State: Missouri

Allison R. Cunningham is an Executive Partner of Cordell & Cordell, where she practices domestic litigation exclusively. Her primary office is located in St. Louis, Missouri.

Ms. Cunningham cultivated an internal training program through which she organizes and oversees a quarterly session of courses highlighting practice tips and mock trial experience for every new attorney that joins the firm.

Her superior litigation skills translate into having consistently high client satisfaction ratings. She is a frequent speaker at family law seminars for the public and fellow attorneys.

“A good working relationship between attorney and client is essential in a domestic relation case. Communication is key,” she said. “Ultimately, how you and your attorney communicate with each other will be reflected in the presentation of your case to others.”

In 1990, while practicing general law, Joseph E. Cordell, J.D., C.P.A., LL.M., P.F.S., realized most of his clients were coming to the Cordell & Cordell firm for domestic relations help.

“During the course of that experience I couldn’t help but notice the challenges consistently facing the guys side of the table when it comes to custody, maintenance issues, and accusations of domestic violence,” Mr. Cordell said. “I found in waging those fights that I enjoyed it more. So we proclaimed ourselves as a firm that devoted itself to representing men in domestic relations matters.”

Fighting for fathers’ rights is what motivated Mr. Cordell to become a divorce lawyer for men.

“I was galvanized by guys who were my clients and trying to get primary custody of their children. Even though they were the better parent, they still couldn’t get across the finish line in the courts,” Mr. Cordell said. “The more frustrated I became, the more incentivized I was to help them.”

Since co-founding the firm with his wife, Yvonne, Mr. Cordell and his team of more than 200 divorce lawyers have helped thousands of men going through divorce.

He is frequently featured in national media outlets, such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Time Magazine, and CNN. Please see “Media Appearances” below for a comprehensive list of Mr. Cordell’s online, print, radio, and TV interviews.

Mr. Cordell is also an adjunct faculty member at Washington University School of Law. Additionally, Mr. Cordell is the past president of the American Academy of Attorney-Certified Public Accountants and in 2017 was named President of the AAA-CPA Missouri Chapter.

Frank Murphy is the Chief Compliance Officer and an Executive Partner at Cordell & Cordell. His responsibilities include oversight of the Firm’s compliance with Legal and Ethical obligations as well as contributing to the day-to-day operations of the Firm as an Executive Partner.

Mr. Murphy has over thirty (30) years of experience in the field of domestic relations law with additional experience in civil litigation. He has handled several complex financial and custody related cases throughout the years, some of which resulted in appellate outcomes that helped shape current Missouri domestic relations law.

Having appeared before the Missouri Supreme Court representing the appellant Father, In the Interest of S.M.H., 160 S.W.3d 155 (Mo.2005), Mr. Murphy secured a unanimous verdict with co-counsel overturning the trial court’s termination of a Father’s parental rights.

The law does not require parents to be perfect or be model parents. Poor conduct or character flaws are not relevant unless they could actually result in future harm to the child. Citing In the interest of K.A.W., 133 S.W.3d 1 11, (Mo. Banc 2004) … The evidence shows that, although Father may not be a model parent and has in the past made some bad choices and exhibited some poor behaviors, he will be able to knowingly provide S.M.H. the necessary care, custody and control. This is all that is required. Id. At 372.

This case is cited nearly 100 times in subsequent appellate cases since the decision was reached as an authority on the burden of proof required to terminate parental rights because of a finding of a mental condition of a parent. A mental condition of a parent alone does not render that parent unable to raise a child. Id.

“Domestic Relations Law is a very complex field of practice. It is important for someone considering divorce or a modification of a divorce decree to hire someone who focuses their practice exclusively in the field of Domestic Relations Law. Over the years I have seen so many mistakes made by legal practitioners who don’t devote their time and focus to this field of law. Legal practitioners at Cordell & Cordell not only have that devotion and focus, but they also have a wealth of experience available to them throughout the Firm in several states throughout the country.”

A background that includes multiple stints as an assistant prosecuting attorney, including heading a multi-county child support enforcement unit, has given William F. Backer plenty of courtroom and litigation experience.

It also gives him an understanding of how the other side works from doing it himself.

“For instance, that experience from the other side in child support enforcement allows me to know what their options are, how they are going to proceed and how they are going to make their decision on whether to bring contempt or criminal charges,” Mr. Backer said. “That puts me in a position to tell a client here’s what the other side is thinking, and trust me, I know because I’ve done it.”

Mr. Backer said his extensive experience working on jury trials has helped hone his courtroom skills.

“My greatest strength is being able to take what appears on the outside to be a very complicated case and break it down so it is easily understood,” he said. “It’s important to be able to present and organize your evidence in such a way that it is not only convincing but understandable.”

His ability to make complex legal terms and issues easy to understand is also important in communicating with and helping guide his clients through the confusing divorce process.

“In order to achieve the best results in your case, it is crucial for you to be completely honest in your communication with me so that we can be prepared for everything,” Mr. Backer said. “I am your partner in this process, and you can trust that I will advocate for you at every stage in the process.”