Since beginning his practice over thirty years ago, Mr. Lawder has devoted a large part of his practice to motor carrier defense throughout the United States with a particular emphasis on allegations directed specifically against the trucking company as well as its drivers. He has tried numerous truck cases to verdict in the federal and state courts in both Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois. Mike is familiar with the many different court systems and understands the nature of the juries in many locations. He has tried over 50 cases to verdict.
Mike also has represented over 100 different trucking companies in accident litigation and understands the differences and challenges in defending a trucking company and driver before a potentially hostile jury. He regularly attends continuing legal education in this field presented by the ABA, Defense Research Institute (DRI), and the American Trucking Association.
Mr. Lawder has presented trucking topics at to various groups and has presented many in-house seminars to trucking companies and trucking insurers. Mike also has successfully defended trucking companies in various types of cargo claim litigation. He has developed a rapid response team to evaluate immediately a trucking company's exposure in a significant accident.
Mr. Lawder also maintains a general litigation practice that includes prosecution and defense of foreclosure matters, lender liability claims, title insurance matters, loan collections, lien priority issues, and consumer bankruptcy.
Honors And Awards
Jesuit National Honor Society
Fraternities/Sororities
Phi Alpha Delta
Alpha Sigma Nu
Professional Associations And Memberships
Missouri Bar Association
Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL)
St. Clair County Bar Association
Defense Research Institute
American Bar Association
