Biography

Michael Hunter focuses on product defense, insurance and commercial litigation. He has tried numerous cases to jury verdict and many additional non-jury matters. His trials include disputes over business relationships, insurance contracts, personal injury and property damage. Michael represents companies in the manufacturing, insurance, utility, transportation and healthcare industries. He has defended the design of pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and a variety of products used in the manufacturing, medical, construction and transportation industries.

Outside the courtroom, Michael advises clients on a variety of litigation-related topics. He has assisted clients in dealings with federal regulatory agencies. He has helped clients develop insurance procurement practices and procedures, prepare insurance and indemnity provisions and administer vendor contracts. He has conducted arson and fraud investigations for a variety of insurance companies and has advised clients on implementation of accident and claim investigation procedures. Michael represents clients in courts across the Midwest, including state and federal courts from Michigan to Kentucky and Ohio to Kansas.

Education

• University of Missouri - Columbia School of Law, J.D., 1996
• University of Missouri - Columbia, B.A., 1993

Civic and Charitable Activities

• Board of Directors, Team Activities for Special Kids, Inc.

Professional Affiliations

• Missouri Bar
• American Bar Association
• Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
• American Board of Trial Advocates
• Defense Research Institute
• Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis

Representative Jury Verdicts

• Jury verdict for utility client against wrongful death claim, demand of $4.8 million
• Jury verdict for manufacturing client against allegations of a defective product, demand of $800,000
• Jury verdict for hospital client against allegations of disease exposure from used needle, demand of $500,000
• Jury verdict for corporate client against allegations of property misappropriation and tortious interference with a business
• Jury verdict for railroad client in FELA claim, demand of $900,000
• Jury verdict against hospital client, but for less than 5% of last settlement demand in premises liability claim

Representative Published Cases

• Arthur v. National Railroad Passenger Corporation, 224 S.W.3d 68 (Mo.App. E.D. 2007)
• Williams v. National Railroad Passenger Corp., 2006 WL 3431781 (S.D.IlI.)
• Cupp v. National Railroad Passenger Corp., 138 S.W.3d 766 (Mo.App. E.D. 2004)
• Gresser v. Union Pacific Railroad Company, 130 F.Supp.2d 1009 (C.D. Il1. 2001)

Awards and Honors

• Named as an “Up & Coming Lawyer” in 2009 by Missouri Lawyers Weekly
• Recognized as receiving a “Top Defense Verdict” in 2008 - 2011 as reported by Missouri Lawyers Weekly
• Listed with Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2008 - 2011

Bar Admissions

• United States Supreme Court
• United States Court of Appeals
  • Eighth Circuit
• United States District Courts
  • Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri
  • Southern and Central Districts of Illinois
  • District of Kansas
• Missouri
• Illinois

Publications & Lectures

• Speaker, “Return to Work Issues: Legal and Practical Issues From a Litigation Perspective”, American Short Line & Regional Railroad Annual Convention (May 2011)
• Speaker, “Opening Statements”, Litigation seminar to benefit Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (June 2010)
• Speaker, “Issues Related to Additional Insureds and Contractual Liability in Missouri and Illinoisv, Seminar for insurance client (November 2009)
• Speaker, “Current Trends in Grade Crossing Litigation”, Railroad Claims and Liability Seminar (July 2008)