Jonah Ted Yates received his B.A. in 1973 from the University of Arkansas, and his juris doctorate in 1976 from the University of Arkansas School of Law. Ted is admitted to practice in both state and federal courts in Missouri and Arkansas. He served as city attorney for the City of Ozark, Arkansas for eight years.  He has also served as a hospital administrator and has extensive experience in banking.

Ted’s practice focuses on estate planning, commercial and real estate litigation, probate matters, health care law and general personal injury. In addition, Ted has significant experience in silicosis cases, including litigation involving coal mine silicosis, commonly known as "black lung disease."

Ted practiced law in Arkansas for eleven years and worked in banking for four years prior to coming to Missouri in 1992 and becoming a founding partner of Osburn, Hine, Yates & Murphy, L.L.C.

Ted is married to the former Margaret McGinty of Cape Girardeau, and they have three children. Ted is active in various community involvment projects, including the Boys and Girls Club of Cape Girardeau. He is also a member and past-president of the Cape West Rotary Club. Ted and his family attend Centenary United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau.