Michael Foster is the 2018 Pro Bono Publico award winner given by the Missouri Bar Association for outstanding character and pro bono commitment. Michael is also the 2018 Legal Champion given by Missouri Lawyers Weekly. He is a former shareholder at one of the biggest law firms in the country and resides in the Kansas City area with his wife Melissa and their two children.
Michael has a well-honed ability to see the big picture and quickly narrow options to a best possible solution. From growing up in a family of attorneys, this legal intuition comes to him naturally. His father was a noted Wyandotte County, Kansas, attorney for 40+ years, and his uncle is a district court judge in Johnson County, Kansas. Four other aunts and uncles are attorneys or former judges who have or are practicing in Kansas or Missouri. Michael grew up in the Kansas City area and is a former Division 1 college athlete and a Kansas City Star All-Metro Team selection in high school. This collective background has contributed to Michael’s unrelenting drive to compete and win.
As a former partner at one of the biggest laws firm in the country, Michael has successfully represented some of the most noteworthy national clients in their toughest legal battles, and recently won the largest jury verdict in United States history for a prisoner secondhand smoking case that led to a statewide ban on prisoner smoking.
Michael relishes time in the courtroom, and fights on behalf of local and regional plaintiffs who have experienced adverse situations due to liability, negligence or wrongdoing. He has been on both sides of the court and knows how the most aggressive defense firms approach cases. This insider’s knowledge enables Michael to craft winning legal strategies for his clients, whether their matters are large or small, in multiple types of litigation:
• Personal injury • Car Wrecks • Insurance issues • Investment/broker disputes • Unfair business practices • Wrongful Death
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Kansas
Kansas Supreme Court
Missouri
The Missouri Bar
8th Circuit
Professional Experience
2007 - 2018
Polsinelli PC
Shareholder
Shareholder of 850 person law firm based in Kansas City, Missouri
Education
2005 - 2008
University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law
J.D. (2008) | Law Degree
Honors: Cum Laude, Marvin Rich Scholarship
2000 - 2004
Drake University
J.D. (2004) | Finance
Honors: Cum Laude, Presidential Scholar
Awards
year - Michael S. Foster
Rising Stars distinction
Super Lawyers
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
National Trial Lawyers
year - Michael S. Foster
Legal Champion - 2018
Missouri Lawyers Weekly
Pro Bono Publico Award
Missouri Bar Association
year - Michael S. Foster
Largest Plaintiff Wins
Missouri Lawyers Weekly
Contacts
Foster Wallace, LLC1501 Westport Road Kansas City MO 64111Telephone: (816) 249-2101
⚖️ Choosing the Right Attorney: Why Client Service Matters
Hiring a personal injury attorney is a big decision, and at Foster Wallace, we believe you deserve:
✅ Direct access to your attorney – No getting lost in a sea of paralegals. ✅ Honest, upfront communication – Transparency about fees, settlements, and expectations. ✅ Responsiveness & personal attention – We work hard for our clients and ensure they feel heard. ✅ Experience & expertise – Trained by top attorneys in Kansas City and across the country.
We’ve seen clients come to us after bad experiences with other firms. At Foster Wallace, we’re committed to exceptional client service, strategic case planning, and getting the best possible results for those we represent.
📞 Need a lawyer who truly cares? Contact us today! ⚖️ #ClientFirst #PersonalInjury #FosterWallace
Contact us today for a FREE consultation at (816)-249-2101. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve!
Many employees experiencing discrimination, sexual harassment, or a hostile work environment hesitate to report it—fearing retaliation, job loss, or that no one will listen. Unfortunately, employment claims have shorter statute limitations than personal injury cases in Kansas and Missouri, so acting quickly is crucial.
At Foster Wallace, we provide a safe space to share your story and explore your legal options. Our experienced employment law attorneys will:
✅ Listen to your experience and assess your case ✅ Provide guidance on your rights and legal options ✅ Help you take action without fear of retaliation
Even if you choose not to pursue litigation, we can help connect you with resources to protect your rights in the workplace.
📞 If you believe you’ve been a victim of workplace discrimination, contact Foster Wallace today. ⚖️ #EmploymentLaw #WorkplaceRights #FosterWallace
Contact us today for a FREE consultation at (816)-249-2101. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve!
At Foster Wallace, we are more than just attorneys—we are trusted advocates who fight tirelessly for our clients. Our team, led by Michael Foster and Brian Wallace, is built on:
✅ Hard Work & Experience – Constantly strategizing, learning, and leveraging legal expertise. ✅ Client-First Approach – We stay in constant communication, always looking for ways to improve case outcomes. ✅ The Right Balance – Knowing when to push aggressively and when to negotiate strategically to get the best results.
Clients often want a bulldog attorney, but sometimes building relationships leads to better settlements. We understand how to adapt our strategy to achieve the maximum compensation possible for our clients.
📞 Looking for dedicated attorneys who truly care? Contact Foster Wallace today! ⚖️ #ClientFirst #HardWorkMatters #FosterWallace
Contact us today for a FREE consultation at (816)-249-2101. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve!
🏥 Why Seeking Medical Treatment is Crucial After an Injury
Many clients delay medical treatment after an accident for various reasons:
❌ They underestimate their injuries – A minor ache could be underlying ligament damage. ❌ They don’t have health insurance – Medical bills can feel overwhelming. ❌ They’re unsure where to go – Finding the right doctor isn’t always easy.
At Foster Wallace, we help clients navigate medical care options, including:
✅ Doctors who work on a lien basis – Medical providers who wait for payment from the settlement. ✅ Short-term loan resources – Helping clients cover essential medical expenses. ✅ The importance of documentation – The more we prove your injuries, the stronger your case.
Many injuries don’t show up immediately—waiting to seek care can hurt both your health and your case. Go see a doctor, document everything, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
📑 The Personal Injury Process: From Consultation to Trial
At Foster Wallace, we guide our clients through every step of the personal injury claims process, ensuring they receive top-notch legal representation and the compensation they deserve.
Step 1: Free Consultation 🔹 We listen to your story—understanding the accident, your injuries, and its impact on your life. 🔹 We explain the legal process and our contingency fee arrangement (we don’t get paid unless you win).
Step 2: Investigation & Representation 📑 We send a letter of representation to the insurance company to protect you from direct communication. 📸 We gather evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements. ⚠️ We preserve key evidence—like vehicle damage or phone records—before they disappear.
Step 3: Medical Treatment & Demand Letter 🏥 Your focus is on recovery, while we collect medical records and bills. 📝 Once treatment is nearly complete, we draft a demand letter detailing your injuries, missed work, and pain & suffering. 💰 Insurance companies typically respond within 30 days, making an offer or starting negotiations.
Step 4: Negotiation or Lawsuit ⚖️ If the offer is fair, we advise on settlement, but the final decision is always yours. 🚨 If negotiations fail, we file a lawsuit—we are not afraid to go to court. ⏳ Lawsuits take time (trials can be scheduled a year out), but we work aggressively on depositions, expert testimony, and mediation to push for the best outcome.
Step 5: Mediation & Trial ⚖️ Most cases settle in mediation, where a neutral mediator helps both sides reach a fair agreement. 👨⚖️ If no agreement is reached, we proceed to trial, presenting witnesses, expert testimony, and evidence to a jury.
At Foster Wallace, we treat every case as if it’s going to trial—ensuring we are fully prepared to fight for the best possible result.
📞 If you’ve been injured, contact us today for a free consultation! ⚖️ #PersonalInjury #KnowYourRights #FosterWallace
Contact us today for a FREE consultation at (816)-249-2101. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve!
📚 Free Legal Resources & Answers for Injury Victims
At Foster Wallace, we believe in educating our clients and providing valuable resources to help them understand their rights after an accident or injury.
🔹 Been in a wreck? Injured by negligence? Discriminated against at work? We know you have questions—that’s why we offer free legal content, including: 📖 Informational books on dog bites, lawsuits, and car accidents 🎥 Videos & articles covering frequently asked legal questions 📞 Free consultations—we work on a contingency basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless you win
We aren’t here to hide information—we want you to feel confident that we know what we’re doing and are fighting for you. Even if we aren’t the right attorneys for your case, we’ll help you find the right legal representation.
⚖️ Contact us today for a FREE consultation at (816)-249-2101. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve!
One of the most common questions we get at Foster Wallace is: "What is my case worth?" The truth is, we can’t answer that on day one—determining case value requires a full investigation and a clear understanding of your injuries, medical bills, and long-term impact.
What Factors Affect Your Case Value? 📑 Medical Treatment & Bills – The extent of your injuries and future medical costs. 🏛️ Jurisdiction & Juries – Case value varies depending on where the accident occurred. 🚗 Defendant’s Behavior – Juries react differently to cases involving drunk drivers, distracted drivers, or reckless actions. 🔍 Investigation & Evidence – We analyze witness statements, medical reports, and depositions to strengthen your claim.
Why We Don’t Settle Too Soon 🚨 Settling before finishing medical treatment can be a huge mistake. A minor injury could turn into something serious—like a client who nearly accepted $10,000 before an MRI revealed a rotator cuff tear, leading to a six-figure settlement instead.
At Foster Wallace, we fight for every dollar you deserve. We won’t rush into a settlement—we ensure you’re fully compensated for your injuries and losses.
📞 Need a case evaluation? Contact us today for a free consultation! ⚖️ #PersonalInjury #KnowYourWorth #FosterWallace
Contact us today for a FREE consultation at (816)-249-2101. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve!
🚗 Proving Fault After a Car Wreck: What You Need to Do
If you’re involved in a car accident, proving who was at fault can make or break your case. At Foster Wallace, we help clients gather the critical evidence needed to establish liability—even when fault is disputed.
What to Do After a Wreck: 📞 Call the police – An official report helps establish facts. 📸 Take photos – Capture damage, license plates, driver’s license, insurance info, and road conditions. 👥 Talk to witnesses – Get names, numbers, and statements. 🛑 Preserve key evidence – Send letters to prevent the other driver from disposing of their car or phone records.
How We Build Strong Cases: 🔹 Extracting vehicle data – We’ve uncovered proof of speeding and lack of braking before a crash. 🔹 Recovering phone records – Texting and distracted driving can be proven. 🔹 Security footage – We’ve used Ring cameras and business surveillance to show exactly how an accident happened.
🚨 Insurance companies fight to minimize payouts—but we know how to uncover the truth and fight for the compensation you deserve.
📞 Injured in a wreck? Contact Foster Wallace today! ⚖️ #CarAccident #ProvingFault #FosterWallace
Contact us today for a FREE consultation at (816)-249-2101. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve!
⚖️ Preparing Every Case for Trial—Because It Matters
At Foster Wallace, we treat every case as if it’s going to trial. Why? Because it’s the only way to ensure insurance companies and defendants take you seriously.
Our Approach: 🔥 Aggressive from Day One – We don’t assume a case will settle; we prepare like it’s heading to trial. 📑 Filing Lawsuits When Necessary – If negotiations stall, we immediately take legal action. 🎤 Taking Depositions & Gathering Evidence – We build a strong case so the other side knows we mean business.
Why It Works: 💰 Insurance companies can tell if you're not ready for trial. If they sense hesitation, they’ll lowball your settlement. ⚖️ Being trial-ready increases case value. Defendants pay more when they know you’re prepared to fight.
🚨 Most cases settle before trial, but only when the other side knows we’re ready to take it all the way. That’s the Foster Wallace difference.
📞 Need aggressive legal representation? Contact us today! ⚖️ #TrialReady #PersonalInjury #FosterWallace
Contact us today for a FREE consultation at (816)-249-2101. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve!
At Foster Wallace, we always advise our clients to be cautious about what they post online after an accident. Insurance adjusters actively search social media to find anything that can be used to undermine your claim.
How Social Media Can Hurt Your Case: 🚨 Claiming a serious knee injury, but posting a video of waterskiing? The insurance company will use it against you. 🔎 Adjusters monitor Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to find evidence that contradicts your claims. ⚠️ Even innocent posts can be misinterpreted to suggest you're not as injured as you say.
What You Should Do: ✅ Avoid posting about your accident, injuries, or daily activities. 🔒 Set your accounts to private to limit access. 🛑 Don’t accept new friend requests—they could be from insurance investigators.
🚨 One post can cost you thousands in compensation. Protect your case and let Foster Wallace fight for you.
📞 Have questions about your case? Contact us today! ⚖️ #SocialMediaWarning #ProtectYourCase #FosterWallace
Contact us today for a FREE consultation at (816)-249-2101. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve!
