Meet Our Former Judge
Michael Hendrickson
Experienced Trial Lawyer
Michael Hendrickson
He provides a unique “from” and “in front of the bench” perspective in preparing the firm’s clients and cases for trial.
As a former 18-year trial judge and a 15-year trial attorney, Michael’s courtroom knowledge and skills are considerable. As a judge, Michael was the Presiding Judge of the 30th Judicial Circuit which consists of Webster, Polk, Dallas and Hickory Counties. Prior to his 12 years as Presiding Circuit Judge, he served 6 years as an Associate Circuit Judge. During his judicial tenure, Michael presided over 60 jury trials. As a trial judge he was praised for his preparedness and patience while always adhering to the Rule of Law.
Previous to his judicial service as a trial attorney, Michael fought for his clients and the victims of crime while in private and public practice. He served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, an Assistant Missouri Attorney General, Chief Assistant Taney County Prosecutor, Assistant Jefferson County Prosecutor and a Private Practitioner. As a trial attorney, Michael tried more than 60 jury cases in 44 counties in county, state and federal court. He was known for zealous and ethical advocacy.
Bar Admissions
- Missouri State Bar Association
- Bar Number: 41253
- Date Admitted: 04/19/1991
- Current Standing: Good Standing
- Nebraska Bar Association
- Kansas Bar Association
- Springfield Bar Association
Education
- Juris Doctorate, Nebraska College of Law (1990)
Leadership & Service
- District VI Board Member, American Judges Association
- Professionalism Committee
- Education Committee
- Membership Committee
- Former Executive Council Member, Missouri Judicial Conference
- Missouri Bar Criminal Practice and Procedure Committee
- Missouri Supreme Court Subcommittee on Civic Education
- Annual Presenter and Faculty Member, Missouri Judicial College
- Certified Faculty Instructor, National Center for State Courts, Missouri Courts Management Institute
- Faculty Member, National Business Institute
- Fellow, Advanced Science and Technology Adjudication Resource (ASTAR) (now the National Courts and Sciences Institute)
Professional Organizations
- Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys (MATA)
- American Association of Justice (AAJ)
- Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA)
- Brain Injury Association of Missouri
- American Bar Association
- Missouri Bar Association
- Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys (MATA)
- Million Dollar Advocate Forum
- American Association for Justice
- Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association
- Springfield Missouri Chamber of Commerce
- Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Areas of Practice
- Missouri, Personal Injury Lawyer
- Personal Injury Trial Lawyer
- Tractor Trailer Litigation
- Personal Injury
- Vehicle Accidents
- Wrongful Death
- Motorcycle Accidents
What His Experience Adds to Serious Injury Work
In high-stakes cases, disputes often focus on:
- whether expert opinions are reliable enough to be admitted,
- whether damages are supported by records (not assumptions),
- and whether key evidence is preserved, authenticated, and presented fairly.
Michael helps shape cases around those pressure points before the defense gets to them.
Jury Trials Presided Over
Focus
Michael’s work supports cases involving:
- commercial and trucking collisions
- catastrophic injury claims
- wrongful death cases
- complex liability disputes where court rulings matter
Focus
Michael emphasizes clarity and credibility:
- evidence that’s organized and defensible,
- a damages presentation that’s specific and well-documented,
- and preparation for the arguments that tend to show up in court.
Car Accidents
Most car wrecks are caused by distraction, speed, impairment, or forcing the right-of-way. The harder part is usually the insurance dispute—treatment gaps, “minimal damage” arguments, and comparative-fault narratives.
What we focus on: early proof, a clear medical timeline, and the defenses insurers use most.
Truck Accidents
Commercial collisions aren’t just “bigger car wrecks.” They can involve multiple defendants, layered coverage, and evidence that disappears unless it’s preserved early (logs, maintenance records, onboard data, dispatch communications).
What we focus on: early proof, a clear medical timeline, and the defenses insurers use most.
Motorcycle Accidents
Many motorcycle crashes happen because a driver turns left, merges, or changes lanes into a rider’s path and later says, “I didn’t see them.” Riders often get blamed first. These cases need proof that doesn’t depend on assumptions.
What we focus on: visibility, time-distance, impact angles, and objective documentation.
Professional Review
I had the opportunity to work with Michael Hendrickson during his time on the bench, and I can say without hesitation that he exemplified what the judiciary should be. He was thoughtful, well-prepared, and deeply committed to fairness in every case that came before him.
Michael had a rare ability to balance the letter of the law with a clear understanding of its real-world impact. He listened carefully to counsel, treated everyone in the courtroom with respect, and was never swayed by ego or outside pressure. His rulings were grounded, well-reasoned, and consistently reflected a deep command of both procedure and substance.
What stood out most was his professionalism. He expected preparedness and integrity from attorneys—and held himself to the same high standard. Even in complex or emotionally charged matters, he maintained a calm, steady presence that inspired confidence in the process.
Having worked with him as a judge, I can say that clients and colleagues alike benefit tremendously from his experience, judgment, and unwavering commitment to justice. He brings the same discipline, insight, and credibility to his work as an attorney that he brought to the bench.
Attorney At Law
