Crane, DeFeo, O’Malley receive 2024 Spurgeon Smithson Awards
Hon. Gayle L. Crane, Louis C. DeFeo Jr., and Mary Kathryn O’Malley will be recognized for their contributions toward increasing the quality of justice.
Established in 1976, The Missouri Bar Foundation Spurgeon Smithson Awards recognize judges, law teachers, and/or lawyers who have provided outstanding services toward the increase and diffusion of justice. The Missouri Bar Foundation Board of Trustees selects the recipients, who each receive a $2,000 stipend.
The three recipients will receive their awards on Sept. 18 in St. Louis during the Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar and Judicial Conference.
Crane
Crane became the first woman in Jasper County history to be elected as circuit judge for the 29th Judicial Circuit, a position she has held since 2006. She served as presiding judge from 2018-2021, as well as presiding juvenile judge from 2007-2018.
Along with her normal criminal and civil dockets, she has implemented a mental health court, DWI court, and juvenile diversion court.
Prior to serving as judge, she was a partner at Sotta & Crane law firm and graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.
Crane encouraged lawyers to “find your passion and chase after it, regardless of the naysayers.”
“During your chase, enjoy the small accomplishments as much as the large accomplishments,” she added. “Be kind to yourself, and control your stress before it controls you. Get to know your fellow lawyers, especially older experienced lawyers, and learn from them. Don't worry about the small stuff. Have fun and enjoy the privilege of being part of this great profession.”
DeFeo
After retiring following 31 years as general counsel for the Missouri Catholic Counsel, DeFeo founded Legalcare – which later became part of the Samaritan Center. The mission was simple, DeFeo said: “That all – rich or poor – may experience the system of justice as a place of fair play and peace making.”
Staffed mainly by volunteers – many of whom are lawyers – Legalcare helps individuals in need with food, clothing, housing, utilities and more.
After recognizing that many retired, government, and corporate lawyers did not volunteer due to lack of malpractice coverage, DeFeo drafted and lobbied for Senate Bill 1247, which protects pro bono lawyers helping individuals in need without pay.
A graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, DeFeo has served as chair of the Supreme Court of Missouri’s Committee on Access to Family Courts and written two e-books on pro bono for lawyers and trial judges.
O’Malley
O’Malley is director of the Children and Family Services Clinic and a clinical professor of law at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. While director, the clinic established legal permanency for over 1000 children, most subject to juvenile court jurisdiction.
A past recipient of the Roger P. Krumm Family Law Award, O’Malley also served as the legal director of the Kansas City Youth Court housed at the law school for 17 years.
O’Malley was a state child protection worker for 13 years before graduating from Washburn University School of Law. She then became a prosecuting attorney at the Jackson County Family Court and later a partner at Raith & O’Malley.
This award is meaningful to O’Malley because it indicates “that I have (done) something right as I've pursued my goal of improving the lives of children through better legal representation and instilling a passion for representing the needs of abused and neglected children in my students.”
O’Malley encouraged lawyers to be open-minded regarding the twists and turns of their career path and to end each day knowing you did the best job you could. She also emphasized inspiring and guiding others through your work.
“I encourage my students to provide pro bono service to children and families even if they do not end up in a family law career because we need smart, prepared, and caring lawyers for this work,” she said. “Seek leadership positions, especially ones where you can help address access to justice issues. I've learned from training teenaged youth attorneys for the Kansas City Youth Court that the next generation is ready and interested. Be their guides.
Click here to learn more about annual awards presented by The Missouri Bar, the Missouri Bar Foundation, and other entities. Read about other 2024 award winners here.