louis. Continuously recognized as a Super Lawyer since 2014, Mike's practice encompasses various Family Law matters, including divorce, asset division, child custody, and more. Mike brings over three decades of extensive experience in family-law-related legal matters and dedication to his clients. Mike's commitment to excellence has earned him recognition in prominent legal directories such as The Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers, as well as inclusion in the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.
Awards & Recognition
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
- 2022 Lawyer of the Year in Family Law for St. Louis, The Best Lawyers in America® (2012 – Present)
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Family Law
- Super Lawyers® | Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers List, Super Lawyer (2014 – Present)
- Martindale-Hubbell® Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
Memberships & Associations
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
- American Bar Association, Family Law Section
- Missouri State Bar Association
- Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, Family & Juvenile Law Section
- St. Louis County Bar Association
Education
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
- J.D., Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, 1991
- B.A., Washington University in St. Louis, 1985
Knowledge & Insights
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
- ‘Advanced Issues in Family and Divorce Law’ (2016)
- ‘Discovering Hidden Assets in Divorce’ (2015)
- ‘QDROs and Tax Issues in Divorce’ (2013, 2014)
- ‘Complex Assets in Divorce’ (2013, 2014)
- ‘Advanced Family Law’ (2013, 2011)
- ‘Current Challenges in Family Law’ (2010)
- ‘A Road Map Through Missouri Divorce Proceedings’ (2009, 2004)
- ‘Financial Settlement Strategies For Your Divorce Clients’ (2007, 2006)
- ‘Negotiating Favorable Divorce Settlements’ (2007)
- ‘Preventing Critical Financial Mistakes During Divorce’ (2006)
- ‘Getting the Best Financial Settlement For Your Divorce Client in Missouri’ (2005)
- ‘Complex Issues in Divorce for the Missouri Practitioner’ (2003)
- ‘Family Law Litigation in Missouri’ (2001)
- ‘Child Custody and Shared Parenting in Missouri’ (2001)
- ‘Child Custody and Visitation in Missouri’ (2000, 1999)
- ‘Child Custody and Time Sharing in Missouri’ (1998)
- ‘Tax Aspects of Divorce in Missouri’ (1996)
- ‘Family Law Litigation in Missouri’ (1996)
PUBLICATIONS
- Co-Author: ‘Maintenance and Child Support Issues’ with Ajla Alunovic , Fall 2020, St. Louis Bar Journal; ‘Antenuptial Agreements’ with Jeffrey Schechter, Fall, 1995, St. Louis Bar Journal
Admissions & Qualifications
BAR & COURT ADMISSIONS
- Missouri
Leadership & Community Engagement
CIVIC & COMMUNITY
- Chesterfield Arts | Former Board Member