Michael A. Lawder, Bankruptcy Attorney in St Louis, Missouri
Over 47 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, General, and Litigation · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of CounselatAnderson & Gilbert, L.C.
St Louis, MO
Practicing bankruptcy in St Louis since 1979.
- 47+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 5
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michael A. Lawder?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Michael A. Lawder is an of counsel based in St. Louis, MO. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, General, and Litigation. Michael has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Anderson & Gilbert, L.C.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- St. Louis, MO
- Experience
- over 47 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · General · Litigation
- Handles Bankruptcy, General, and Litigation matters from St. Louis, MO.
- Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Michael A. Lawder: Michael A. Lawder is an of counsel based in St. Louis, MO. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, General, and Litigation. Michael has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Anderson & Gilbert, L.C.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael A. Lawder
Michael concentrates on bankruptcy, general, litigation, and business. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
View other Bankruptcy attorneys
General
View other General attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Business
View other Business attorneys
Bankruptcy cases in St Louis, Missouri
Michael takes bankruptcy matters in St Louis, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
General cases in St Louis, Missouri
Michael takes general matters in St Louis, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in St Louis, Missouri
Michael takes litigation matters in St Louis, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Business cases in St Louis, Missouri
Michael takes business matters in St Louis, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Michael A. Lawder — Over 47 years of Missouri bankruptcy experience
Michael A. Lawder is an of counsel based in St. Louis, MO. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, General, and Litigation. Michael has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Anderson & Gilbert, L.C.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
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
Working with Michael on a bankruptcy matter
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.…
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, general, and litigation matters in St Louis and the surrounding Missouri area.
Credentials
Michael A. Lawder's legal education and bar admissions
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law
J.D. · 1979
Rockhurst College
B.A. · 1976
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1983 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1981 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1980 · ACTIVE
Missouri
1979 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1979 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law and B.A. in Rockhurst College.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law and B.A. in Rockhurst College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Missouri is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael A. Lawder
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Michael A. Lawder's office in St. Louis
Michael's primary office is at One Memorial Drive, 10th Floor, Suite 1000, St. Louis, MO, 63102. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Anderson & Gilbert, L.C.
One Memorial Drive, 10th Floor, Suite 1000
St. Louis, MO 63102
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael A. Lawder — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in St Louis.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael A. Lawder claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael A. Lawder — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in St Louis, Missouri
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael A. Lawder
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Missouri typically take?
Simple bankruptcy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside St Louis?
Michael is licensed in Missouri. Matters governed by Missouri law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving St Louis, Jefferson City and Kansas City in Missouri
Michael handles bankruptcy matters throughout Missouri. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in Missouri
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in St Louis handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
