Michele Fritchey still learning new things after 25 years

Tell me about yourself and your background.

I was born and raised in Jefferson City. I attended Jefferson City High School. In my junior and senior years, I participated in the Office Work Experience Program where I worked part time at Jefferson City Auto Supply (where I met my husband) and Missouri Hospital Association doing clerical work. Immediately after graduation in 1988, I began working as a receptionist for a local insurance company and I got married the following year in July 1989. I worked at three other local businesses here in town before getting my job here at The Missouri Bar in May 1999 – which is where I have stayed. I have to say my job today is quite different from when I started 25 years ago. When I was first hired, I was what was called a “floater,” and I helped out the legislative department sending out bills to committee members for review and the MCLE department during their busy times.

Tell me about your job – what kinds of tasks do you do on a day-to-day basis?

Committees’ coordinator:

I am responsible for maintaining all the committee information for the entire membership of The Missouri Bar in the database, including updating the officers’ positions on a yearly basis and updating committee rosters on a daily basis.

I am also one of several staff members who help back up the main switchboard. I answer all different types of questions. Even after working here for 25 years, you still learn something new every day.

MOLAP administrative assistant (part-time):

I am responsible for helping with all aspects of the Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program, which is the professional, confidential counseling program for members of The Missouri Bar, immediate family members, and law students. MOLAP helps individuals with personal concerns such as substance abuse, depression, and burnout.

What’s your favorite part of your role? 

Helping with the Spring and Fall Committee Meetings, which are now virtual. I am one of the staff monitors. I start the meetings on Zoom and make sure everything goes smoothly on the call, monitor the chat feature, and answer questions from the committee officers and members.

I also enjoy working with the senior counselor class each year for the Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar. These are members of the bar who are recognized for either practicing 50 years or who have reached the age of 75. I prepare the members’ letters notifying them they are being recognized and invite them to the opening luncheon at the Annual Meeting. If they are unable to attend the luncheon, I then prepare the letters and certificates that are mailed to them after the meeting. 

How can Missouri lawyers benefit from being part of a committee? 

Committees provide lawyers the opportunity to connect with each other and build relationships with lawyers who practice the same area of law. They can ask questions and discuss situations with each other on connect.MOBAR, the online community that The Missouri Bar provides for the committees of the bar.

What do you like to do outside of work?

In my spare time, I like to do embroidery and spend time with my family. I have recently begun embroidering baby quilts (for family and friends) and trying to finish up some projects I started when my children were little.

During the summer months, we make wonderful memories and spend time at our lake house with our kids and three grandchildren. We like to go boating around (when our boats are running) in our cove and take the kids tubing, we do a little fishing (as long as I don’t have to touch the worm!), and a lot of swimming.

Editor’s note: these answers have been edited for style and clarity.