At Legacy Law Firm, PLLC, we provide personalized, strategic legal counsel for individuals, families, and businesses in Northwest Arkansas. Our client-focused attorneys offer trusted guidance in estate planning, business law, real estate, and litigation, ensuring clarity and confidence in every legal journey.
The Legacy Law Firm, PLLC, team is comprised of dedicated professionals who offer personalized legal advice in estate planning, business law, real estate, and litigation. They are committed to providing trusted guidance to ensure clarity and confidence in every legal process.
Business Law
Corporate Transactions
Real Estate Law
Estate Planning
laura@legacylawfirmpllc.com
Laura is an attorney and global adventurer who loves people, problem-solving, and realizing dreams. A teacher at heart, she sees one of her roles as an attorney to translate the complexities of the law into clear and understandable guidance for business owners and individuals.
Before starting Legacy Law Firm, PLLC, she served as Associate General Counsel and Corporate Counsel for over six years at a natural gas distribution company in Arkansas, providing legal support for multi-million dollar cases before the Arkansas Public Service Commission. Her experience includes contract drafting and negotiation, property acquisition and disputes, and corporate transactions. Earlier in her career, she interned at the Chinese international business law firm Wang Jing & Co. in Guangzhou, China, where she developed and taught the course "Legal Writing for an American Audience" to the firm's lawyers.
Laura has also served as an Adjunct Instructor in Business Law and Entrepreneurship at Northwest Arkansas Community College.
- Founder & President, International Law Society
- Asian Trade Development Intern, Arkansas World Trade Center
- Extern for U.S. Congressman Steve Womack
- First Ranked Senior Scholar & Commencement Speaker
- Honors Thesis: Comparing Environmental Attitudes of Farmers in the U.S. and the EU
Estate Planning
dbrady@legacylawfirmpllc.com.
Donald A. Brady, Jr. is a Senior Estate Planning Attorney with more than 29 years of legal experience serving individuals, families, and businesses. Over the course of his career, he earned national certification in both commercial and consumer bankruptcy and was selected to serve as a Subchapter V Trustee for small business bankruptcy cases in the State of Arkansas, a role reflecting his depth of knowledge, professionalism, and the trust placed in him within the legal community. After decades of guiding clients through complex bankruptcy matters, he made the intentional decision to close his bankruptcy practice and focus his work fully on estate planning and probate.
Today, Donald is dedicated to helping families protect their assets, preserve their legacies, and plan confidently for the future. He understands that estate planning is about safeguarding loved ones and providing clarity during life’s most important transitions. His extensive background in financial restructuring allows him to approach estate planning with a comprehensive perspective, identifying potential risks and creating thoughtful, strategic plans. He also provides valuable support to staff and attorneys in litigation matters, offering seasoned insight and steady leadership within the firm.
Family is at the heart of both his life and his practice. He believes that careful planning is one of the most meaningful gifts a person can give to those they love. Outside the office, he enjoys watching Razorback basketball, traveling to new destinations, and playing pickleball, hobbies that reflect his love of community, friendly competition, and time well spent with family and friends.
Corporate Law
Business Transactions
Real Estate Law
jared.payne@legacylawfirmpllc.com
Jared Payne is a business and real estate attorney who provides strategic legal guidance to developers, homebuilders, property managers, and investors. With a career spanning both in-house counsel and private practice, Jared has been primary or supporting counsel for over $400 million in closed real estate transactions. His experience extends to corporate and business transactions, ensuring that businesses and real estate professionals have the legal frameworks they need for success.
Before entering private practice, Jared worked as in-house counsel for one of the largest private homebuilders in the U.S., where he advised on corporate strategy and property acquisitions. His meticulous approach to business law and real estate transactions makes him a trusted legal partner in the industry.
Outside of his legal work, Jared enjoys spending time with his family, serving at his church, and fly fishing.
Civil Litigation
Employment Law
Business Law
Real Estate Law
hannah.kruse@legacylawfirmpllc.com
Hannah Kruse brings a devoted and solutions-focused approach to her legal practice, which encompasses civil litigation, employment law, business law, and real estate law. Hannah earned her law degree cum laude from the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville, following her undergraduate studies at the University of Arkansas, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Political Science and a minor in Legal Studies. During law school, Hannah built practical experience through her externships with J.B. Hunt's Employment Litigation team, where she sharpened her skills in negotiation and advocacy, and Walmart's Consumer Protection Compliance department, where she focused on research and statutory analysis.
Driven by a passion for advocating for her clients, Hannah approaches each case with dedication, helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal challenges and plan for the future.
Outside of her legal work, Hannah enjoys exploring Fayetteville’s vibrant restaurant scene, enjoying the natural beauty of Arkansas with her husband, James, and their dog, Ozzie, and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs.
Business Law
Real Estate Law
Civil Litigation
hayden.marshell@legacylawfirmpllc.com
Hayden Marshell is a business, real estate, and litigation attorney who applies a practical, client-centered approach to his legal practice. Hayden earned his law degree from the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville and his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Central Arkansas. During law school, Hayden interned with the General Counsel’s office at ABB Inc. in Fort Smith, where he focused on contract drafting and business law. Additionally, he externed with the Global Anti-Corruption department at Walmart, where he conducted and implemented legal research for large-scale business operations.
Hayden seeks to assist each client in the most effective and tailored way possible, doing so by treating every client interaction as an opportunity to build a meaningful relationship and truly understand every client’s needs and goals.
Outside of his legal work, Hayden enjoys spending time in the gym, supporting the Razorbacks, cooking, and is an avid hunter.
Estate Planning
Desarie Alvis is a compassionate and detail-oriented paralegal with a focus in probate and estate planning. She has worked in the legal field since 2008 and has served as a paralegal since 2013, bringing years of practical experience and dedication to her role. She earned her Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies from Northwest Arkansas Community College, where she built a strong foundation in legal research, drafting, and ethical practice. She also holds an Administrative Assistant Certificate from Northwest Technical Institute, further strengthening her organizational and client service skills.
In her role, Desarie Alvis supports attorneys and guides clients through the often sensitive and emotional processes of estate planning and probate administration. She assists with preparing wills, trusts, and related documents, organizing and maintaining estate files, coordinating court filings, and communicating with clients to ensure they feel informed and supported at every stage. She understands that planning for the future or navigating the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming and strives to provide reassurance, clarity, and dependable support throughout the process. Her approach combines technical precision with genuine care, helping families protect their legacies and move forward with confidence.
Outside of the office, Desarie enjoys traveling, going to the gym, and spending time outdoors.
Mary Dallari serves as the Office Administrator and Legal Assistant at the firm, where she supports attorneys and helps ensure the efficient day-to-day operation of the practice. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance with a concentration in Real Estate from the University of Arkansas.
In her role, Mary assists with client communication, document preparation, scheduling, and case coordination, and serves as a key point of contact by connecting clients with attorneys to address their needs efficiently and thoughtfully. She approaches each matter with professionalism, discretion, and close attention to detail. Mary aspires to pursue a legal career, and her background in finance and real estate aligns closely with her interest in business and real estate law.
Outside of the office, Mary enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, discovering new music, and spending time with family and friends.
- Concentration in Real Estate
james.kruse@legacylawfirmpllc.com.
James Kruse serves as the Office Manager of the firm, where he oversees daily operations and ensures that clients receive a professional, efficient, and welcoming experience from start to finish. With a strong focus on organization, communication, and client service, James plays a key role in keeping the firm running smoothly and effectively.
James’ background in operations and client relations allows him to anticipate needs, solve problems quickly, and support the legal team in delivering high-quality service.
Outside of the office, James enjoys spending time with his wife, Hannah, and their dog, Ozzie, and exploring Northwest Arkansas.