Executive summary: A summer of celebration and supporting others

Mischa Buford Epps is executive director of The Missouri Bar.

The long, warm days provide ample opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, connect with loved ones, and participate in community fun. It’s no wonder that it’s a favorite season for many.

In June, hundreds of Missouri lawyers headed to Lake Ozark for the ever-popular MOSOLO Small Firm Conference. This annual event is a highlight for many across the state. It was great to see so many members collaborating, learning, and enjoying time together in a beautiful setting. The conference offered a variety of sessions tailored to the unique needs of solo and small firm practitioners. Additionally, in-person attendees had a chance to relax and unwind during evening activities, including a delicious lakeside dinner that provided a perfect backdrop for networking and camaraderie. We also had the honor of hosting 
law students from both the University of Missouri-Kansas City and Saint Louis University Schools of Law. It was inspiring to hear about their professional aspirations and connect at various activities. If you weren’t able to attend, mark your calendars for next year’s conference, June 5-7, and see photos from the 2024 event on our Facebook page. 

Of course, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to celebrate The Missouri Bar’s 80th anniversary in June. As I mentioned in my last column, this milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the value of a unified bar organization – a single group of lawyers working together to improve the legal profession, the administration of justice, and the law on behalf of the public. This anniversary is a time to honor our collective achievements and the spirit of collaboration that defines our organization. The work you do truly impacts others. 

August ushers in another exciting milestone – the swearing-in of Missouri lawyer Bill Bay as president of the American Bar Association during the ABA Annual Meeting in Chicago. He is the eighth ABA president to hail from Missouri, and we are proud of him and his many contributions to our state’s legal community. Bill’s ascension to this prestigious role is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and leadership within the profession. As lawyers, it is so important that we celebrate and cheer on one another. If you have a moment, reach out and congratulate Bill on this significant appointment. Supporting one another is a key aspect of what makes our profession so fulfilling. 

You also have an opportunity to cheer on your fellow lawyers and judges by nominating them for one of many Missouri Bar awards and attending an awards luncheon during this year’s Missouri Judicial Conference and Annual Meeting in St. Louis, Sept. 18-20. There, we’ll also be congratulating our newest class of senior counselors – those who have reached the age of 75 or have been admitted to The Missouri Bar for 50 years. You can learn more at MoBar.org/AM24. There is something for everyone at Annual Meeting. Meet us in St. Louis for a chance to come together, learn and share expertise, conduct the courts’ and bar’s business, and celebrate lawyers who make a difference. 

Before we look to fall, I hope you’ll take some time this summer to relax and recharge in a way that is meaningful to you. There’s no question that the legal profession is rewarding – but it can also be stressful. If you need support prioritizing your wellness, I encourage you to reach out to the Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program. MOLAP is free and confidential, and it offers a range of resources designed to help legal professionals manage stress, maintain balance, and prioritize mental health. 

Whether you’re spending time with family, traveling, or simply enjoying some quiet moments, I wish you well as you celebrate this summer.

Best,
Mischa