In brief: September-October 2026
Vol. 82, No. 5 / September-October 2026
Judicial performance review results available online
Nonpartisan, independent reviews of the judges up for retention Nov. 3 under Missouri’s Non-Partisan Court Plan are available for voters to view online before they head to the polls. Judges who serve under the plan run in retention elections after their first 12 months on the bench and at the end of each of their terms. See the reviews, plus writing samples, lawyer surveys, and more at YourMissouriJudges.org.
Tech tip: AI prompt writing
When you use an AI tool, the instructions you type, called a “prompt,” largely determine the quality of the answer you receive. Vague or incomplete prompts often produce generic or unhelpful responses that waste time and reduce confidence in the technology.
Prompt writing has become a necessary skill that lawyers must learn and develop. Many free online guides and short courses explain these techniques in plain language and can quickly help you build the skill. Treating prompt writing as a learnable ability — and seeking out those resources — can help you better research case law, analyze arguments, and conduct other legal work so you can even better serve your clients.
Remember, lawyers must use AI in a way that is consistent with the duties of competence, candor, confidentiality, and supervision as outlined in Missouri Informal Opinion 2024-11 and the Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct.
Get involved in The Missouri Bar
The Missouri Bar offers many opportunities for Missouri lawyers to get involved in the bar or to serve their communities, including joining a committee, offering pro bono services, becoming a CLE speaker, or writing for the Journal of The Missouri Bar. Learn more about bar involvement opportunities at MoBar.org/Get-Involved.
Economic survey findings: How does your practice compare?
The Missouri Bar’s 2025 Economic Survey provides insights into the economic realities of practicing law, giving you a closer look at trends and data affecting Missouri lawyers. Explore the Economic Survey at MoBar.org/EconomicSurvey.
Member benefit: Receive three months with no monthly fee when you start with 8am LawPay
8am LawPay streamlines billing with secure online payments, flexible options like Pay Later financing, and next-business-day deposits. With built-in IOLTA compliance, trust and operating account reporting, and expense management, LawPay simplifies the process so you can spend more time practicing law. Learn more at LawPay.com/Member-Programs/Missouri-Bar.
MoBar memory
Attendees of The Missouri Bar Annual Meeting in Kansas City in 2023 play with puppies as part of a well-being event sponsored by the Young Lawyers’ Section. The event was designed to allow attendees and their guests to interact with the puppies, as studies have shown having a pet reduces stress and anxiety, a common struggle among lawyers.
Save the date
Fall Enrollment Ceremonies | Oct. 16 | Jefferson City
National Celebration of Pro Bono | Oct. 25-31 | nationwide
Estate, Trust & Elder Law Institute | Nov. 5-6 | St. Louis
Fall Committee Meetings | Nov. 16-19 | virtual
Fall Board of Governors meeting | Nov. 20 | Jefferson City
For more information, visit MoBar.org.