Andy Briscoe collaborates with legislators, lawyers as Missouri Bar government relations director

Weaving together the interests of lawyers, the public, and legislators to advance legislation that will help lawyers even better serve their clients and communities is Missouri Bar Government Relations Director Andy Briscoe’s goal.

The Missouri Bar government relations department works with state legislators to hear and advance Missouri Bar proposals while communicating and collaborating with committee members and the bar’s Board of Governors. Through these conversations, the government relations staff can better inform lawyers of legislative changes and court actions.

Through the Legislative Engagement Center, Missouri lawyers can stay abreast of legislation that may impact their practice and/or the administration of justice. Lawyers can track bills by subject matter or practice area, review Missouri Bar-initiated legislative proposals, read current and past issues of Legislative Digest, and more. The government relations department also produces the monthly Courts Bulletin, which compiles and summarizes the latest court decisions in select areas of law.

“So much of serving clients is being able to access, use, and rely upon pertinent information that is helpful,” Briscoe said. “By informing members of legislative changes or court actions, we allow lawyers to have access to the information they need to even better serve their clients.”

Yet, beyond the procedural aspects, what truly energizes Briscoe is the human element. "The people!" he exclaimed. This adeptness in navigating interpersonal dynamics proves invaluable in his interactions with legislators, where building relationships and presenting compelling arguments are paramount.

“There are folks in the legislature who are willing to work with you, learn about your issues, and help you,” he said. “So, it’s a matter of presenting to the right decision maker at the right time to advance the bar’s goals. That process is tremendously enjoyable.”

Briscoe joined Missouri Bar staff in October 2023 after working for the ASPCA, the Missouri Division of Professional Registration, and the Missouri Department of Corrections. His career has also included time as counsel to the Missouri Department of Public Safety, an assistant prosecuting attorney, a city attorney, a municipal judge, and a private practitioner.

This wide-ranging experience has proven helpful when working with the ever-evolving legislature, he said.

Outside of work, Briscoe is a “proud dog dad, an avid reader, a Katy Trail biker, a whimsical cook and baker, a semi-patient traveler, a scattershot movie buff, a politics junkie, a one-time marathoner, a collector of friends, and someone who treasures time with family and loved ones.”

For more information about The Missouri Bar's government relations department, contact 573-659-2280 or govrel@mobar.org.