President's page: The vital role of Missouri lawyers in upholding democratic principles

Shelly Dreyer is 2024-2025 Missouri Bar president.

I’ve wanted to be a lawyer since I was a little girl. To me, the people who stood up for the rights of others and the judges who ensured justice was served were heroes. That admiration has only deepened as I’ve witnessed the extraordinary dedication of these guardians of our democratic principles. 

On April 11, The Missouri Bar Board of Governors adopted a resolution that reaffirms the bar’s commitment to supporting lawyers, judges, and courts. The board recognizes that our democracy is founded upon and depends upon legal principles that ensure no person is above the law, that laws are publicly and widely known, that laws apply equally to all and are equally enforced, and that disputes are settled by an independent judiciary. 

Public trust in our judicial system depends on widespread understanding of how courts function and why judicial independence matters. When judges face criticism for applying established legal principles, it can affect the integrity of our entire justice system. 

The Missouri Bar believes in protecting our legal institutions because they serve as the foundation of our democracy. 

The judiciary plays a unique role in our system of government. Courts serve as neutral arbiters where disputes can be resolved fairly, where constitutional rights are protected, and where all citizens stand as equals. For this system to work effectively, judges must be able to make decisions based on legal principles without concern for public opinion or outside pressure. We as lawyers understand this balance and can help others appreciate it, too. 

A cornerstone of our legal system is that laws must be applied equally to all individuals, regardless of status, wealth, or background. When the public sees this principle in action, trust in our institutions grows. Conversely, when people perceive that justice is not administered fairly and impartially, confidence in our entire system erodes. As lawyers, we play a crucial role in ensuring this equal application of the law through our advocacy and professional conduct. 

I’ve seen firsthand how this commitment plays out in courtrooms across our state. Earlier this year, I watched a judge carefully explain her ruling to a disappointed litigant, taking extra time to ensure they understood the legal reasoning behind the decision. It was a small moment, but it reflected the dedication to transparency and fairness that makes our system work. 

We, as lawyers, have numerous opportunities to strengthen these institutions through our daily work. When we explain to clients how courts reach decisions based on law rather than popularity, we help build public understanding. When we maintain respectful discourse even while disagreeing with a judicial ruling, we model how democratic debate should function. Each of us contributes to the health of our justice system through these everyday actions. 

Equally important is the principle that lawyers must be able to represent clients without fear of harassment, intimidation, or reprisal. This fundamental protection allows us to provide zealous representation even for unpopular clients or controversial causes. When lawyers face threats or pressure for fulfilling this essential role, the administration of justice itself is threatened. By standing firm in our commitment to this principle, we ensure that all members of society can access legal representation and that our system functions as intended. 

Early in my career, a colleague took on a deeply unpopular client in a high-profile case. The criticism she faced was intense, but she remained steadfast in her belief that everyone deserves competent representation. Years later, that same dedication to principle continues to inspire me and many others in our profession. 

Public trust in the legal system doesn’t happen automatically — it must be earned through consistent demonstration of fairness, accessibility, and integrity. When citizens believe that courts function independently and lawyers serve as honest advocates, they’re more likely to respect judicial decisions and resolve disputes through legal channels rather than alternative means. This trust forms the foundation upon which our entire justice system rests. 

In our practices across Missouri, we enhance access to justice when we take on pro bono cases or support legal aid organizations. We strengthen the profession when we mentor new lawyers and model ethical behavior. We contribute to public understanding when we speak at community events or write articles explaining legal concepts in accessible terms. These actions may seem small individually but collectively make a profound difference. 

The preamble to Rule 7 of the Missouri Rules of Professional Responsibility, which establishes The Missouri Bar, creates the responsibility of all Missouri lawyers to “strive at all times to uphold the honor and maintain the dignity of the profession and to improve not only the law but the administration of justice.” This responsibility guides us as we seek to serve our clients while also serving the broader interest of justice. From rural and metropolitan areas of Missouri, lawyers put these principles into practice every day. 

Our local bar associations provide valuable forums where we can discuss challenges facing the profession and develop solutions together. Whether through continuing education programs, community outreach initiatives, or collaborative advocacy efforts, these organizations help us work collectively to support our justice system. I’ve found some of my most valuable professional relationships through these associations, and the camaraderie we share strengthens our resolve to uphold these important principles. 

Though we face many challenges in today’s complex world, our commitment to core legal principles remains unwavering. We are living in a particularly challenging time when fundamental democratic values are being tested, when polarization threatens our ability to find common ground, and when the very institutions that provide stability are under scrutiny. 

Yet, these difficult moments are precisely when our dedication to principle matters most. By upholding professional standards, supporting judicial independence, and promoting public understanding of the law, we help ensure that our democratic institutions remain strong for generations to come. 

The work we do matters — not just for our individual clients but for our entire society. Through thoughtful advocacy, ethical practice, and dedicated service, Missouri lawyers continue to play a vital role in preserving the principles that make our system of justice work for everyone. Each time we enter a courtroom, draft a document, or counsel a client, we have the opportunity to strengthen these principles and renew our commitment to the ideals that have guided our profession for generations. 

As I reflect on my years in practice, I’m reminded that being a Missouri lawyer is both a privilege and a responsibility — one that connects us to a proud tradition while challenging us to ensure our system of justice remains vibrant and accessible for all. Together, we can meet that challenge.