Bloomfield, MO

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. 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.

Phillip Barkett is a seasoned trial attorney with decades of experience in personal injury law. Serving as Attorney of Counsel at Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz, Phillip leverages his expertise to support the firm’s mission of delivering justice and results. With a focus on collaboration, he works closely with the team, offering guidance and strategic counsel to achieve positive outcomes in challenging legal cases.

Prior to joining Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz, Mr. Glenn was a trial attorney for Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company where he served as lead counsel on numerous jury trials involving personal injury cases including construction/maintenance defects, auto and commercial truck collisions. Further experience includes business litigation and product liability encompassing drug recalls, pharmaceutical errors and chemical exposure. Matthew brings exceptional trial experience in personal injury law.

James R. Tweedy is a well-established attorney in Bloomfield, Missouri, providing legal services since 1994. With over 25 years of experience, he handles a wide range of legal matters, including civil wrongful death claims and felony criminal cases. He graduated from law school in 1990 and worked at Oliver, Oliver, Waltz & Cook before opening Tweedy Law Office in 1994. He is a former Commissioner and Vice Chairman of the Missouri Ethics Commission and holds a BV® Distinguished Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell® for his professionalism and ethics.

Hazel earned her Juris Doctorate from Saint Louis University School of Law in 2013, graduating with honors and placing in the top 30% of her class. Throughout her academic journey, Leslie demonstrated a commitment to excellence, receiving the Dean Select Scholarship and actively participating in organizations such as the Women’s Law Students Association and the Public Interest Law Group. Prior to joining Cook, Barkett, Ponder, & Wolz, Leslie served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender at the Federal Public Defender’s office, representing indigent defendants facing federal charges in the Eastern District of Missouri. Her experience also includes a significant tenure as a District Defender at the Missouri State Public Defender’s office, where she managed a team of attorneys, investigators, and support staff while handling a diverse caseload, including complex criminal cases.