New volunteer training attracts 30 participants

The Missouri Bar Fee Dispute and Complaint Resolution programs welcomed 30 new volunteers last month.

Lawyers and non-lawyers joining the programs were eager to learn during the two-day event how to even better serve Missourians through these initiatives.

“The Missouri Bar relies heavily on volunteers, and it was heartwarming to meet generous lawyers and non-lawyers from around the state who are willing to provide much-needed service,” said Jennifer Matthew Crompton, vice president of The Missouri Bar.

The training covered basics about the structure and operation of the programs and hands-on exercises designed to enhance volunteers’ mediation skills. Topics covered included addressing implicit bias, maintaining objectivity and neutrality, and effective communication strategies for resolving underlying conflicts. Attendees also took part in mock mediation sessions to apply their learning.

The Fee Dispute Resolution Program helps address fee disputes between Missouri lawyers and their clients at no cost to either party. The program provides a confidential process to resolve fee disputes through facilitation, mediation, or binding arbitration.

The Complaint Resolution Program works to improve the legal profession’s image through the resolution of complaints referred by the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel (OCDC). Under Supreme Court Rule 5.10, OCDC refers complaints it believes may be resolved through an alternative resolution process rather than formal disciplinary proceedings.

Featured speakers included Andrea Koelling, assistant director of dispute resolution programs at The Missouri Bar; Brian Risley, chair of the Fee Dispute Resolution Committee; Debra Snoke-Adams, vice-chair of the Fee Dispute Resolution Committee; Kim Moore, chair of the Complaint Resolution Committee; Laura E. Elsbury, Missouri's chief disciplinary counsel; and Cecilia Young, OCDC staff counsel.

“The participation and interaction from the volunteers during this two-day training was truly insightful,” Koelling said. “I feel confident in these newly trained volunteers.”