Goodwin, Matthes, Spradlin honored as 2026 exemplary trial lawyers
Gregory M. Goodwin, T.J. Matthes, and Tracy Spradlin will receive this year’s Lon O. Hocker Awards for their commendable work as trial lawyers.
The Missouri Bar Foundation awards the Lon O. Hocker Award to three trial lawyers under the age of 40 who demonstrate zealousness, honor, strength, courtesy, confidence, and respect. Established in 1954, the award is named after Lon O. Hocker, a lawyer who practiced in St. Louis for more than 50 years and was a well-respected trial lawyer.
Goodwin
A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Law, Goodwin is chief counsel of the Public Protection Section at the Missouri Attorney General's Office, trying criminal, sexually violent predator civil commitment, and public corruption cases. In addition to trial work, Goodwin has handled appeals in state and federal court.
As a first-generation lawyer, Goodwin said it is an “honor” to be recognized as an exemplary trial lawyer and to be entrusted to try serious cases.
“Trials are often referred to as a search for the truth, and in many of my cases, trials have aided public understanding of the important issues,” he said. “It is a privilege to work towards those goals every day, and I am so grateful to be recognized for that work.”
Goodwin said his passion for law is driven by his duty to seek justice in every case.
“Every case that goes to trial represents one of the worst days in the lives of the victim or the victim's surviving family,” he said. “It is my privilege to ask a jury for justice in their expression of the community’s condemnation of wrongdoing.”
Matthes
Matthes is a partner with Rosenblum, Schwartz, Fry & Johnson, PC, where he has worked as a criminal defense lawyer since graduating from Saint Louis University School of Law.
Matthes said his favorite part of being a lawyer is representing individuals. Criminal defense work has introduced him to a wide range of individuals from across the country who have unique stories.
“The human element and connection with those individuals keep the work meaningful,” he said. “I am always intrigued walking into meeting with a client for the first time about who I am going to meet, how they ended up in the situation they are in, and how I can best advocate for them.”
Matthes said he was “truly humbled” to receive the Lon O. Hocker Award, as many of the past recipients are lawyers he admires. Now being one himself, he encouraged new trial lawyers to continue trying cases and learning from the good and the bad moments.
“The stakes are high for clients who go to trial, and they deserve advocates whose skills have been forged through experience, so it’s important to seek out opportunities,” he said.
Spradlin
Spradlin is a founding partner of Spradlin Kennedy Richman, where she practices in criminal defense, expungements, and personal injury law. She is also the city prosecutor for Grandview and Pleasant Hill and volunteers as a pro bono lawyer for Legal Aid of Western Missouri’s Volunteer Attorney Project.
She has received numerous professional accolades since graduating from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. She is on the executive board for the Association for Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City and is a mentor for the AWL Denise Henning Connection Program.
As a first-generation college graduate and the first lawyer in her family, Spradlin said receiving this year’s Lon O. Hocker Award was particularly meaningful as it “reflects my family’s hard work, selflessness, and support — which brought me here.”
“This award also reminds me of the responsibility that comes with practicing law,” she said. “I hope to use this opportunity to continue serving others, to be an example of what’s possible, and to help make the path a little easier for those who follow.”
Spradlin said her passion for law comes from the ability to help and protect individuals through resolving conflicts. While some cases may not be the most financially successful or newsworthy, she added, these “quiet” cases often remind her why she chose to become a lawyer.
“… [T]hose quiet victories are where the purpose behind this profession feels most real: when someone feels heard, when a wrong is made right, or when the truth is finally acknowledged,” Spradlin said. “That is the kind of service that lasts.”
Goodwin, Matthes, and Spradlin will accept the Lon O. Hocker Award in Kansas City during the Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar and Judicial Conference, Sept. 16-18.
Click here to learn more about annual awards presented by The Missouri Bar, the Missouri Bar Foundation, and other entities. Read about other 2026 award winners here.