Our Legal Team
Based in Steelville, Missouri, our team serves Crawford County and communities across the state. Meet the attorneys and staff who will fight for you.
Attorneys
Experienced. Committed. Ready to Fight.

Jacob M. Chinnery
Managing Attorney & Founder
Jacob M. Chinnery
Managing Attorney & Founder
Jacob founded Cardinal Law to serve Crawford, Franklin, Phelps, Dent, and Pulaski Counties. Raised in Missouri, he is known for clear communication and relentless preparation, drawing on experience from court clerking and municipal and county court work.
Education
- J.D., Mitchell Hamline School of Law
- B.B.A., Maryville University, Summa Cum Laude
Married to Sarah; resides in Crawford County.

Jose Morales
Attorney at Law
Jose Morales
Attorney at Law
Jose brings experience in both civil and criminal matters, with expertise in legal research, negotiation, courtroom advocacy, and case management. He handles complex legal challenges with meticulous attention to detail, believing every client deserves clear communication, respect, and representation they can trust.
Education
- J.D., University of South Dakota School of Law
- B.A., University of California, Berkeley
Bar Admissions
- Missouri

Andrew "Drew" Mossman
Senior Staff Attorney
Andrew "Drew" Mossman
Senior Staff Attorney
Drew focuses on personal injury, civil litigation, criminal defense, family law, and other complex civil matters. Before joining Cardinal Law, he represented thousands of individuals harmed by dangerous drugs and medical devices in mass tort litigation, and his background includes criminal appellate work with the Missouri State Public Defender and a judicial clerkship in Illinois. Based in the St. Louis area, he serves clients throughout Franklin, St. Louis, and Jefferson Counties and supports matters through the Steelville office. At the center of his practice is a straightforward philosophy: clients deserve to be heard and involved in the decisions that affect their lives.
Education
- J.D., Southern Illinois University School of Law
Bar Admissions
- Missouri
Member of the American Association for Justice. Enjoys gardening, music, and reading.

Stephen Paulus
Attorney of Counsel
Stephen Paulus
Attorney of Counsel
With over two decades practicing law in Missouri, Stephen provides strategic guidance across civil matters including civil litigation, municipal law, and general practice. His experience in state and federal courts, combined with his reputation for integrity and practical solutions, strengthens every case our firm handles.
Education
- J.D., Tulane Law School
Bar Admissions
- Missouri (1993)
Support Team
The Team Behind the Team
Our support staff are an essential part of every case, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks and clients are always informed.

Rohan Balasubramanian
VP of Operations
As Vice President of Operations, he brings extensive legal expertise and a steadfast commitment to client service. In this role, he ensures the firm runs smoothly and that every client receives the timely, high-quality representation they deserve.
Education: Liberty University — B.S. in Economics & Paralegal Studies

Kelly Jackson
Paralegal
Bringing over 20 years of administrative office support to the Cardinal Law team, including more than seven years of technical experience with a deep focus on estate planning and probate.
Our Philosophy
Accountability. Advocacy. Justice.
The legal system can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already dealing with an injury, a loss, or a dispute that's turned your life upside down. We believe our job is to shoulder that burden — to handle the complexity so you can focus on what matters most: your health, your family, and your future.
We don't take every case that walks through the door. But when we take yours, we commit fully. We prepare every case as if it's going to trial, because that level of preparation is what gets results — whether the case settles or goes to a jury.
Accountability
We hold wrongdoers responsible for the harm they cause.
Advocacy
We fight for our clients with everything we have.
Justice
We pursue fair outcomes that make a real difference.
Compassion
We treat every client like a person, not a case number.
Let's Talk About Your Case
You've met the team. Now let us learn about you. Your consultation is confidential.
No fees unless we win your case • Available evenings and weekends by appointment