Biography

Deputy Probate Commissioner Brian A. Tillema was appointed on February 21, 2020 by Circuit Judge Mark A. Styles, Jr. of the Probate Division to serve a four year term. 

At the time of his appointment to the bench, Commissioner Tillema was in private practice in a solo law firm he founded in 1993 in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. The primary emphasis of his 27 year firm was probate law. 

Commissioner Tillema is a 1990 graduate of Washburn University Law School. He served as a law clerk in the Jackson County Probate Division for the Honorable John A. Borron, Jr. from 1990 – 1992. He served as a law clerk for the Honorable Donald L. Mason of Division 11 from 1992-1993. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1987 with a B.A. degree in English.   

Commissioner Tillema grew up and lives in Lake Lotawana, Missouri. He enjoys competitive sailboat racing, barefoot skiing and participates in triathlons. He is married and has one son.