Jim Onder's firm, OnderLaw, continues to achieve national recognition, but his deep commitment to our local community endures, especially when it comes to supporting children. From Toys for Tots to his unwavering dedication to child safety, Jim’s actions continually show that true success is measured not just by courtroom victories, but by championing communities.
Kirkwood City Lifestyle Magazine: How did OnderLaw become involved with Toys for Tots?
Jim: Kayla, my wife, approached me: "Jim, can we ask people to bring Toys for Tots donations to our Christmas party?" Kayla knew firsthand what it meant to receive only one gift at Christmas. She pointed out that older kids are often overlooked and suggested gifts like sports equipment so they, too, feel included.
Kirkwood City Lifestyle Magazine: How has your Toys for Tots drive grown?
Jim: Once we started asking our guests to bring a toy to our Christmas party, something beautiful happened; neighbors began dropping off toys at our offices simply to be part of this joy. The sheriff's office in St. Louis joined in with enthusiasm, turning the event into something breathtaking. Now, every year, hundreds—perhaps thousands—of toys are gathered, loaded into paddy wagons, and delivered right outside our office. A caring idea uniting the community and brightening children’s lives is deeply moving.
Kirkwood City Lifestyle Magazine: What drives this commitment to the community?
Jim: It's about a sense of genuine connection and collective pride in how much we can accomplish together. Our Christmas party is always memorable, but the real magic is seeing the community unite around something bigger than ourselves. It amazes and humbles me how the compassion of one person can ripple outward to change so many lives.
Kirkwood City Lifestyle Magazine: It sounds like your approach to philanthropy is very personal.
Jim: That’s right. We choose causes that hold a special place in the hearts of our staff and clients. This personal connection lends meaning to our philanthropy and prompts us to think beyond the legal or financial outcomes of our work. We consider the lifelong impact our actions can have, not only for our clients but also for countless children and teens.
Kirkwood City Lifestyle Magazine: Discuss how OnderLaw is singularly responsible for the child safety standards in the window blinds industry.
Jim: We’re driving real change in child safety: from window blind safety to holding institutions accountable in youth programs. We organize community events and spread messages because informed people create change. Our strongest allies are community leaders who will not tolerate injustice.
Kirkwood City Lifestyle Magazine: OnderLaw has been recognized by the most prestigious legal organizations as the top 1% of law firms nationwide. Why is this Webster Groves community so important to you?
Jim: My focus is St. Louis. I stay grounded and remember my roots. I always say, "I'm just a hoosier from Affton." We want to grow by partnering locally and supporting families and kids. Our saying is, “Your case is our cause,” but also, “Our community is our cause.”