KRAFTNEELD

From billion-dollar developments to courtroom wins, we help clients move forward with confidence.

ABOUT

KraftNeeld is a law firm built on experience, clarity, and results. We advise clients on complex real estate transactions, business matters, and litigation—always with a focus on precision and practical outcomes. With decades of combined legal insight, we bring a sharp, measured approach to every deal and every dispute.

ERIC KRAFT, FOUNDER / CO-OWNER

Eric Kraft has been practicing law for 25 years, specializing in real estate transactions and business litigation. After working at larger law firms, he opened his own firm in 2014 to help his clients achieve their goals with cost-effective legal counsel.

Recognized as "Best of the Bar" by the Kansas City Business Journal, Eric has prosecuted claims and defended clients in Kansas and Missouri state courts, the Kansas Court of Appeals, Missouri Courts of Appeals, the Kansas Supreme Court, federal courts in Kansas and Missouri, and the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Eric graduated from Wichita State University with a B.A. in Economics and earned his law degree from Washburn University School of Law.

JAMES NEELD, FOUNDER / CO-OWNER

James Neeld is a transactional and finance attorney with over 15 years of experience representing developers and lenders in high-value real estate deals. His work focuses on acquisitions, sales, development agreements, construction and permanent financing, tax increment financing (TIF), tax credit deals, bond and loan transactions, and public-private partnerships.

James advises clients through the full lifecycle of a deal: structuring transactions, negotiating terms, and navigating regulatory and incentive frameworks. Known for his precision and strategic insight, he brings a clear understanding of how to get complex deals closed.

James is licensed to practice law in Missouri and Texas.

Paul is a seasoned litigator licensed in both Kansas and Missouri, with experience spanning criminal defense, disability law, plaintiff personal injury, and civil defense litigation.

He began his legal career in the courtroom daily—first as a Bailiff and Law Clerk to a Judge, then as a Missouri Public Defender in Kansas City—where he gained extensive courtroom and trial experience. Inspired by his own journey as an amputee, Paul transitioned into disability and injury law, representing individuals navigating some of the most challenging circumstances of their lives.

During this time, he argued Social Security cases before Administrative Law Judges, filed personal injury petitions on behalf of injured clients, and drafted ERISA long- and short-term disability appeals challenging denials by insurance companies. Seeking to broaden his litigation perspective, Paul later moved into insurance defense, where he handled complex matters involving railroad litigation, commercial trucking accidents, auto accidents, minor settlements, and wrongful death claims.

PAUL J. TAYLER

PRACTICE AREAS

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT & FINANCE

We advise developers, lenders, and investors through all phases of complex real estate projects—from acquisition and financing to public incentives and final disposition. Our experience includes tax increment financing (TIF), tax credit deals, bond and loan transactions, development agreements, and public-private partnerships. We help structure deals that move projects forward and protect long-term interests.

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

We represent clients in business disputes where the outcome matters. Our litigation practice includes breach of contract claims, business torts, partnership conflicts, construction issues, real estate litigation, and enforcement of non-compete or confidentiality agreements. We focus on clear strategy, cost-efficiency, and results.

BUSINESS COUNSEL & GENERAL ADVISORY

We serve as outside counsel for businesses that need responsive legal advice without the overhead of a full-time legal department. From reviewing contracts and advising on daily operations to navigating risk and compliance issues, we help businesses make confident decisions at every stage of growth.

ENTITY FORMATION & GOVERNANCE

We help entrepreneurs and businesses form LLCs, corporations, and partnerships aligned with their operational goals. Our work doesn’t stop after formation. We also assist with annual filings, ownership agreements, meeting minutes, and other legal structures that keep your business protected and compliant.

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS & DISPUTES

We represent buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, and HOAs in a wide range of real estate matters. This includes purchase and sale agreements, commercial leases, eviction actions, zoning issues, and disputes over construction defects or contract enforcement. Our legal support is tailored to resolve issues quickly and protect your property interests.

RISK MANAGEMENT & LITIGATION AVOIDANCE

The best legal problems are the ones you never have. We help clients avoid litigation through strategic planning—drafting strong contracts, reviewing internal practices, and anticipating vulnerabilities before they become liabilities. Our work includes training, policy design, and regular legal checkups to keep your business ahead of risk.

SETTLEMENT STRATEGY & MEDIATION

Not every dispute belongs in court. We help clients evaluate the true cost of litigation—financially and operationally—and pursue settlements when appropriate. We also offer experienced mediation services for civil and commercial disputes, providing a structured but flexible environment for resolving conflict efficiently and confidentially.