In brief: July-August 2025

Vol. 81, No. 4 / July-August 2025

Attend Annual Meeting Sept. 17-19 in Branson

The Missouri Bar Annual Meeting offers an unparalleled opportunity for all Missouri lawyers to learn skills that will help them even better serve their clients and communities. This year, the statewide conference returns to Branson Sept. 17-19, with networking opportunities, educational programs, and a chance to celebrate your fellow lawyers and judges. For those unable to attend in person, there will be a virtual “Lunch & Learn” option Oct. 6-10. View the schedule and register for Annual Meeting at MoBar.org/AM25.

Tech tip

AI tools can now aid lawyers in contract review. These tools scan contracts and highlight key terms (e.g., indemnification clauses, termination rights) in seconds. They can also flag risks or inconsistencies based on practice area. Customize output to focus on specific clauses — say, “show all force majeure references.” This cuts review time compared to manual Ctrl+F searches and is more precise than older redlining tools.

Family Law Conference to be held in Branson Aug. 14-16

Join The Missouri Bar for the 2025 Annual Family Law Conference Aug. 14-16 at the Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center in Branson. Presented by MoBarCLE and The Missouri Bar Family Law Committee, the conference covers a range of family law topics and will provide attendees opportunities to hear from speakers including circuit court judges, Missouri practitioners, and clinical providers.

Vote in Board of Governors elections

From July 18-Aug. 15, Missouri lawyers can cast votes in The Missouri Bar Board of Governors elections in their districts. Missouri lawyers will receive an email from BOG.Elections@courts.mo.gov by July 18 containing a link to the electronic ballot portal, where they can vote on contested Board of Governors seats in their districts. If there is not a contested Board of Governors seat in your district, you will not receive a ballot. Missouri lawyers can view their voting districts for the Board of Governors elections at MoBar.org under the “demographics” tab in their profile. The voting district is the county where the lawyer is employed or maintains their principal office. Learn more at MoBar.org.

MoBar memory

Then-Missouri Bar President Doreen Dodson acknowledges those responsible for the delicious fare served at the Past Presidents’ Barbecue during Annual Meeting, Sept. 26-28, 1991, in Kansas City.

Words of well-being: What are some early signs you’ve seen that could indicate a lawyer might be struggling to effectively practice due to mental health challenges?

Editor’s note: This response was written by a lawyer and is not medical advice.

“Biologically, our bodies and brains are not designed to withstand constant, unending stress, yet the legal profession is marked by endless stress-inducing situations and circumstances. If not properly managed, the body’s reaction to persistent stress can manifest in a variety of ways that may signify declining mental health [including] … persistent feelings of overwhelm, negative and/or fear-based thoughts, difficulty concentrating, memory disturbances, disrupted sleep … and feeling that you must tackle personal or professional challenges alone.

“It is vitally important that lawyers pay attention to their bodies and minds and promptly address new or unusual symptoms or thought patterns. It may be tempting to brush off early signs as the byproduct of stress that is just ‘part of the job,’ but such an approach is very risky because those signs, if ignored, can grow into a much larger mental and/or physical health issue that could significantly impact a lawyer’s life and career. When experiencing early indications of potential mental health struggles, lawyers should never hesitate to reach out for help identifying and addressing the root cause.”

- Erin McClernon, attorney development manager with Ogletree Deakins in Kansas City

Answers have been edited for clarity, brevity, and style.

Save the date

For more information, visit MoBar.org.