Executive summary: Reaching our goals, together

Did World Cup fever hit your household?

Whether or not soccer is your sport of choice, there’s something special about seeing so many countries come together and vie for one of sport’s most significant recognitions, especially with some of the tournament happening so close to home.

Watching the games unfold is also a fascinating study of teamwork, leadership, and character. In a competition packed with star power, each individual’s talent matters, but it takes a united team to win.

The same is true of our profession.

As lawyers, we come from different backgrounds and paths to the profession, creating different perspectives and priorities. When we come together to improve the legal profession, the administration of justice, and the law on behalf of the public, all of Missouri benefits.

I’ve seen this unity — and its impact — firsthand in many ways. Over the summer months:

• Lawyers and judges have continued to volunteer to present about Missouri’s Non-Partisan Court Plan to students and community groups, helping them better understand what judges do, how judicial retention elections work, and why they matter.
• Dozens of lawyers shared their time to serve as leaders and speakers at the Missouri Boys and Girls State legal practice track, introducing the next generation to the legal profession and its vital role in our communities.
• More than 470 attendees gathered at the Lake of the Ozarks for the Solo & Small Firm Conference. It was the 30th anniversary of the event, with seasoned, mid-career, and novice lawyers meeting to exchange ideas, build relationships, and learn from one another so they can even better serve their clients.
• Hundreds of lawyers and judges have participated in recent surveys, providing valuable insight into the realities of rural practice in our state and helping shape how The Missouri Bar can continue to best support new and young lawyers.

These are only a few examples of the many wins we can accomplish when we work together.

I encourage you to join the action this September when we gather in Kansas City for the 2026 Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar and Judicial Conference. In addition to timely plenary sessions, CLE programs, and the opportunity to connect with colleagues, we’ll usher in a new bar year and celebrate all we’ve accomplished — together — over the past 12 months.

Of course, we can’t miss the opportunity to incorporate soccer into the mix. Our Best of Missouri Reception will take place at CPKC Stadium, home of the Kansas City Current and the first stadium in the world purpose-built for a women’s professional sports team.

As a unified bar, we bring together lawyers from different practice areas, communities, and perspectives to strengthen the profession and serve the public. Thank you for being part of the team.