EDUCATION:

• Central Methodist College (B.S., 1986)
• University of Missouri (J.D., 1990)

BAR ADMISSIONS:

• Missouri Bar (1990)
• Illinois Bar (1996)

COURT ADMISSIONS:

• Federal Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri
• Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals
• Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas

J. Michael Ponder’s experience spans a broad spectrum of personal injury and civil litigation. He strives to achieve justice for his clients, handling cases with care and determination in multiple areas of law:

• Automobile and Tractor Trailer Collisions: Fighting for individuals seriously injured in vehicle accidents caused by negligence.
• Brain Injuries: Advocating for victims of life-altering traumatic brain injuries to secure resources for recovery.
• Defective Products and Industrial Equipment: Holding manufacturers accountable for harmful products and unsafe machinery.
• Electrocutions: Representing victims injured due to electrical accidents and unsafe working environments.
• Railroads: Pursuing justice for individuals harmed in railroad-related accidents.
• Uninsured and Under-Insured Motorists: Ensuring fair compensation in cases involving insufficient insurance coverage.
• Workers’ Compensation: Helping injured employees secure the benefits they are entitled to after workplace accidents.

J. Michael Ponder’s commitment to serving others extends beyond the courtroom. He has been honored to serve on the Missouri State Board of Education and the University of Missouri Board of Curators, where his contributions benefit countless students, families, and educators.

Michael is an active member of several respected professional organizations, which keeps him at the forefront of developments in personal injury law and trial advocacy. These include:

• The Cape Girardeau County Bar Association
• The Missouri Bar
• Missouri Association of Trial Lawyers
• Illinois Bar Association