Adam Godderz

I was born and raised in rural Kansas, where I learned the values of hard work, integrity, and the importance of family and community. Those values continue to shape the way I practice law today.

I attended the University of Kansas, where I earned my undergraduate degree, Juris Doctor, and Master of Business Administration. After law school, I began my legal career at a large Kansas City law firm representing businesses in a wide range of corporate and commercial transactions. My practice included advising publicly traded companies on securities offerings, corporate governance matters, debt and equity financings, and mergers and acquisitions ranging from transactions valued in the millions to transactions involving several billion dollars.

I later joined Kansas City Southern, where I spent more than sixteen years serving in a variety of legal and executive leadership roles. I ultimately served as Senior Vice President–General Counsel and Corporate Secretary during the years leading up to the company’s acquisition by Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a transaction valued at more than $30 billion. Following the railroad industry, I served as General Counsel for a large international fintech company, where I oversaw legal matters across multiple countries and business lines. Over the last 20 years, I advised boards of directors and senior executives on high-stakes legal, financial, governance, and strategic matters affecting a multinational public company. While my professional career has centered around sophisticated business and financial transactions, I have always had a strong interest in estate planning and helping individuals and families protect what they have worked hard to build.

Over the years, I have assisted friends, colleagues, and families with estate planning matters ranging from traditional probate-avoidance planning to more sophisticated estate and tax planning strategies designed to preserve wealth across generations. My father and father-in-law are both experienced estate plan attorneys, all of which has taught me just how important thoughtful planning can be in reducing uncertainty, avoiding conflict, protecting loved ones, and giving families peace of mind.

I created Paradigm Law Group with the goal of bringing the same level of professionalism, attention to detail, and practical problem-solving that I used throughout my corporate career to individuals and families planning for the future. I believe estate planning should not feel overwhelming or impersonal. My approach is focused on helping clients understand their options, make informed decisions, and create plans tailored to their family, financial goals, and long-term wishes. I value family and relationships, and I understand the trust clients place in an attorney when planning for the future of their loved ones and legacy.