In brief: July-August 2026

Vol. 82, No. 4 / July-August 2026

Network, learn, and grow at The Missouri Bar Annual Meeting Sept. 16-18 in Kansas City

Each year, Missouri lawyers from across the state come together to hear important case law updates, learn practical skills, and make new connections. This year’s Missouri Bar Annual Meeting returns to Kansas City Sept. 16-18 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. 5-9. View the schedule and register for the in-person or virtual Annual Meeting at MoBar.org/AM26.

Vote in elections for Missouri Bar Board of Governors and Young Lawyers’ Section Council

From July 20-Aug. 15, Missouri lawyers can cast votes in The Missouri Bar Board of Governors and Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Council elections in their districts. The voting district is the county where the lawyer is employed or maintains their principal office.

Missouri lawyers received an email from the Office of State Courts Administrator containing a link to the electronic ballot portal, where they can vote on contested Board of Governors seats in their districts. Lawyers eligible to vote in the YLS Council elections received an email from The Missouri Bar.

There is one contested Board of Governors seat — District 12 (Kansas City within Jackson County).

There are two contested YLS district council elections. District 8 (St. Louis County) has two open seats, and District 10 (Barry, Barton, Bates, Cedar, Dade, Henry, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, St. Clair, and Vernon counties) has one open seat.

If there is not a contested Board of Governors or YLS Council seat in your district, you will not receive a ballot.

Learn more at MoBar.org.

Gain knowledge at the 2026 Family Law Conference Aug. 20-22

Presented by MoBarCLE and The Missouri Bar Family Law Committee, the annual Family Law Conference is a great opportunity for family law practitioners to improve their skills, meet industry professionals, and interact with other lawyers in the family law practice.

The conference returns Aug. 20-22 at the Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center in Branson and virtually. Register at MoBarCLE.org.

MoBar memory

The new Missouri Bar officers and their spouses were present at the 1976 Missouri Bar Annual Meeting in St. Louis. The meeting was bicentennial themed, featuring an Abe Lincoln look-alike and a presentation of “landmark” Missouri trials.

Missouri lawyers have access to vLex Fastcase at no cost

As a member benefit, Missouri lawyers can access an extensive primary law collection through vLex Fastcase, including case law, statutes, regulations, and constitutions, searchable by citation, keyword, or natural language query. vLex Fastcase also provides search filters and an alert system.

This Missouri Bar member benefit can save lawyers $1,140 per year.

Visit MoBar.org/Fastcase to access vLex Fastcase.

Tech tip

Legal practice management vendors are constantly adding new features and efficiencies to their products that could save your firm valuable time and money and improve client interactions. It is good practice to re-evaluate your software and processes every few years for new features or services to ensure your firm is utilizing these improvements and aligning with evolving client expectations.

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