Thomas V. Bender

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tbender@wbsvlaw.com
AV Martindale-Hubbell Rating

Mr. Bender has been a trial lawyer for over 30 years. He began his practice for what was then a large Kansas City law firm, practicing in both their Missouri and Texas offices, before co-founding the present firm in 1992. Through the course of his career, he has appeared in numerous courts, both state and federal, in various personal injury, products liability and commercial cases.

He has also given seminars and presentations to various bar associations including the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, the University of Missouri-Kansas City Continuing Legal Education, and the Association for Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City.

Mr. Bender is involved with various Kansas City community service organizations, including the Multiple Sclerosis Board of Directors (1990-93), Kansas City Centurions (1985-1986), St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee (1986-1997), American Royal Parade Committee (1999-2000), Volunteer Attorney Project (various years), and the El Dorado Springs Educational Foundation (1994-2000).

EDUCATION:

University of Missouri – School of Law
Columbia, Missouri
Juris Doctorate, 1979

University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri
Bachelor of Science, 1975 (with Honors)

LICENSES/ORGANIZATIONS:

  • Licensed to practice law in the State Courts of Missouri and Kansas
  • Licensed to practice law in the Federal Courts of Missouri and Kansas and the Eighth Circuit
  • Received AV (highest) rating from Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, a peer rating system for attorneys
  • Member, American Association of Justice
  • Member, Missouri Association of Trial Lawyers
  • Member, Missouri State Bar Association
  • Member, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association (President, 2010)
  • Member, Federal Practice Committee, Western District of Missouri (2007-2010)

AWARDS/HONORS:

  • Presidents Award – Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association
  • Presidents Award – Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Foundation
  • Kansas City Business Journal: Best of the Bar (2003, 2005-2011)
  • Super Lawyers – Missouri and Kansas (2006-2010)