Here’s how YLS helped lawyers, public in 2025
The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section (YLS) works to facilitate the professional growth and public service of new and recently admitted Missouri lawyers. The YLS Council is comprised of approximately 35 lawyers from districts across the state who are elected by their peers to serve two-year terms.
Check out the stories below to see how YLS worked to improve the legal profession in 2025.
The YLS Council met March 28-29 in Kansas City for networking, planning, and community service.
April: Young Lawyers’ Section Council supports law students with networking and lunch 
On April 9, YLS co-sponsored the “How to Use Your Network” panel put on by the Washington University School of Law Public Service Advisory Board. After the panel they held a networking hour.
On April 29, council members provided lunch and snacks to first-year law students at the Saint Louis University School of Law.
April: New Missouri lawyers sworn in during 2025 Spring Enrollment Ceremonies 
“It kind of feels like a weight lifted off my chest, and I just feel so grateful because I have an incredible support system,” said Alleigh Fine, a graduate of Saint Louis University School of Law.
YLS welcomed about 50 individuals who were sworn into the profession on April 25 during the Spring Enrollment Ceremonies.
July: YLS Council meets July 13-15 for annual Summer Meeting
The YLS Council held its summer meeting July 13-15 in Camdenton, combining business with community service. Before the meeting, council members participated in a Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org clinic where they answered 28 questions from low-income Missourians. They also conducted official business where they approved candidates for vacancies, voted on awards, and discussed recommendations for by-laws changes.
July: Lawyers and law students network during YLS trivia nights
The YLS Diversity Committee held two networking trivia nights in July — one in St. Louis and one in Kansas City.
“The events fostered a collegial atmosphere, encouraging meaningful networking and engagement among local legal professionals in a relaxed and fun setting,” said committee co-chair Johnny Boyer.
August: YLS Council sponsors meals at KCMBA Annual YLS Golf Tournament
The YLS Council sponsored the meals at the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association’s Annual YLS Golf Tournament on Aug. 15.
Held annually in the Kansas City area, the tournament is the primary fundraiser for KCMBA’s YLS, supporting scholarships, public service initiatives, and the YLS-sponsored Naturalization Ceremony.
September: YLS presents awards at Annual Meeting
YLS presented three awards during the Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar and Missouri Judicial Conference. Learn about the awards and their recipients below.
JoEllen Engelbart Award: Maggie McConville
Tom Cochran Community Service Award: Jessica R. Langley
YLS Chair Awards: Johnny Boyer and Paige Sparks
September: 300-plus #NewMOLawyers sworn in during 2025 Fall Enrollment Ceremonies 
YLS welcomed more than 320 individuals who were sworn into the legal profession before judges of the Supreme Court of Missouri, officers of The Missouri Bar, and members of the Missouri Board of Law Examiners during the Fall Enrollment Ceremonies. Those lawyers were among the more than 450 individuals who passed the July 2025 Bar Exam.
See photos from the day’s celebration here.
More than 2,000 Missouri students had the opportunity to learn about the U.S. Constitution from lawyers, including YLS Council members, during the annual Constitution Day presentations in September.
“The scholars at HPA (Hogan Preparatory Academy) worked hard in preparation for the attorneys' and judge's visit and were excited to ask them questions about their rights, the U.S. government, and the Constitution,” said Veronica King, teacher at Hogan Preparatory Academy. “Some scholars were inspired and now see the possibility of pursuing a career in law. It was an amazing experience and opportunity!”
November: CLE and networking events
YLS hosted three CLE events that featured the “The Milly Project” followed by a panel discussion. “The Milly Project” tells the story of an enslaved woman named Milly Sawyers who fought for and won her freedom in Springfield, Missouri before the Civil War. In 2021, “The Milly Project” won Best Screenplay and Best Social Justice Film and was nominated for Best Acting Ensemble at the New York International Film Festival. In total, 88 lawyers and law students came together to discuss how this case has shaped the law.
They also hosted two Friendsgiving events where all Missouri lawyers were invited to network.
November: YLS plans for 2026 during fall meeting
YLS met Nov. 21in Jefferson City to plan for the upcoming year and participate in a Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org clinic where they answered 25 non-criminal questions.
New representatives elected
This year, seven new representatives were elected to serve on the YLS Council. Learn about them below.
District 3: Kelly St. John, Justin Shock
District 4: Joseph Findley
District 9: Brad Baker
District 10: Taylor Haas
District 11: Brett Hodges
Western Appellate District: Darrell Smith
In addition to the new YLS Council members, Johnny Boyer was elected to represent YLS on The Missouri Bar Board of Governors.
Continuing legal education
One of the largest programs YLS offers is the Accelerator Series, a series of online courses designed specifically to provide the most current continuing legal education to lawyers in any stage of practice. They hosted 11 programs with over 240 attendees in 2025. Click here to view past and upcoming programs.
Empowering Missourians to understand their rights
Recently, young and new Missouri lawyers collaborated with Missouri Bar staff to create engaging, easy-to-digest videos about important legal topics for members of the public on ShowMeRights.org.
Watch the videos here.