Executive summary: Springing forward

Mischa Buford Epps is executive director of The Missouri Bar.

Our newly released 2023 Annual Report highlights the work of volunteer leaders, members, and bar staff to better the lives of all Missourians by improving the law, the legal profession, and the administration of justice. I encourage you to take a few minutes to scroll through the 2023 Annual Report at MoBar.org to review all our offerings and efforts. 

One such effort is the work of our government relations department, which helps carry out the bar’s goal of ensuring Missouri laws are uniform, clear, and precise, and our justice system, which interprets and applies them, is supported with adequate resources. Missouri Bar officers recently visited with legislators at the capitol, sharing about the many public resources the bar provides – and how those resources can serve their constituents. 

We also had the opportunity to hear Supreme Court of Missouri Chief Justice Mary R. Russell deliver her 2024 State of the Judiciary address to a joint legislative session. (Read her speech here.) 

While this was only one day, our government relations team continues to keep up with the many happenings at the bustling capitol. From tracking bills of interest to educating elected officials about the justice system and legal profession, the department works hard to keep you informed of state law changes. In 2023, staff reviewed 2,330 bills and resolutions. 

Throughout the Annual Report, you’ll also see the impact of your work through Missouri Bar committees and sections. These groups provide an opportunity to collaborate with like-minded lawyers, learn through continuing legal education, build relationships, and stay abreast of matters impacting relevant areas of law. 

With Spring Committee Meetings taking place April 29-May 3, I would be remiss not to encourage you to join one or more that tie to your practice or interests. Many of these virtual committee gatherings offer free CLE in furtherance of our goal of providing CLE to support and improve professionalism, competence, and ethics. You can browse all the open committees on our website and collaborate with fellow members on connect.MOBAR. 

Spring also brings Well-Being Week in Law, taking place May 6-10. This national observation week aims to raise awareness about mental health and encourage action and innovation across our legal profession to improve well-being. Our Standing Committee on Well-Being in the Profession is coordinating with the Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program to host programming throughout the week. This includes helpful resources and no-cost CLE. As we all know, our health impacts our ability to do our jobs, and I encourage you to invest in your own well-being to thrive and be your best for your clients, colleagues, organizations, families, and communities. As always, if you need support for a personal concern, MOLAP is here to help you. 

The above are just a few of the exciting things we’re up to here at your Missouri Bar this spring. We hope you will join us. If you want to learn even more, please reach out about having a board governor or officer visit your local organization or community.