Michael D. Griffith Sexual Abuse Litigation Attorney
Michael Griffith spent roughly half of his 27-year legal career as a prosecutor, handling everything from traffic tickets to murder cases. That experience gave him something invaluable: 49 jury trials as first chair, and a deep understanding of how to build and present a case that holds wrongdoers accountable. Today, Michael dedicates his practice exclusively to representing survivors of sexual abuse—using the skills he developed in the courtroom to help people who have been harmed in the most horrific ways find justice and begin to heal.
“I get to help people who have been harmed in a horrific fashion and try to get them into a better place to handle their trauma. I have found this work extremely rewarding.”
Michael D. Griffith
Sexual Abuse Litigation Attorney
Courtroom-Tested Advocacy
Michael’s career as a prosecutor gave him something few plaintiff’s attorneys have: extensive trial experience against the most serious offenses. He brings that same intensity and preparation to every sexual abuse case he handles.
49
Jury Trials
First chair criminal and civil
13+
Years as Prosecutor
Traffic to murder cases
27
Years of Experience
Criminal and civil litigation
100%
Sexual Abuse Focus
Exclusive practice area
Trial Experience & Training
Michael’s career as a prosecutor gave him unparalleled courtroom experience. His training and trial record demonstrate his ability to build cases, examine witnesses, and secure justice.
49 Jury Trials as First Chair
Michael has first-chaired 49 criminal and civil jury trials throughout his career. This level of courtroom experience is rare—most attorneys never try that many cases. It means Michael knows how to present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and persuade juries.
Sexual Assault Prosecution Experience
As a prosecutor, Michael successfully tried sexual assault cases, including one where the defendant was convicted of sexually assaulting his three daughters and sentenced to 5 consecutive life sentences. Michael understands these cases from every angle.
National Advocacy Center Training
Michael attended the National Advocacy Center’s specialized training programs, including Arson Trial School and Cross-Examination Trial School. This advanced training honed his skills in witness examination and trial strategy.
Serious Felony Experience
Michael prosecuted the full range of criminal cases, from traffic offenses to first-degree murder. His experience with the most serious charges means he’s comfortable handling complex, high-stakes cases where the facts are difficult and the opposition is aggressive.
We Don’t Just Take On Cases—We Take On Causes.
If you or someone you love has survived sexual abuse, Michael Griffith doesn’t just fight for compensation—he fights to help survivors find a path forward. With 49 jury trials and years as a prosecutor handling sex crimes, Michael brings unmatched courtroom experience to the fight for justice. Your conversation is confidential, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Peer Recognition & Credentials
Specialized Training
National Advocacy Center Programs:
⚖️ Arson Trial School – Specialized training in complex evidence presentation
⚖️ Cross-Examination Trial School – Advanced witness examination techniques
The National Advocacy Center is the U.S. Department of Justice’s premier training facility for prosecutors. These intensive programs teach advanced trial skills that Michael now applies to civil litigation on behalf of abuse survivors.
Bar Admissions
State Courts:
Missouri – 1998
Illinois – 2022
Federal Courts:
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Illinois – 2019
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri – 2022
Prosecutor Background
Michael spent roughly half of his career as a prosecutor, handling:
Sexual assault cases (including convictions resulting in multiple life sentences)
First-degree murder and armed criminal action
Full range of felonies and misdemeanors
This experience gave him 49 jury trials as first chair and deep expertise in building cases, examining witnesses, and persuading juries.
Michael’s Practice Focus
Michael’s practice is now focused exclusively on representing survivors of sexual abuse. His years as a prosecutor—including handling sexual assault cases that resulted in convictions—give him unique insight into how to build these difficult cases and hold abusers accountable.
Sexual Abuse Litigation
Michael dedicates his practice exclusively to representing survivors of sexual abuse. His background as a prosecutor who tried sex crimes cases gives him unique insight into building these sensitive cases and holding perpetrators—and the institutions that enabled them—accountable.
When institutions like churches, schools, or youth organizations fail to protect children from predators, they must be held accountable. Michael understands how these institutions operate and how to prove they knew—or should have known—about the abuse.
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse often carry trauma for decades before seeking justice. Michael provides a safe, confidential space for survivors to come forward, and fights to hold abusers and enablers accountable regardless of when the abuse occurred.
Sexual assault in the workplace is a profound betrayal of trust. Michael represents survivors of workplace sexual assault, holding both individual perpetrators and negligent employers accountable for the harm they caused.
Michael grew up in a single-parent household and was the first person in his extended family to attend college. He understands what it means to overcome challenges and fight for something better—an understanding he brings to every case.
Saint Louis University
Bachelor of Arts, English – 1994
Michael earned his undergraduate degree in English from SLU. His love of reading and quick wit made law a natural fit, though he was also drawn to graduate studies in English. The analytical and communication skills from his English background serve him well in the courtroom.
University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law
Juris Doctor – 1998
Michael earned his law degree from Mizzou Law and was admitted to the Missouri Bar in 1998. His interest in true crime initially led him toward public defense, but he found his calling as a prosecutor instead.
Prosecutor
Half His Career in Criminal Prosecution
Michael spent roughly half of his 27-year career as a prosecutor, handling everything from traffic tickets to murder cases. This experience gave him 49 jury trials as first chair—including sexual assault cases that resulted in convictions and life sentences. He attended the National Advocacy Center’s advanced trial training programs.
Medical Malpractice Defense
Civil Litigation Experience
Michael transitioned to private practice defending medical practitioners against lawsuits. While rewarding, he felt better suited to representing injured people rather than defendants.
When Your Case Becomes Our Cause
Michael Griffith and the OnderLaw team don’t just fight for compensation—we fight to help survivors reclaim their lives and hold abusers accountable. If you or someone you love has survived sexual abuse, your conversation with us is completely confidential. Let’s discuss how we can help.
