Bay, Robbins receive 2025 President’s Awards
William R. Bay and Scott A. Robbins will receive the 2025 President’s Awards from 2024-2025 Missouri Bar President Shelly Dreyer in celebration of their contributions and dedication to The Missouri Bar and the legal community.
Bay
A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Law, Bay has represented major corporations in high-stakes litigation for more than 30 years. He recently completed his term as 2024-2025 president of the American Bar Association.
Bay previously served on The Missouri Bar Board of Governors, is a past president of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, and co-chaired the Supreme Court of Missouri’s Commission on Racial and Ethnic Fairness. He was also a member of the ABA Board of Governors and is a past chair of the ABA House of Delegates, ABA Section of Litigation, and the ABA Board of Governors’ Finance Committee.
“Bill Bay represents the best of what it means to be a Missouri lawyer — excellence in practice, dedication to service, and strength in the face of adversity,” Dreyer said.
Dreyer added Bay’s leadership is “even more remarkable” when considering his unwavering commitment to the profession following the death of his wife, Angela.
“Despite suffering profound loss, he continued to serve our profession with grace and determination, demonstrating the kind of character that defines the very best among us,” Dreyer said. “His ability to lead while grieving speaks to both his personal strength and his deep commitment to the legal community that has sustained him.”
Robbins
A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Law, Robbins said his practice has evolved to focus on rural utilities, real estate, business and commercial law, workers' compensation, and probate and estate planning.
“This specialization has allowed me to serve as more than just an attorney to my clients; I've become a partner in building the infrastructure that keeps rural Missouri communities thriving,” he said.
Robbins currently serves on The Missouri Bar Board of Governors and is chair of the Member Contact Information Review Committee and the Special Committee on the Impartiality of the Judiciary. He is also past chair of the bar’s Journal Editorial Board, Client Security Fund, and the Members Services Committee. He participated in the bar’s Leadership Academy and served on the Young Lawyers’ Section Council.
“If you make yourself available and serve with excellence, it's incredible the number of doors that will open,” Robbins said. “Don't wait for the ‘perfect’ opportunity or until you feel fully prepared — start where you are with what you have. Whether it's a local bar committee, a specialty bar, or an open enrollment committee, every form of service matters.”
Dreyer commended Robbins for his instrumental role in co-chairing the Special Committee on the Impartiality of the Judiciary to help determine The Missouri Bar’s role in defending the judiciary and protecting Missouri’s Non-Partisan Court Plan.
“At a time when judicial independence faces unprecedented challenges, Scott helped navigate these complex issues with wisdom and dedication, ensuring our bar remains a strong defender of the constitutional principles that underpin our justice system,” Dreyer said.
The President’s Awards will be presented in Branson during the Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar and Judicial Conference, Sept. 17-19.
Click here to learn more about annual awards presented by The Missouri Bar, The Missouri Bar Foundation, and other entities. Read about other 2025 award winners here.