Request lawyers and judges present to your class for Constitution Day 

This September, The Missouri Bar is connecting lawyers and schools for special Constitution Day presentations. Students will have the unique opportunity to learn about the U.S. Constitution from those whose profession revolves around upholding the principles and rights outlined in the document. 

Topics will range from the Bill of Rights, checks and balances, separation of powers, and civil rights issues.  

If you are interested in having a local lawyer or judge present to your class in September, complete the sign-up form. 

Free American government lesson plans

The Missouri Bar offers more than 50 lesson plans at no cost to teachers. Created by Missouri educators, these lessons are designed to inspire students to think critically and creatively. 

The plans — organized into five units — cover the foundations of government, the U.S. Constitution, the branches of government, political participation, and civil rights and liberties. 

Lesson plans are available at MissouriLawyersHelp.org/FreeMOLessonPlans. 

Civics education resources

From coloring books and a legal glossary to institutions dedicated to civic education, The Missouri Bar Citizenship Education Department compiled a list of trusted resources to help teachers create thoughtful, engaging lessons. These materials are used by educators across Missouri to inspire students to learn more about civics. 

Click here to view the full list of resources.  

The Missouri Bar Foundation is a charitable, nonprofit partner to The Missouri Bar that seeks to advance the administration of justice, elevate the legal profession, foster public appreciation of the rule of law, and further our constitutional form of government through law-related community projects, scholarships, jurisprudential research, and recognition of exemplary legal and public service. 

Show Me the Constitution competition 

The Missouri Bar will receive a grant for the 2027 Show Me the Constitution competition. The bar’s Citizenship Education Department organizes the competition, which mirrors the congressional committee hearing process used by U.S. Congress and the Missouri General Assembly. The competition features three questions that explore significant constitutional issues, challenging students to think critically and creatively about some of the most pressing civic questions facing the nation today.  

Participants have the unique opportunity to argue these topics in front of prominent members of the legal and education communities, frequently including judges of the Supreme Court of Missouri. 

2026 Anti-Human Trafficking Conference scholarships 

The Central Missouri Stop Human Trafficking Coalition will receive a grant to fund scholarships for prosecutors, prosecutorial office staff, law enforcement personnel, and other frontline professionals to attend the 2026 Anti-Human Trafficking Conference.  

The grant helps overcome budgetary limitations that prevent frontline personnel from accessing crucial training to help combat human trafficking. This high-quality education will help frontline workers even better serve survivors of human trafficking. 

Justice in Action initiative 

The Investigation & Advocacy Service Project will receive a grant for its Justice in Action initiative which seeks to strengthen public understanding of the justice system and constitutional governance through education and engagement. 

Grant funding will help expand IAS's reach in using real post-conviction cases to educate students and the public about the justice system and demonstrate the importance of constitutional protections.  

“Kids in Missouri Courts” coloring and activity book 

The Supreme Court of Missouri Civic Education Committee will receive a grant to fund the initial printing of the committee’s “Kids in Missouri Courts” coloring and activity book.  The “Kids in Missouri Courts” coloring and activity book will serve as an engaging and accessible tool to help elementary age students better understand the role of courts, judges, juries, and the rule of law in Missouri. 

For more information about grant opportunities through the Missouri Bar Foundation, click here. 

The bar’s Summer Institute is unique from other professional development programs because it’s an opportunity for educators to connect with and learn from prominent professionals in the legal field. This year, participants heard from Hon. Patricia Breckenridge, a retired Supreme Court of Missouri judge; Hon. Rebeca Navarro-McKelvey, with the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District; and Hon. Stephen Bough, with the U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri.  

“Typically, you just don’t get the time to be able to walk around and discuss those kinds of questions and topics with the professionals and the experts like you want,” said Matthew Heidger, of Eugene High School. 

The program helps teachers expand their knowledge of American government and provides teachers with materials they can use in their classroom. 

“It [Summer Institute] really allows me to expand and grow my knowledge on what government is and be able to articulate that to the kids ...” Heidger said. 

Waynesville High School teacher Eric Thornburg appreciates that the materials and lessons are ready for the classroom. 

“These are the sort of resources I wish I knew about when I was younger ...” Thornburg said. “I would have jumped on these opportunities. I would have been a better teacher earlier on.”   

Carrie Guenzler-Heaney, of Lafayette High School, said her favorite part of the program was getting to study a federal court case and then discuss the case with the judge who ruled on it. She also found the materials extremely helpful.  

Attendees said they found the four-day experience to be rewarding and fulfilling. It helped them to build confidence and feel equipped for the upcoming school year. 

 “There's more to learn [and] there’s more confidence to build for yourself, and then you can transfer [that] to your students,” Guenzler-Heaney said. 

Stay informed about upcoming educational training and access valuable teacher resources offered by The Missouri Bar Citizenship Education Department at MissouriLawyersHelp.org/CivicEd.  

View photos from Summer Institute here. 

Lawyers interested in helping with civic education and teacher outreach should contact The Missouri Bar’s Citizenship Education Department at CitizenshipEducation@mobar.org. 

What is Law Day?  

Law Day underscores how law and the legal process contribute to the freedoms that all Americans share. It also provides an opportunity to recognize the role of courts in our democratic republic and the importance of jury service to maintain the integrity of the courts.  

How did Law Day begin?  

The tradition of celebrating Law Day began in 1958 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed that every year on May 1, we as a nation “should remember with pride” how our laws help people to be treated fairly and how our laws have inspired other countries to treat their citizens more fairly. In 1961, Congress, by joint resolution, designated May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day.  

Why is Law Day celebrated on May 1?  

When the Soviet Union existed and was a major world power, the Soviets held a parade every year on May 1 to display their new weapons. This parade showed that the Soviet Union was a nation that ruled by force. To demonstrate the difference between the nations, American politicians and lawyers wanted to use May 1 to show that the United States was a nation ruled by laws made by its people.  

How is Law Day celebrated?  

Law Day programs are designed to help people understand how the law keeps us free and how our legal system strives to achieve justice. Thousands of Law Day activities are conducted for youth and adults across the country. Find Law Day news, history, and more at LawDay.org.  

Taylor Haas is an attorney at Johnson, Vorhees, & Martucci Law Firm in Joplin. A graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, he represents District 10 on The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Council. 

It can be easy for jurors to forget or not even know how crucial their service is to our system of justice. Thomas Jefferson, a founding father and U.S. president, said: "I consider trial by jury as the only anchor, ever yet imagined by man, by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution."  

One of my local judges puts it more succinctly. At the beginning of every jury trial, he tells the potential jurors that the two highest forms of civic duty are voting and jury service. These, he says, are the most direct impact we as American citizens have upon our government and community. None of our other rights give us as loud a voice in our communities or as impactful a restraint upon our government.  

In celebration of Juror Appreciation Week, let’s take a minute to recognize the contribution of juries – and the real people, decisions, and impact behind them. Juror Appreciation Week is April 26-May 2, and it serves as an opportunity to honor Missourians who have performed this civic duty in the last year.  

Jurors impact our government  

When I was prosecuting criminal cases in Jasper County, I told every jury I stood in front of that it was my job to prove to them that the defendant was guilty, and that it was their job to make sure I convince them before issuing a verdict of guilty.  

Possibly the most important impact jurors have is to restrain prosecutors. Our right to due process means that instead of a defendant having to prove their innocence, the prosecutor has the burden of proving, beyond a reasonable doubt, their guilt no matter who they are. Those legal rights, which are guaranteed to us under the United States Constitution are protected and upheld by jurors.  

Jurors serve as an essential safeguard for our justice system, fulfilling a role the founding fathers envisioned to ensure fair and impartial trials. By bringing their diverse perspectives to the courtroom, jurors provide a vital layer of accountability that protects residents’ rights and upholds the integrity of the legal process.  

Jurors impact our communities  

With their verdicts, jurors declare their community’s standards and the value of the harm suffered by a victim.  

For example, in April 2021, a Jasper County jury recommended a sentence that totaled 628 years for a criminal defendant they found guilty of crimes against children. This verdict shouts from the rooftops for all to hear, “Our community values children’s safety and punishes those who harm them.”  

In the spring of that same year, a Greene County jury awarded a plaintiff $34 million when a healthcare provider’s negligent care during an infant’s delivery resulted in lifelong injuries to the baby. This verdict declares, “In our community, when you make a mistake, you must make it right.”  

Jurors impact the parties  

At the beginning of every jury trial in Missouri, the judge reads the following, solemn jury instruction:  

[T]he trial of a lawsuit involves a considerable amount of time, effort, and expense, and the parties are entitled to have their rights finally determined. The failure on your part to follow the rules and instructions I give to you may result in a miscarriage of justice, and a new trial may be required.  

Jury trials are a zero-sum game; no matter how the jury decides, the parties on both sides of the courtroom will have huge impacts on their lives. A plaintiff who receives full value for their loss will be able to afford future treatment they need. A criminal defendant who is acquitted no longer has to worry about incarceration or other consequences of a conviction. A crime victim whose abuser is convicted is finally safe. All because of jurors.  

It’s easy to brush off a jury summons as an inconvenience and participate in the age-old tradition of trying to get out of jury duty. But the impact jurors have on our government, our communities, and the individuals involved in lawsuits is so important to us as a nation that our founding fathers cemented it in the very structure of our government by guaranteeing us the right to trial by jury. Your service as jurors matters and its impact cannot be understated.  

From one trial lawyer in the southwest corner of our great state, members of the jury, I thank you for your service.  

Keegan Tinney is a partner at Dreyer & Tinney in Joplin. A graduate of the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law, he represents District 5 on The Missouri Bar Board of Governors.

Jurors decide the ultimate outcome of a case. These outcomes affect people’s freedom, reputations, and rights. Jurors make real decisions every day in courtrooms across the state that make or break cases and decide who wins or loses. Understanding the decisions they make helps clarify the weight of their responsibility and how they can carry out that responsibility in a fair manner. 

In celebration of Juror Appreciation Week, let’s take a minute to recognize the contributions of juries - and the real people, decisions, and impact behind them. Juror Appreciation Week is April 26-May 2, and it serves as an opportunity to honor Missourians who have performed this civic duty in the last year.

When a juror comes into the courtroom, they must decide whether to serve, and if they choose to serve, how to approach their role as one of 12 jurors. Jurors must make this decision conscientiously, and it is the  lawyer’s role to help them arrive at this decision during voir dire (jury selection). They must disclose any personal obligations that may conflict with the trial and any biases they may have. 

As the trial begins, jurors must assess witness credibility and evaluate evidence in determining the facts. They must evaluate the witnesses’ truthfulness and reliability. Jurors generally consider demeanor, consistency, possible motives to lie, accuracy of memory, and corroboration in assessing witness testimony. They must reconcile conflicting testimonies, physical evidence, timelines, and expert opinions. Jurors must make these decisions based upon admitted evidence only.   

Jurors must apply burdens of proof, decide whether elements have been proven, and determine causation in civil cases. In criminal cases, the jurors must decide whether the prosecution demonstrated guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, or in civil cases met the lower required standards. The jury instructions are guides to help jurors make decisions. Lawyers use closing arguments to help the jury through this process and try to persuade the jury to make decisions favorable to their cases. 

The jurors take the decisions they made throughout the trial into deliberation to make their ultimate decision. Jurors must accurately apply findings to each count or claim, decide on lesser-included offenses if appropriate, and adhere to required unanimity or majority rules requirements. Jurors may have to make decisions on damages or sentencing outcomes. Some jurors must even decide if a defendant is to live or die in capital punishment cases.  

Jurors make a chain of consequential decisions. Every juror’s decisions — from serving to evaluating evidence to applying legal standards and deliberating — shape justice. Understanding what decisions jurors must make helps lawyers in preparing their cases. Awareness of these responsibilities supports fair, thoughtful verdicts and preserves public confidence in the legal system. 

Jackson Hobbs is an attorney with Lathrop GPM in Kansas City. A graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, he represents District 3 on The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Council.

Since its original adoption in 1820, the Missouri Constitution guarantees that the right to a trial by jury “shall remain inviolate.”ⁱ But to make that guarantee a reality, the courts rely on real people — namely, jurors — to perform this important task. Without jurors, this constitutional guarantee would be impossible.  

In celebration of Juror Appreciation Week, let’s take a minute to recognize the contributions of juries - and the real people, decisions, and impact behind them. Juror Appreciation Week is April 26-May 2, and it serves as an opportunity to honor Missourians who have performed this civic duty in the last year.  

Jurors are ordinary members of your community. They are the people you see at the stores or interact with regularly — doctors, nurses, bankers, construction workers, business owners, and more. They are real people who give their time to ensure justice is carried out fairly. 

How jurors are selected 

There is no class to become a juror. Eligibility is not based on academic or physical requirements. To be eligible for jury service, an individual must be 21 years old or older, a resident of the county where the court is located, not a convicted felon, and able to read and write English. A person is not eligible for jury service if convicted of a felony (unless restored to civil rights), in the active military, a judge, or a person who the court or jury commissioners find incapable because of mental or physical illness. 

Missourians can be called for jury service in the county they are a resident in. While each county may rely on a different list for its pool of potential jurors, it is most common for the pool to be created using sources like voter registration lists, property tax rolls, or state identification cards with addresses in the county. Real people from the community are summoned at random from the master pool using a computerized system.  

Summons and questionnaire 

Potential jurors will be contacted through a summons from the court that needs their service. In addition to the summons for jury service, a potential juror will receive a qualification form. When you receive a summons and/or qualification form, read it and follow the instructions. Respond honestly and within the time indicated.  

It is important to take the summons seriously because a person who fails to appear or respond may be guilty of civil contempt, enforceable by an order to show cause for the failure to comply and by a fine up to $500. Under Missouri law, an employer cannot terminate, discipline, threaten, or take adverse action against an employee on account of that employee’s receipt of or response to a jury summons. 

If you have any questions, contact the jury office of the court that summoned you at the phone number on the documents you received.  

Participating in democracy 

Serving on a jury is one of the most direct ways residents can participate in democracy. Perhaps other than voting, nothing is so active and participatory in nature as jury service. In fact, Thomas Jefferson believed that serving on a jury is more important than voting. He said, “I consider trial by jury as the only anchor yet imagined by man by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution.” Jurors gain first-hand knowledge of the workings of the judicial branch of government and preserve their own right to a jury trial. 

The real people who serve on juries provide an important component to each trial. During the trial, the judge serves as the court’s presiding officer and as the final authority on the law. The lawyers act as advocates for their sides of the case. But it is jurors who decide the facts and ultimately vote to render the verdict.  

Jurors don’t need special skills or knowledge — just an open mind to listen to all of the evidence before making a decision without bias. As a juror, you are responsible for impartially evaluating the evidence presented and determining the facts under the law as the judge instructs you.  

In recognition of the real people who make Missouri’s Constitutional guarantee of a trial by jury a reality — thank you.  

ⁱ Mo. Const. Article I, Section 22a. 

Next week is Missouri's Juror Appreciation Week. During the celebration, judges, lawyers, and court clerks will formally thank the 71,855 Missourians who served as jurors in 2025. 

April 26-May 2, court staff and legal professionals will emphasize to jurors how important their contributions are to our courts, communities, and legal system. Many courthouses throughout the state will display a poster provided by The Missouri Bar thanking jurors for answering the call to serve. Judges also may take additional time to thank jurors and to acknowledge the significance of their service.   

Even more Missourians can join the celebration and share photos of their activities on social media using #ThankAJuror.   

Missouri is one of only a few states that hold a statewide Juror Appreciation Week. The observance began in 2000 by an order of the Supreme Court of Missouri, which states, “Each year thousands of Missourians perform one of the most significant civic duties granted to citizens — they serve as fair and impartial jurors in communities throughout the state. To honor those citizens who have performed their civic duty, all Missouri courts are directed to observe Juror Appreciation Week …”   

Visit the event webpage to learn more about Juror Appreciation Week, take a quiz to test your knowledge of jury service, or attempt custom jury-themed word puzzles.   

José Sandoval is a solo lawyer and owner of Sandoval Law Firm (Estate Planning & Probate Practice). A graduate of the Saint Louis University School of Law, Sandoval is a member of the 2025-2026 Missouri Bar Leadership Academy class.

In December of 2014, I was involved in a severe car accident. I flipped my car NASCAR-style upside down into a ditch on the side of the highway. I was unbelievably lucky and blessed to survive this accident and walk away from the wreckage with only some bruising from my seatbelt.

It didn’t truly hit me that I could have been seriously injured — or even died in that accident — until I walked out of the hospital and the adrenaline rush had finally faded.

In many situations, people are unable to speak for themselves when or if they are seen by a health care provider. That is where having a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care is vital to ensuring your medical wishes are followed.

What is a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care?

A Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) for Health Care is a legal document that lets you choose people you trust to make medical decisions for you if you become too sick or injured to communicate those decisions for yourself. This trusted person is usually called your “health care agent.”

The health care DPOA, and accompanying HIPAA Privacy Authorization Form, gives your health care agent legal authority to talk with health care providers and receive information about your health. It can also give your health care agent the legal power to carry out your wishes for end-of-life care, organ or body donation, and funeral or final arrangements.

Why is a DPOA for Health Care important?

Nobody plans on getting into a severe car accident or losing the ability to speak or care for themselves. But these situations, unfortunately, happen every day.

Health care DPOAs keep you in control over your life and liberty. Your health care agent will know what kind of medical care you want, what decisions you would make for yourself, and how you would like to be cared for. You can also outline your care and treatment choices about life-prolonging procedures in a Health Care Directive, which can be attached to your health care DPOA, to provide further guidance for your health care agent. This helps prevent conflict in stressful situations.

A health care DPOA can also help your loved ones avoid court. Without this document, someone may need to go to court to receive permission to make medical decisions for you at the same time as your medical situation. This process can take up precious time, money, and energy during an already stressful situation.

How can a health care DPOA help simplify estate planning and provide peace of mind to loved ones?

After learning about DPOAs in law school, I realized just how much heartache and distress I could have put my parents through by not having one of these powerful documents in my estate plan as a young person.

A health care DPOA helps provide peace of mind to your loved ones and trusted people. This powerful document outlines a detailed plan for what your health care agent can do during your medical emergency, when they must act, and how they should handle the situation without you there to guide them.

What are helpful tips to keep in mind?

Talk to your agents

It’s important to discuss your medical wishes with your health care agents before a situation occurs where you can no longer communicate.

Sit down and have an honest conversation with your health care agents about your — and their — beliefs, feelings, and views on treatment. You may be surprised that your trusted people have different ideas from your own about certain medical treatments, life support, or organ donation. It is important to know that your trusted person can and will make decisions according to YOUR instructions, not their own beliefs.

Find someone who is comfortable with health care

If you have issues choosing a trusted person, find someone in your life who is knowledgeable about health care. It is important that your trusted person is not only someone who will step up to the plate, but also who can easily understand what they are being told by health care professionals.

Remember that you can always change your mind

This health care DPOA does not set your decisions in stone. Rather, you should think of it as a reflection of what you would want to happen today. A lot of people’s feelings about their medical treatment change over the course of their lives, and it is normal to update health care DPOAs on occasion.

Make copies of your health care DPOA

Ensure your providers have access to a copy of your health care DPOA, whether that means sending electronic copies to your medical team, storing the document in a safe and secure place (that your health care agent can still access), or carrying a copy while traveling away from home.

The Missouri Bar has a simple and free DPOA for Health Care written by lawyers, along with a Health Care Directive and HIPAA Privacy Authorization form, available to Missouri residents.

The Missouri Bar’s DPOA for Health Care and Health Care Directive booklet and forms do not take the place of meeting with and receiving advice and counsel from a lawyer experienced in assisting clients with completing these forms. Often lawyers who do estate planning, elder law, and general practice focusing on those areas can assist you with your health care advance planning. Contact a lawyer if you have any questions.

No one likes talking about death or end-of-life matters, but on April 16, The Missouri Bar is encouraging individuals to do just that as part of National Healthcare Decisions Day. 

NHDD has existed since 2008 to educate the public and medical providers about the importance of advance care planning. To help Missourians express their wishes regarding health care – and help providers and facilities respect those wishes – The Missouri Bar offers free Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Health Care Directive forms year-round. 

“Sometimes legal forms and procedures can seem complicated and overwhelming. That’s why The Missouri Bar is here to help make the process as simple, clear, and accessible as possible,” said Athena Dickson, 2025-2026 Missouri Bar president. “Please take advantage of these free planning resources, so you can have peace of mind and be prepared for the future.”  

These forms allow individuals to document their care preferences, including decisions on life-prolonging procedures and organ donation. Individuals can also outline who they want to carry out their health care wishes.  

To learn more about NHDD and how you can complete your Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Health Care Directive form, go to MissouriLawyersHelp.org.  

Nominate an exemplary educator or individual for The Missouri Bar’s E.A. Richter Award or Dr. Warren H. Solomon Civic Virtue Award.  

E.A. Richter Award 

The E. A. Richter Award recognizes remarkable contributions by Missouri teachers, administrators, and schools to citizenship education efforts in the state. Past winners include secondary and elementary teachers; college professors; and school civics, citizenship, government, and law programs.  

The Missouri Bar Advisory Committee for Citizenship Education established the award in honor of E.A. “Wally” Richter, long-time Missouri Bar law-related education department director.  

Click here to nominate a teacher, group of teachers, administrator, or school for the E.A. Richter Award.  

Dr. Warren H. Solomon Civic Virtue Award 

The Dr. Warren H. Solomon Civic Virtue Award honors individuals who embody civic virtue and have promoted it among Missouri teachers and students.  

The Missouri Bar Advisory Committee for Citizenship Education created this award to pay respect to Dr. Warren H. Solomon, a social studies curriculum specialist with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education who advocated for law-related education among Missouri teachers.  

Nominate a deserving individual today! 

You can read about past Missouri Bar award recipients here. To learn more about awards from The Missouri Bar, The Missouri Bar Foundation, and The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section, click here.  

Hannah Kiddoo Frevert is communications director at The Missouri Bar.

For the last 85 years, Missouri’s Non-Partisan Court Plan has continued its tradition of attracting high-quality judges in the least political way, ultimately giving the people the final say. 

Commonly known as The Missouri Plan, it aims to select judges based on merit, not politics or popularity, and keep the selection process transparent and open to the public. 

To better understand why the plan works and why it continues to be right for Missouri, it’s important to know why it was adopted in the first place. 

Political influence before The Missouri Plan 

Prior to The Missouri Plan’s adoption, Missouri judges were selected in the same fashion as those in other states, by general election. 

In the 1930s, Missourians became increasingly frustrated by the excessive role of political influence and monetary leverage in judicial elections and decision-making. Judges were removed from the bench with great frequency as voters were swayed by national politics. Political machines like that of “Boss” Tom Pendergast would buy votes, packing the Supreme Court of Missouri, along with other state and local offices, with appointees of his own political persuasion.

In 1937, a bipartisan group of more than 80 people met and formed the Missouri Institute for the Administration of Justice. Their proposal? A new way to select Missouri judges, based not on popularity or influence, but on merit. 

When the proposal landed on the 1940 Missouri ballot, it passed by a majority of 90,000 votes. Skeptics were quick to suggest that voters simply didn’t understand the law, and they pushed for it to return to the ballot in 1942. That time, it was retained by a majority of about 180,000 votes and was adopted into the Missouri Constitution.

This novel nonpartisan way of selecting judges quickly proved to be a success. In 1948, Supreme Court of Missouri Judge Laurance M. Hyde, a key player in the plan’s adoption, noted that the nonpartisan system “combines the best features of both the appointive and elective systems but provides safeguards lacking in either.”¹ 

Following the plan’s adoption, the Supreme Court of Missouri got its docket on a current basis for the first time in 50 years, an achievement that Hyde credited to judges having more time to focus on the cases before them rather than spending months campaigning. 

The plan’s inner workings 

Today, The Missouri Plan governs the selection and retention of all appellate court judges in the state, as well as trial judges in the City of St. Louis and Jackson, Clay, Platte, St. Louis, and Greene counties. 

Significantly, The Missouri Plan has proven to be a model for the nation as more than 30 states have used it to create a similar structure for their own judicial selections. 

The Missouri Plan’s approach to judicial selection is especially unique in that all Missouri residents can be involved in the process. When a vacancy arises in a court that uses The Missouri Plan, eligible individuals are encouraged to apply and be interviewed by a nominating commission.

The Appellate Judicial Commission, which selects nominees to fill Supreme Court of Missouri or Missouri Court of Appeals openings, consists of a judge of the Supreme Court of Missouri, three lawyers, and three non-lawyer members. The circuit judicial commissions, which select nominees for openings on a circuit court that uses The Missouri Plan, includes the chief judge of the Court of Appeals district in which the vacancy occurs, two lawyers, and two non-lawyer members. In both types of commissions, the lawyers are elected by bar members and the non-lawyers are appointed by the governor.

Members of the public are invited to attend these interviews, where the candidates are evaluated based on the character and experience they bring to the bench, as well as their professional strengths and legal analysis skills. The commission selects the top three candidates for the open judgeship and passes along its recommendations to the governor, who appoints one of those candidates to the role. 

During the general election following their first 12 months on the bench and at the end of each term, judges stand before the voters in a retention election. 

Voter education efforts 

Before voters are asked to decide whether a judge should or should not be retained, they are encouraged to consider the findings of Missouri’s Judicial Performance Review Committee. The committee is composed of lawyers, retired judges, and residents of Missouri. 

In its first iteration, the committee surveyed Missouri lawyers, asking if they felt specific judges should or should not be retained. This information was then conveyed to voters. 

To even better inform Missourians, there have been modifications to the review process in subsequent years, in line with best practices outlined by the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System. Today, the committee completes an anonymous evaluation of each judge up for retention, reviewing written opinions and surveys completed by lawyers and jurors who, when applicable, have worked with the judge.

Lawyers play an essential role in the judicial reviews of judges up for retention in Missouri. In advance of each review cycle, lawyers who have practiced in front of the judge are asked to share their experiences, noting the judge’s preparedness, efficiency, professionalism, impartiality, and other factors. 

Jurors, similarly, can share about their judicial interactions. At the conclusion of a trial, jurors are invited to provide feedback about a judge’s patience, ability to make the legal issues easy to understand, and equal treatment of all parties, among other considerations. 

Based on all these materials, the Judicial Performance Review Committee then recommends whether a judge should or should not be retained, and its findings are publicly available through YourMissouriJudges.org. 

Empowerment through civic education 

Now, 85 years in, The Missouri Plan continues its tradition of attracting high-quality judges in the least political way and ultimately giving the people the final say. 

As the 2026 judicial retention elections draw near, lawyers are invited to present to community groups, classrooms, local bar organizations, and other institutions to help voters better understand the role of The Missouri Plan in our appellate and metro court systems. 

To help coordinate these efforts, The Missouri Bar is creating a network of lawyer-leaders embedded in their communities who are willing to help educate residents about The Missouri Plan and the judicial retention process. Lawyers interested in volunteering and presenting can complete a form at MoBar.org/lawyer-leader. 

Community groups or classroom teachers interested in having a lawyer present about the judicial selection process can fill out a form at MissouriLawyersHelp.org/Request-a-speaker. 

Learn more about The Missouri Plan at YourMissouriJudges.org.

Following the adoption of Missouri's Non-Partisan Court Plan, the Missouri Bar Journal published several pieces, such as the one above from 1940, regarding the importance of The Missouri Plan. 

Endnotes 
1 Laurance M. Hyde, The Missouri Plan for Selection and Tenure of Judges, 39 JOURNAL OF CRIMINAL LAW AND CRIMINOLOGY, 3 (Sept.-Oct. 1948).

How it works  

Teams of three to five students take on the role of constitutional experts, testifying before a mock congressional committee of three judges. Each team has five minutes to present a prepared statement, followed by 10 minutes of follow-up questions from the judges. 

The judges are leaders in the academic and legal fields. In previous years, panels have included current and past Supreme Court of Missouri judges. 

For many students, defending constitutional arguments in front of such prominent figures can be intimidating. 2025 participant Ysabella Moss said she was nervous at first, but the judges made her feel comfortable, and she enjoyed the opportunity to meet them. 

“Once we started getting into the questioning, it got more comfortable…” Moss said. “It was really interesting to hear their opinions and also have them ask us our opinions.”   

This year’s topics include:  

— Should stare decisis matter in the 21st century?  

— To what extent should the First Amendment's protection of free expression apply to speech on social media platforms?  

— Is federalism still relevant in our country?  

Interested in bringing a team to next year’s Show Me the Constitution? Email CitizenshipEducation@mobar.org.   

The Missouri Bar citizenship education department hosts numerous events throughout the year and provides resources that can be implemented in the classroom. View dozens of resources at MissouriLawyersHelp.org. 

The fund is maintained by appropriations from the annual enrollment fees paid by each member of The Missouri Bar. It also accrues interest and receives restitution payments from lawyers seeking reinstatement.  

A six-member Client Security Fund Committee operates under rules established by the Board of Governors. The committee may recommend full or partial reimbursement or denial of a claim. All payments recommended by the committee are subject to review by the Board of Governors, which retains full discretion regarding payment of any claim. 

Frequently asked questions: 

Who can submit a claim? 

You qualify to submit a claim if you hired a lawyer who has been disciplined by the Supreme Court of Missouri. The lawyer must have been disbarred, suspended, ruled mentally incapacitated, or has died. 

Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Client Security Fund, you must file a claim within two years of discovering the loss.  

How do I file a claim? 

You can file a claim using the Client Security Fund Claim Form found on MissouriLawyersHelp.org. 

You may also email llarkin@mobar.org to request a printed copy. 

How long does it take for claims to be decided?  

Timelines vary depending on several factors, including: 

• If all necessary information and documentation was included with the form
• Whether the lawyer files a response to the claim
• The number of claims submitted within a given period 

The committee works to decide all claims within a year of receipt. 

Click here to learn more about the protections The Missouri Bar offers clients.  

The 2026 Summer Institute, “Guardians of the Constitution: courts and independence at 250 years” will be July 26-29 at The Missouri Bar in Jefferson City. Meals and lodging are provided. Featured speakers will include a former Supreme Court of Missouri chief justice, a Missouri Court of Appeals judge, and a judge for the U.S. District Court-Western District of Missouri.

The program will explore judicial independence and how it was essential to the Declaration of Independence. It will also examine the role the courts played in the Framers’ design of the Constitution and the courts’ relationship with public opinion and other branches of government.

Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Missouri, Patricia Breckenridge; and Hon. Rebeca Navarro-McKelvey of the Missouri Court of Appeals-Eastern District will discuss Missouri’s Non-Partisan Court Plan, which has become a model for the nation adopted by more than 30 other states.

Participants will also explore the recent court case Mizzou Students for Justice in Palestine v. Choi involving the University of Missouri’s efforts to ban a pro-Palestinian group from the homecoming parade. The action was ruled unconstitutional by Hon. Stephen Bough of the U.S. District Court-Western District of Missouri.

Bough will join the institute to discuss the case and judicial decision-making. He is excited to provide teachers with real-world examples to challenge their students.

“Giving teachers the tools to apply the Constitution to contemporary issues will ensure another generation is equipped to keep this great experiment with democracy alive,” Bough said. 

Sign up for Summer Institute today!

View materials and lessons from previous sessions.

The Missouri Bar offers a variety of resources for teachers, including lesson plans and professional development information. View the full list of resources here.  

The Missouri Bar stands firmly against any effort to diminish the role of the judiciary as a co-equal branch of government.

The Supreme Court of Missouri, as part of a system of checks and balances, has a constitutional responsibility to determine whether laws passed by the legislature comply with the Missouri Constitution. The Court makes all decisions consistent with this charge, applying the facts before them, regardless of their personal beliefs or which political interests may be affected.

Missouri’s independent judiciary, combined with merit-based judicial selection through the Non-Partisan Court Plan, ensures that all Missouri cases receive equal consideration under the law.

The state constitution created Missouri’s Non-Partisan Court Plan and its independent nominating commission, made up of citizens, lawyers, and judges, which produces a Supreme Court that is fair and impartial. The Plan continues to be right for the people of Missouri because it attracts high-quality judges in the least political way and ultimately gives the people the final say.

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The Missouri Bar is a statewide organization that is dedicated to improving the legal profession, the law, and the administration of justice for all Missourians. Created in 1944 by order of the Supreme Court of Missouri, it serves all 31,000 of Missouri’s practicing lawyers. To achieve its mission, The Missouri Bar provides a wide range of services and resources to its members, as well as the media, educators, and citizens of Missouri. To learn more about The Missouri Bar, visit MoBar.org and MissouriLawyersHelp.org.

The House is expected to begin the joint session process at 10:15 a.m.; the state of the judiciary address will follow. 

WATCH LIVESTREAM: You can watch the State of the Judiciary live from the House website by going to the “Chamber Messageboard” and selecting either the play icon or “CC Video” link. You also can access the live feed from the House’s media center. From the media center menu, please select “House Media Feeds” and then the feed from the “Chamber.”  

First delivered in 1974, the State of the Judiciary provides “an opportunity to bring together all three branches of government and the public to learn more about the state courts’ accomplishments and priorities,” according to the Supreme Court of Missouri. 

For questions about the State of the Judiciary, contact Beth Riggert, communications counsel for the Supreme Court of Missouri, at beth.riggert@courts.mo.gov. 

Street Law Professional Development Workshop

The 2026 Street Law Professional Development Workshop will be Feb. 24-25 at the Christopher S. Bond U.S. Courthouse in Jefferson City.

The event is led by the educational nonprofit Street Law in partnership with The Missouri Bar, the federal court system, and The Judicial Learning Center. It will feature prominent Missouri lawyers and judges who will discuss the rights of the accused. 

The two-day program is packed full of content to help teachers best educate their students. Participants will receive classroom-ready materials, explore current and contested issues, learn from prominent members of the legal community, and participate in skill-building activities like case studies and a moot court. 

Meals and materials will be provided, including a group dinner . Teachers traveling from outside the Jefferson City area will have lodging provided Feb. 24-25. Accepted teachers may apply for a $100 allowance to be paid to their school to help cover the costs of substitute teachers.

Those interested in attending must register by Jan. 23. As space is limited, registration does not mean you will be automatically accepted to attend. Registrants will be notified of their acceptance on Jan. 30. Click here to register. 

Summer Institute

Summer Institute is a dynamic training program for educators specializing in American history, government, and civics hosted by The Missouri Bar Citizenship Education Department.

During the four-day program, teachers will learn about critical concepts and experience them firsthand. Working through lessons before implementing them allows educators to anticipate student reactions and fine-tune their approach for maximum impact.

The 2026 institute will be July 26-29 in Jefferson City and will explore the role of judges and the courts in our constitutional system.

Sign up today!

View materials and lessons from previous sessions.

The Missouri Bar offers a variety of resources for teachers, including lesson plans and professional development information. View the full list of resources here.  

Check out the stories below to see how YLS worked to improve the legal profession in 2025. 

March: YLS winter meeting 

The YLS Council met March 28-29 in Kansas City for networking, planning, and community service.  

April: Young Lawyers’ Section Council supports law students with networking and lunch

On April 9, YLS co-sponsored the “How to Use Your Network” panel put on by the Washington University School of Law Public Service Advisory Board. After the panel they held a networking hour.  

On April 29, council members provided lunch and snacks to first-year law students at the Saint Louis University School of Law. 

April: New Missouri lawyers sworn in during 2025 Spring Enrollment Ceremonies

“It kind of feels like a weight lifted off my chest, and I just feel so grateful because I have an incredible support system,” said Alleigh Fine, a graduate of Saint Louis University School of Law.  

YLS welcomed about 50 individuals who were sworn into the profession on April 25 during the Spring Enrollment Ceremonies. 

July: YLS Council meets July 13-15 for annual Summer Meeting 

The YLS Council held its summer meeting July 13-15 in Camdenton, combining business with community service. Before the meeting, council members participated in a Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org clinic where they answered 28 questions from low-income Missourians. They also conducted official business where they approved candidates for vacancies, voted on awards, and discussed recommendations for by-laws changes. 

July: Lawyers and law students network during YLS trivia nights 

The YLS Diversity Committee held two networking trivia nights in July — one in St. Louis and one in Kansas City.   

“The events fostered a collegial atmosphere, encouraging meaningful networking and engagement among local legal professionals in a relaxed and fun setting,” said committee co-chair Johnny Boyer. 

August: YLS Council sponsors meals at KCMBA Annual YLS Golf Tournament 

The YLS Council sponsored the meals at the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association’s Annual YLS Golf Tournament on Aug. 15. 

Held annually in the Kansas City area, the tournament is the primary fundraiser for KCMBA’s YLS, supporting scholarships, public service initiatives, and the YLS-sponsored Naturalization Ceremony. 

September: YLS presents awards at Annual Meeting 

YLS presented three awards during the Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar and Missouri Judicial Conference. Learn about the awards and their recipients below. 

JoEllen Engelbart Award: Maggie McConville 

Tom Cochran Community Service Award: Jessica R. Langley 

YLS Chair Awards: Johnny Boyer and Paige Sparks 

September: 300-plus #NewMOLawyers sworn in during 2025 Fall Enrollment Ceremonies

YLS welcomed more than 320 individuals who were sworn into the legal profession before judges of the Supreme Court of Missouri, officers of The Missouri Bar, and members of the Missouri Board of Law Examiners during the Fall Enrollment Ceremonies. Those lawyers were among the more than 450 individuals who passed the July 2025 Bar Exam. 

See photos from the day’s celebration here. 

September: Lawyers and judges speak to more than 2,000 Missouri students during Constitution Day presentations 

More than 2,000 Missouri students had the opportunity to learn about the U.S. Constitution from lawyers, including YLS Council members, during the annual Constitution Day presentations in September.  

“The scholars at HPA (Hogan Preparatory Academy) worked hard in preparation for the attorneys' and judge's visit and were excited to ask them questions about their rights, the U.S. government, and the Constitution,” said Veronica King, teacher at Hogan Preparatory Academy. “Some scholars were inspired and now see the possibility of pursuing a career in law. It was an amazing experience and opportunity!” 

November: CLE and networking events 

YLS hosted three CLE events that featured the “The Milly Project” followed by a panel discussion. “The Milly Project” tells the story of an enslaved woman named Milly Sawyers who fought for and won her freedom in Springfield, Missouri before the Civil War. In 2021, “The Milly Project” won Best Screenplay and Best Social Justice Film and was nominated for Best Acting Ensemble at the New York International Film Festival. In total, 88 lawyers and law students came together to discuss how this case has shaped the law. 

They also hosted two Friendsgiving events where all Missouri lawyers were invited to network. 

November: YLS plans for 2026 during fall meeting 

YLS met Nov. 21in Jefferson City to plan for the upcoming year and participate in a Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org clinic where they answered 25 non-criminal questions. 

New representatives elected  

This year, seven new representatives were elected to serve on the YLS Council. Learn about them below. 

District 3: Kelly St. John, Justin Shock 

District 4: Joseph Findley 

District 9: Brad Baker 

District 10: Taylor Haas 

District 11: Brett Hodges 

Western Appellate District: Darrell Smith 

In addition to the new YLS Council members, Johnny Boyer was elected to represent YLS on The Missouri Bar Board of Governors. 

Continuing legal education 

One of the largest programs YLS offers is the Accelerator Series, a series of online courses designed specifically to provide the most current continuing legal education to lawyers in any stage of practice. They hosted 11 programs with over 240 attendees in 2025. Click here to view past and upcoming programs. 

Empowering Missourians to understand their rights  

Recently, young and new Missouri lawyers collaborated with Missouri Bar staff to create engaging, easy-to-digest videos about important legal topics for members of the public on ShowMeRights.org.  

Watch the videos here.  

The competition, which will take place April 20, 2026, in Columbia, replicates congressional committee hearings, challenging teams of students to apply constitutional principles to current events. 

Hon. W. Brent Powell, chief justice of the Supreme Court of Missouri, was a judge for the 2025 competition. He encouraged all lawyers to get involved with the program. 

“It’s fantastic. If someone asks you to get involved, get involved,” Powell said. “You won’t regret it.”  

How it works 

Teams of three to five students will take on the role of experts testifying about constitutional issues before a congressional committee composed of three judges. Teams will have five minutes to read their prepared statement. At the end of the presentation, judges will have 10 minutes to ask follow-up questions. 

This year’s topics include: 

— Should stare decisis matter in the 21st century?  

— To what extent should the First Amendment's protection of free expression apply to speech on social media platforms?  

— Is federalism still relevant in our country? 

If you are interested in volunteering for Show Me the Constitution, contact CitizenshipEducation@mobar.org.  

The Fee Dispute Resolution Program is available on a voluntary basis to assist clients who feel they have been overcharged for legal fees by a Missouri lawyer and wish to dispute them. The program offers facilitation, mediation, and binding arbitration to assist the parties in resolving the dispute.

Who can start the process?

The request for assistance should be made by the client, but parties who paid all of the fee, or who have assumed responsibility for the payment the fee, may join the client in the process. Lawyers cannot start the process.

Read this article to learn more.

Why would a lawyer consent to participate in the program?

The FDR program provides a confidential setting to resolve disputes outside the court system. It is offered at no cost to either party and provides an efficient option in lieu of a lawsuit.

How long does the process take?

The average length of cases is five months.

Who are the volunteer mediators, arbitrators, and facilitators?

Lawyers and non-lawyer professionals volunteer their time to the program as a public service. All volunteers have completed training and orientation before serving in the program to ensure they are equipped to handle these types of disputes.

Where will the meeting be held?

In-person and virtual options are available. Participants can choose their preference; however, if they cannot agree, the meeting will be held virtually. 90% of participants choose to have meetings virtually.

Visit MissouriLawyersHelp.org/Client-Protection to learn more about the Fee Dispute Resolution Program and other ways The Missouri Bar protects clients.

The presentation provided the opportunity for about 350 students in the junior government class to learn about the rule of law, impartiality in the legal system, and the Missouri Non-Partisan Court Plan.

“They’re going to become voters soon," Robbins told the Daily American Republic. "When they’re given the opportunity to vote for their judge on the county level, or to vote to retain judges on the court of appeals or on the Supreme Court of Missouri, we want them to have the information on why that’s important.”

Breckenridge and Robbins explained how the Non-Partisan Court Plan provides a more fair and transparent process, as it attracts high-quality judges in the least political way and ultimately gives the people the final say.

They also explained the importance of the rule of law. The courts uphold the rule of law and protect the rights, liberty, and safety of the people of Missouri, acting as a safeguard and giving citizens a voice.

This year Missouri lawyers and judges presented to more than 2,000 students for Constitution Day. Each year, The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section partners with the bar’s citizenship education department to connect these lawyers and judges with students.

Learn more about this year’s Constitution Day presentations and sign up to present to a class in 2026 here.

This free virtual legal advice clinic allows qualifying users to post civil legal questions that volunteer lawyers can answer on their own schedules. It provides a flexible and convenient way for lawyers to participate in pro bono work and is covered by malpractice insurance. The clinic was launched in 2017 in partnership with the American Bar Association.  

2024 impact  

There were 2,725 new clients registered in 2024. Of the 2,422 questions submitted in 2024, 73 volunteer lawyers responded to 2,136 of those questions, assisting 2,024 clients, and donating more than 700 hours of their time providing legal answers. 

Of the 73 total volunteers that responded to at least one question in 2024, five of the volunteers responded to 100 or more questions. 

There were 21 new volunteers that signed up for Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org in 2024. 

Total impact 

Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org went live Jan. 23, 2017. Over the past eight years, more than 21,000 Missourians have used this service and received legal advice from 272 licensed Missouri lawyers who responded to more than 16,000 questions. 

Many teachers expressed their appreciation for the program and its effect on their students, including Veronica King of Hogan Preparatory Academy in Kansas City. 

“Hogan Preparatory Academy was lucky to receive three amazing presenters,” King said.  “The scholars at HPA worked hard in preparation for the attorneys' and judge's visit and were excited to ask them questions about their rights, the U.S. government, and the Constitution. Some scholars were inspired and now see the possibility of pursuing a career in law. It was an amazing experience and opportunity!” 

Danielle Atchison, a member of the YLS Civic Education and Outreach Committee, said she is proud of the work the committee has done this year by connecting more than 60 schools with lawyers and judges.  

“I am amazed at the work [YLS] Council members have done to make sure we bring the bench and bar to all Missouri teachers and students who want to hear from us,” Atchison said. “I know for sure it is making a difference, as I heard from one teacher that the program is ‘changing lives.’” 

If you’re interested in having a lawyer present to your class in 2026, sign up here. 

If you are a lawyer, you can sign up here to present to classes in 2026.  

Click here to learn more about how The Missouri Bar ensures all Missourians have access to ongoing civics education.  

Focus on what is important 

It is easy to forget just how bad things were in our first years as a country. It is tempting to think of the glorious victory we had won against the British, to focus on those who led our country, and to assume that all was well. It was not.  

Our initial attempt to govern ourselves gave almost all power to the states, created a weak Congress, and omitted a presidency and federal courts. This resulted in economic catastrophe, intense confrontations between the monied and working classes, and a breakdown of the rule of law. 

The Constitution was an attempt to address these problems and to hold our nation together. It is viewed as a success in large part because the framers of the Constitution focused on the problems that threatened to destroy this country. They did not lose sight of what was important. We would do well to emulate the Framers’ desire to address problems.  

Resolve conflict with compromise 

Take a look at any American Government textbook and in the initial sections you will discover compromise after compromise at the Constitutional Convention.  

This is not to suggest that compromise brought about perfection. It did not. It did, however, help the Constitutional Convention move forward. These compromises held our nation together and kept us moving forward so that someday these issues could be addressed in a more satisfactory and complete manner.  

The framers were individuals of strong beliefs and intense commitment to those beliefs. However, they recognized that unyielding adherence to those ideals could be personally rewarding but detrimental to a nation that desperately needed compromise to continue to exist.  

Understand the corrupting influence of power 

The framers saw the consequences of placing too much power in a single source. The abuse of power demonstrated by King George not only led to revolution, but it also taught them that placing unchecked power in the hands of a single person was dangerous.  

Similarly, the first system of government in the United States, the Articles of Confederation, gave almost all power to the states. When the states exercised that power in a manner that focused on their own needs, with no consideration for the interests of other states and no regard for the nation, the country stood on the brink of tearing itself apart. 

The framers sought to prevent the consequences of concentrating power in the hands of a few by creating a system of separation of powers with each branch of government checking, and being checked by, the other branches of government. 

The framers were hardly perfect. As we have seen, they were capable of mistakes and failed to fully address issues. They sometimes provided answers to questions that produced even more problems. But they did not give up. They did not walk away from challenges. They did not avoid a problem because they disagreed with people on the other side of the aisle. They did not place short-term advantage over long-term principle. They never gave up on moving forward as a country.  

These lessons from the framers of the Constitution can help us to continue moving forward as a nation. 

To learn about The Missouri Bar’s citizenship education work and resources for teachers, visit MissouriLawyersHelp.org/Educational-Resources. 

This article was originally published Sept. 17, 2024. 

The Missouri Bar civics education department offers a wide variety of resources to help teachers educate students about government and Missouri law. Below are some of the top teacher resources available at MissouriLawyersHelp.org/Educational-Resources.  

Request lawyers and judges present to your class for Constitution Day in September 

On Sept. 17, 1787, the Founding Fathers signed the U.S. Constitution. This document has become the basis for our government and way of life.  

This September, The Missouri Bar is connecting lawyers and schools for a special Constitution Day presentation. Students will have the unique opportunity to learn about the U.S. Constitution from those whose profession revolves around upholding the principles and rights outlined in the document. 

Topics will range from the Bill of Rights, checks and balances, separation of powers, and civil rights issues.  

If you are interested in having a local lawyer or judge present to your class in September, complete the sign-up form. 

Free American Government lesson plans  

The Missouri Bar offers more than 50 lesson plans at no cost to teachers. Created by Missouri educators, these lessons are designed to inspire students to think critically and creatively. 

The plans — organized into six units — cover the foundations of government, the U.S. Constitution, the branches of government, political participation, and civil rights and liberties. 

Lesson plans are available at MissouriLawyersHelp.org/FreeMOLessonPlans. 

Civics education resources  

The Missouri Bar civics education department compiled a list of trusted resources to help teachers create thoughtful, engaging lessons. These materials are used by educators across Missouri to inspire students to learn more about civics. 

Resources include:  

• Bill of Rights Institute  
• Teach Democracy (formerly Constitutional Rights Foundation)
• Coloring books from The Missouri Bar
• Cornell Legal Information Institute  

Click here to view the full list of resources.  

Why did you want to become a lawyer, and later a judge? 

Family history introduced me to the law, and good luck and fortune led to my passion for the law and eventually the judiciary. 

After graduating from William Jewell College in Liberty with a political science degree, law school seemed to be the next logical step. When I graduated from the University of Missouri School of Law in 1996, I received and accepted an offer to join the Lathrop & Gage law firm in Kansas City, and I became a member of the firm’s real estate department. While I learned a lot from the experienced lawyers at the firm and thoroughly enjoyed working with exceptional lawyers, I quickly discovered I was not very interested in transactional law. 

At that time, my wife worked as a prosecutor in Jackson County. Her love for her job piqued my interest. I applied for an opening at the Platte County Prosecutor’s Office and became an assistant prosecutor. I loved being a trial lawyer. The courtroom was exciting, challenging, and rewarding. By dumb luck, I found my calling. I found the law — or the law found me — at the Platte County courthouse. 

But, finding the law was not purely accidental. I grew up around the law. My mother was a probation and parole officer, and my uncle a well-respected lawyer in our hometown of Springfield. My father also is a distinguished lawyer. He is still practicing in the Springfield area after 50-plus years. 

So, the legal profession has always played a big part in my life, and my family always held the judiciary in very high esteem. My uncle had a widely varied law practice, handling civil, domestic, and criminal litigation in addition to counseling several area businesses, and the idea of working in a variety of different legal arenas always intrigued me. But it is difficult to have a similarly varied practice in Kansas City, unless, of course, you work in the judiciary. 

Tell me about your journey to the Supreme Court of Missouri. What were your first thoughts when you found out you were appointed in 2017? 

After serving as a state and federal prosecutor for more than 10 years, I began applying for vacancies at the Jackson County Circuit Court. In 2008, I had the honor of being appointed circuit judge. 
Once I settled into my new job, I learned there were additional ways I could serve. The Supreme Court of Missouri has many standing committees, ad hoc workgroups, and task forces working with various subject matters. As a circuit judge, I served on several of these committees. 

I loved debating and collaborating with the other members of these groups, but what I learned about myself is I truly had an interest and a passion for seeking to improve the administration of justice in our state. I also realized I wanted to be one of the individuals sitting around the table analyzing the recommendations from the Court’s various committees, workgroups, and task forces and determining which should be adopted, in whole or in part. 

After serving approximately nine years as a circuit court judge, I decided to seek advancement to the Supreme Court of Missouri. I hated to leave the great people I worked with in Jackson County. Like all our trial courts across the state, the Jackson County Circuit Court is made up of a lot of good people doing great work for no notoriety and little pay. But the thought of being able to spend even more time working on the administration of justice really intrigued me, so I threw my hat in the ring and applied for a vacancy at the Court. 

Thankfully, every journey to the Court runs through the Appellate Judicial Commission and ends in the governor’s office. I am so very grateful for the confidence the commission members and Gov. Eric Greitens placed in me. But for Missouri’s Non-Partisan Court Plan, I never would have made it to our state’s highest court. 

After I received the call from the governor, I called my dad and mom, who has since died, and delivered the news. I will never forget that moment. 

What do you enjoy most about serving on the Court? 

I get to work with great people! My colleagues on the Court are fantastic. They are smart, witty, and a few of them can even sing! We are a very collaborative group. We don’t always agree, but we are never disagreeable, and we enjoy our time together. 

I also enjoy working with our great staff at the Court. There are a lot of moving pieces in the big red brick courthouse in Jefferson City, and the entire Court family always pulls together to keep the ship upright. I appreciate them all so much. 

As an added bonus, I get the opportunity to work with great people at the Office of State Courts Administrator and other judges and court staff across Missouri. They, along with members of The Missouri Bar and other judicial stakeholders, work tirelessly on many of the Court’s various standing committees, ad hoc workgroups, and task forces to improve the administration of justice and operation of our courts. 

These are the people who truly inspire me and make me want to get out of bed every morning to get back to work! 

What is something you’re looking forward to as chief justice?

Absolutely nothing! My colleagues jokingly refer to our stint as chief justice as a two-year sentence with no chance for parole. 

But in all seriousness, I do look forward to continuing the outstanding work and leadership provided by my predecessor, Hon. Mary Russell. 

There are many different facets involved in improving our courts and judicial system, but there are a few that led me to apply for a position on our Court. I have championed these issues over the years and hope to prioritize them during my time as chief justice. 

Access to justice 

There are too many places in Missouri without enough local lawyers to represent the legal needs of the community. In addition, legal representation has grown far too expensive for many Missourians to afford. Finally, we must ensure everyone, from all walks of life, is treated fairly and justly in our legal system. 

Criminal justice reform 

We have a mental and behavioral health crisis in our criminal justice system. Our treatment courts have achieved enormous success over the years addressing some of the issues associated with this crisis, and we can build upon these successes in different ways, including by improving and expanding our pretrial release programs. 

Non-Partisan Court Plan 

Missouri’s Non-Partisan Court Plan has worked well for 85 years to ensure the appointment of fair and impartial judges across our state while keeping the influence of money and partisan politics out of our courts and giving citizens the final say. Dubbed “The Missouri Plan,” this plan has become a model for the nation, with several other states adopting aspects of the plan to improve their court systems. I look forward to working with The Missouri Bar to ensure the success of this plan continues. 

What is something you want Missouri lawyers to know about the Supreme Court of Missouri? 

The Court has a rich and fascinating history. The Supreme Court of Missouri was created in 1820, with the adoption of the state’s first constitution. Originally, the Supreme Court of Missouri had only three judges. Constitutional changes expanded the Court in 1872 to five judges and again in 1890 to the current seven judges. 

For its first 54 years, the Court held arguments in various cities, rotating among Fayette, Jackson, St. Charles, and St. Louis. At various times, the Court also sat at Boonville, Bowling Green, Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Lexington, Palmyra, Potosi, and St. Joseph. It wasn’t until the 1875 Constitution that the Court gained a permanent seat in Jefferson City. 

The current red brick Supreme Court building was completed in 1907 from excess appropriations from the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. It is a beautiful building, and I would encourage all lawyers to bring their families to visit and learn more about the building and the Court’s rich history. 

What advice do you have for new lawyers? 

Pay close attention to, and frequently remind yourself of, the words of your oath of admission as a Missouri lawyer. It requires us to support our federal and state constitutions; to respect courts, judges, and one another; and to serve those who need our help. 

As John Adams expressed, ours is a “government of laws, not of men.” This concept is the bedrock of our federal and state constitutions, ensuring that the Rule of Law, not individual men and women, governs our way of life. But the freedoms and justice enshrined in our constitutions are not guaranteed unless we guard, protect, and preserve them. It is our responsibility as lawyers to defend and promote the Rule of Law. 

The oath we have taken as lawyers requires us to step up and serve. Diligent and honorable service to your clients, your profession, and your community is what being a lawyer is really all about. 

You routinely volunteer for civics education events, like Show Me the Constitution. Why do you believe it’s important for lawyers and judges to be involved in civic education? 

Civic education allows lawyers and judges to connect Missourians with their courts and legal institutions — where some of the most important issues in their lives are heard and decided every day.

Missourians are involved in more than 1 million cases each year — just in our state courts. But more people know about pop stars, pop culture, and social media influencers than the three branches of government or how judges decide cases in a court of law. Maybe this is because courts are not a topic of everyday conversation. Civic education creates opportunities for lawyers and judges to engage Missourians in a meaningful dialogue about their courts. 

The Missouri Bar and the judiciary have resources available to help. I encourage lawyers to learn more about the bar’s resources at MissouriLawyersHelp.org. Judges can also find resources at Courts.mo.gov/CivicEducation. 

What are some fun facts about yourself? 

I grew up in the same neighborhood as actor Brad Pitt. I’d like to say Brad frequently brags to all his friends about knowing me back in the day, but I would be lying. 

I am a huge Mizzou fan — especially football! My uncle played running back for the Tigers in the ʼ50s under Coach Don Faurot, and my family has been big Mizzou fans ever since. 

Is there anything else you would like to add or want Missouri lawyers to know? 

I am so proud to be a lawyer. The profession runs deep in my family, so being a lawyer is more than a career or a job to me — it is a way of life. 

It makes me proud to see lawyers serving their communities — on school boards, church groups, city councils, and other civic commissions and organizations. Of course, other professionals and community members do their part too, but lawyers provide the necessary guidance and leadership to support these groups in our communities. It makes me proud to see lawyers serving their clients. Whether in the public or private sector, lawyers put their clients’ needs before their own. 

It makes me proud to see lawyers serving our state and local bar organizations, engaging with one another at meetings, working on committees and commissions to improve the law, the legal system, and our profession. 

In a nutshell, being part of a profession that puts the interests of others before our own, providing tangible assistance to those who need our help, makes me very proud to be a Missouri lawyer. I hope you are, too!

Each year, The Missouri Bar’s citizenship education department hosts a dynamic training program for educators specializing in American history, government, and civics. This year's Summer Institute, held July 21-23, explored free expression in the 21st century, specifically social media and how it relates to the Constitution.  

Thirty-four teachers from across the state attended the program, allowing them to connect with and learn from lawyers who work with the laws and topics they’re exploring. 

“I think it’s really cool to be able to talk with them …” said first-time attendee Matthew Heidger, of Eugene High School. “Getting to hear how it [the law] is used in everyday practices or how they apply it to their lives is great to hear. And it's fun to be able to take that information to relay back to the kids.” 

Heidger also praised the lawyers and presenters for communicating the information in a way that they could understand. 

“Continuously teaching and articulating the information in different ways is great for us to pick up on and learn and be able to teach our students,” Heidger said. 

Koki Sabatés, a member of the 2024-2025 Missouri Bar Leadership Academy class, helped with the institute and participated in a panel discussing the real-world dimensions of social media. For her, the best part was seeing the teachers’ dedication to learning complicated information and taking that back to their students. 

“There are folks way smarter than me that spend their entire lives dedicated to researching and understanding [these topics],” Sabatés said. “So, the fact that [the teachers] were here, learning these things, taking all this information and digesting it was incredible and extremely impressive and just shows a lot of dedication.” 

She views this opportunity as a way to give back to the community and encourages other lawyers to do the same. 

Lawyers interested in helping with civics education and teacher outreach should contact The Missouri Bar’s citizenship education department at CitizenshipEducation@mobar.org. 

Stay informed about upcoming educational training and access valuable teacher resources offered by The Missouri Bar Citizenship Education program at MissouriLawyersHelp.org.  

View more photos from the three-day event here. 

Accessing legal services 

• Lawyer Search tool: The Missouri Bar’s free search tool helps people find a lawyer currently accepting new clients. They can search by areas of practice and location.
• Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org: Qualifying individuals can receive answers to legal questions about noncriminal issues from volunteer lawyers in this free virtual clinic.
• Discounted and pro bono services: The public can locate free and reduced-cost legal services on this page. Many are funded by state and federal resources or are affiliated with local organizations and charities. 

Public resource guides 

The Missouri Bar offers a variety of public resource guides to help Missourians understand state laws. Click the links below to view the most popular books. 

• Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
• Small Claims Handbook
• Probate Law Resource Guide
• Family Law Resource Guide
• The Missouri Disaster Legal Services Manual 

Click here to order select print materials. 

View more online at MissouriLawyersHelp.org/Legal-Topics. 

ShowMeRights.org 

There are a lot of legal matters Missourians face when turning 18. The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section put together ShowMeRights.org to help Missourians understand their rights. Popular topics on the site include: 

• Employment,
• landlord/tenant,
• marriage, paternity, and
• voting. 

Visit MissouriLawyersHelp.org for more resources to help you even better serve Missourians. 

2025 data (Jan. 1-June 30)

1,500 new clients signed up in 2025.

Of the 1,300 questions submitted so far this year, 45 volunteer lawyers responded to 1,150 of those questions, assisting 1,100 clients, and donating more than 360 hours of their time providing legal answers. The response rate for 2025 so far is 89%.

Most popular legal questions

Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org impact

The American Bar Association (ABA) launched Free Legal Answers nationally in August 2016. 42 states and other U.S. jurisdictions participate in ABA Free Legal Answers. The Missouri Bar has offered Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org to Missouri citizens since 2017.

Besides state websites, the program includes a federal portal that addresses legal questions from all over the U.S. related to veterans and immigration issues.

Below is a comparison of how Missouri performed in relation to the national program in 2024.

Visit MissouriFreelegalAnswers.org to sign up and start answering questions today!

The commission, comprised of journalists, judges, and lawyers, was formed in 1972 to improve interactions and understanding between journalists and members of the legal profession. The commission creates projects and programs to better educate the public and encourage cooperation between the press and legal professionals to strengthen service to the First and Sixth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. 

Chad Stebbins became executive director of the Missouri Press Association in January 2025. He has served as the executive director of the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors since 1999.

“My predecessor at the Missouri Press Association, Mark Maassen, said joining the Missouri Press-Bar Commission was a must,” Stebbins said. “He said it was a great opportunity to meet representatives from the courts, broadcasters, and newspapers. I was thrilled to learn that there was such an organization dedicated to improving communication and cooperation between all of these entities. Protecting and preserving the First Amendment is vital to all of our interests."

Hon. Susan Casey is an associate circuit judge in Platte County (6th judicial circuit). She said she was delighted to join the Missouri Press-Bar Commission as a representative of the Missouri Association of Probate and Associate Circuit Judges and Commissioners.

“I studied journalism in college and was a freelance writer for The Kansas City Star several years ago,” Casey said. “I have always enjoyed First Amendment issues, and I appreciate the interface between courts and journalists.”

Dan Curry is a lawyer at Brown, Curry & Duggan in Kansas City and the Missouri Press Association hotline lawyer.

“The Missouri Press-Bar Commission performs vital work in Missouri, and I want to do my part to help our newspapers and courts work together to communicate,” Curry said.

During its April 18 meeting, the commission discussed several items of interest to Missouri journalists and legal professionals, including the status of Gross v. State of Missouri. Hon. Aaron Martin ruled in December 2024 that a state statute passed in 2023 requiring redaction of witness and victim names and other personal information was unconstitutional and unenforceable under the federal and state constitutions. The Missouri attorney general informed the plaintiffs that the state would not seek appeal.

The commission also discussed the closure, security levels, and sealing of court cases and their access to the public.

Learn more about the Missouri Press-Bar Commission here.

“As I look back on what The Missouri Bar accomplished in 2024, I’m truly impressed by the dedication of our volunteers and staff who work tirelessly to help lawyers better serve their clients and communities,” said Shelly Dreyer, 2024-2025 Missouri Bar president. “I hope that after reading this report, you’ll feel inspired to contribute to our bar’s mission in the coming year and beyond.”

In 2024, The Missouri Bar hosted numerous conferences in a hybrid format, offering dozens of CLE and networking opportunities to thousands of lawyers from across Missouri. Several Missouri lawyers were also recognized for their contributions to the profession.

In addition, the report details The Missouri Bar’s work to increase access to justice, provide civics education, its legislative activities, and its communications about the wide array of services and resources it provides to Missouri lawyers and citizens alike.

The 2024 Annual Report highlights The Missouri Bar’s performance in meeting its strategic direction goals. The report also contains an overview of the organization’s receipts and expenses for the year.

Click here to access the 2024 Annual Report.

The Missouri Bar is a statewide organization dedicated to improving the legal profession, the law, and the administration of justice for all Missourians. Created in 1944 by order of the Supreme Court of Missouri, it serves all 30,000 of Missouri’s practicing lawyers. The Missouri Bar provides a wide range of services and resources to lawyers, the public, the media, and educators. For lawyer and media resources, visit MoBar.org. For information pertinent to the public and educators, visit MissouriLawyersHelp.org.

During the competition, teams of students take on the role of experts testifying about constitutional issues before a congressional committee, composed of three judges. The format brings constitutional principles to life while developing critical thinking and civil debate skills.  

William Keczkemethy, coach of the Joplin High School team which finished in first place at the 2025 competition, praised the program for bringing civic education to life for his students. 

“It is student-led, research-based, and allows for an element of competition. Students work cooperatively to engage with principles of our democracy and issues of current public policy through thoughtful research, discussion, and writing,” Keczkemethy said. “I encourage educators to get involved; SMTC is the most powerful program in the state of Missouri for developing informed, active citizens.” 

Central High School teacher Joel Slingerland, described it as “the ultimate academic challenge for students.” 

“The questions are complex and capture some of the major challenges our Constitution faces in an ever-changing world …” Slingerland said.  “There is nothing else quite like it in the realm of civics education.” 

Seneca High School teacher Crystal Charles echoed that sentiment, stating the competition is “the very definition of an authentic assessment.” 

“Students come away with not only a deeper understanding of the Constitution and foundational documents, but also the experience of participating in civil discourse — an essential skill needed today,” Charles said. 

Jennifer Wells, of Kickapoo High School in Springfield, appreciates that the competition allows her students to engage with constitutional principles in ways other than memorization or classroom activities.  

“Our style of government requires each succeeding generation to ‘take on’ democratic values and hold fast to our constitutional principles …” Wells said. “Show Me the Constitution creates that space for students — the competition is as open to you as you are to it.” 

Interested in bringing a team to next year’s Show Me the Constitution? Email CitizenshipEducation@mobar.org.  

View photos from this year’s Show Me the Constitution competition here.  

The Missouri Bar citizenship education department hosts numerous events throughout the year and provides resources that can be implemented in the classroom. View dozens of resources at MissouriLawyersHelp.org. 

What is Law Day?  

Law Day underscores how law and the legal process contribute to the freedoms that all Americans share. It also provides an opportunity to recognize the role of courts in our democratic republic and the importance of jury service to maintaining the integrity of the courts.  

How did Law Day begin?  

The tradition of celebrating Law Day began in 1958 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed that every year on May 1, we as a nation “should remember with pride” how our laws help people to be treated fairly and how our laws have inspired other countries to treat their citizens more fairly. In 1961, Congress, by joint resolution, designated May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day.  

Why is Law Day celebrated on May 1?  

When the Soviet Union existed and was a major world power, the Soviets held a parade every year on May 1 to display their new weapons. This parade showed that the Soviet Union was a nation that ruled by force. To demonstrate the difference between the nations, American politicians and lawyers wanted to use May 1 to show that the United States was a nation ruled by laws made by its citizens.  

How is Law Day celebrated?  

Law Day programs are designed to help people understand how the law keeps us free and how our legal system strives to achieve justice. Thousands of Law Day activities are conducted for youth and adults across the country. Find Law Day news, history, and more at LawDay.org.  

The Missouri Bar is a statewide organization that is dedicated to improving the legal profession, the law, and the administration of justice for all Missourians. Created in 1944 by order of the Supreme Court of Missouri, it serves all 31,000 of Missouri’s practicing lawyers. The Missouri Bar provides a wide range of services and resources to its members, as well as the media, educators, and the citizens of Missouri. To learn more about The Missouri Bar, visit MoBar.org and MissouriLawyersHelp.org.  

According to The Missouri Department of Transportation, distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes in Missouri, causing over 800 deaths between 2012 and 2021¹.

The new law, section 304.822 RSMo., generally prohibits anyone from using a cellphone or electronic communication device while driving on Missouri’s roadways. This law even extends to and prohibits a driver from merely holding or supporting a device on the driver’s person. See 304.822.3(1).

The law applies to:

-          Manually dialing a phone number,

-          texting,

-          updating or browsing social media,

-          FaceTime or video calls,

-          browsing the internet,

-          watching videos,

-          playing games, and

-          taking videos or photos.

The law does not prohibit drivers from using the hands-free functioning of their phones.

The speakerphone function and hands-free Bluetooth devices remain permissible. The law additionally specifically excepts any actions related to reporting an emergency and holding and using phones while lawfully stopped. It also does not apply to first responders.

Importantly, drivers cannot be stopped solely for a violation of section 304.822.

Penalties

Anyone who is found to violate this law is subject to penalties. A first offense (or one that occurs after 24 months of no violations) triggers a $150 fine, a second triggers a $250 fine, and a third triggers a $500 fine. Work zone violations can trigger fines up to $500. Violations causing serious injury can result in fines up to $1,000 and six months in jail. Violations causing fatal crashes can result in up to seven years in prison.

The lesson here? Be sure to advise your friends, family, and clients to take their selfies before their road trip (or while lawfully stopped)!

1 Hands-Free Law Takes Effect Monday, MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, (Aug. 23, 2023, 5:40 AM), https://www.modot.org/node/33694.

Yet the words “jury duty” send some people into a search for justifications to get out of it.  

Being asked to serve on a jury means being asked to play an essential role in one of the most important parts of our constitutional system. Most people will never serve in the legislature and, even fewer will be elected governor. But jury duty offers citizens a rare opportunity to participate directly in our government. 

Hon. George H. Boldt went so far as to write, “Jury service honorably performed is as important in the defense of our country, its Constitution and laws, and the ideals and standards for which they stand, as the service that is rendered by the soldier on the field of battle in time of war.” 

It is undeniable that trial by jury mattered greatly to the individuals who created our nation and system of government. Trial by jury is the only right that appears in the Declaration of Independence, in the original Constitution, and in the Bill of Rights. Thomas Jefferson identified the king’s rejection of trial by jury as one of the “long train of abuses” listed in the Declaration of Independence as justification to split from England. In Article III of the Constitution, the Framers specified that “the trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by jury.” 

The Sixth Amendment states that, “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury.” The Seventh Amendment provides that, “In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed 20 dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved.” The right to trial by jury was featured prominently in some of our most vital original governing documents.  

Perhaps this was the point that Boldt was trying to make. It is frequently said that those in the armed services are fighting for the protection and preservation of our rights. While admittedly those who serve as jurors are not putting their lives at risk, they too are providing a service that functions to strengthen one of our most important rights.  

April 27-May 3, court staff and legal professionals will emphasize to jurors how important their contributions are to our courts, communities, and legal system. Many courthouses throughout the state will display a poster provided by The Missouri Bar thanking jurors for answering the call. Judges also may take additional time to thank jurors and to acknowledge the significance of their service.  

Even more Missourians can join the celebration and share photos of their activities on social media using #ThankAJuror.  

Missouri is one of only a few states that hold a statewide Juror Appreciation Week. The observance began in 2000 by an order of the Supreme Court of Missouri, which states, “Each year thousands of Missourians perform one of the most significant civic duties granted to citizens — they serve as fair and impartial jurors in communities throughout the state. To honor those citizens who have performed their civic duty, all Missouri courts are directed to observe Juror Appreciation Week…”  

Visit the event webpage to learn more about Juror Appreciation Week, take a quiz to test your knowledge of jury service, or attempt custom jury themed word puzzles.  

The Missouri Bar is a statewide organization that is dedicated to improving the legal profession, the law, and the administration of justice for all Missourians. Created in 1944 by order of the Supreme Court of Missouri, it serves all 30,000 of Missouri’s practicing lawyers. The Missouri Bar provides a wide range of services and resources to its members, as well as the media, educators, and the citizens of Missouri. To learn more about The Missouri Bar, visit MoBar.org and MissouriLawyersHelp.org.  

Here are answers to seven frequently asked questions to help you complete your form. The form also contains an FAQ section. 

Do I need a lawyer to complete this Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and/or Health Care Directive form?

No. However, if you do not feel that this form meets your needs or if you have questions, you may want to consult a lawyer. If you have questions about medical care and treatment, your physician, social workers, registered nurses, and other health care providers also may be able to answer your questions.

Do I need both a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and a Health Care Directive?

This is your choice. If you want someone to speak for you concerning your future medical care and treatment, you need to appoint an agent to do so in the Durable Power of Attorney (Part 1). Please do part 1 if you have someone in mind to appoint. If you only want to name a decision-maker without including directions to follow in making decisions, then complete parts 1 and 3 without part 2.

What are the requirements for a person to serve as my agent?

You may select a person 18 years old or older who has the mental capacity to make these decisions. Your agent is usually a close relative or friend that you trust to respect and advocate for your case and treatment preferences. The agent cannot be your doctor or an owner/operator or employee of a health care facility where you are a patient or resident, unless you are related to that person.

When can my agent act?

The Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (part 1) only becomes effective for making health care decisions when you are determined to be incapacitated and unable to make health care decisions yourself. The form enables you to choose whether you want one physician or two to determine if you lack capacity to make health care decisions. Unless you indicate otherwise, Missouri law requires two physicians to make this determination about incapacity. Some other powers take effect immediately without the finding of incapacity.

Does the authority of my agent under my Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care end at my death?

Yes, with a few exceptions. You can give your agent the following special powers to act for you after you die: to choose and control the burial, cremation, or other final disposition of your remains (called the “right of sepulcher”); to consent to an autopsy; and to delegate the health care decision-making to another person. You can also give your agent the power to consent to or prohibit anatomical gifts of organs or tissue.

What is the difference between an Out-of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate (OHDNR) Order and a health care directive?

The OHDNR Order is a physician’s order under Missouri law that the patient will not be resuscitated (usually through CPR) if the patient stops breathing or the patient’s heart stops, typically in a non-hospital setting by emergency medical services or other first responders who may be called. This order must be signed by a physician and the patient (or if the patient lacks capacity, the patient’s agent is under a health care durable power of attorney or the patient’s guardian). EMS and other first responders cannot follow your preferences as expressed in your health care directive because it is not a physician order. A health care directive states the patient’s choices about several types of treatment if certain conditions happen in the future.

After I complete the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (part 1) and/or the Health Care Directive (part 2), do I need to do anything else?

You should do several things after you have completed the form.

1.      Give copies to your agent, physician, and any other health care provider.

2.      Discuss your choices with your agent, physicians, and family and friends.

3.      Review your form to keep it up to date and remind your agent, physicians, and family and friends of your choices periodically.

It is especially important to discuss your end-of-life treatment wishes as expressed in your health care directive because Missouri law allows a health care provider (physician, hospital, etc.) to not follow your preferences if they have strongly held religious beliefs or moral convictions that are contrary to your wishes. If this is the case, they must offer to transfer your care to a health care provider who will honor your end-of-life treatment wishes. If you become incapacitated and unable to make health care decisions for yourself and are unable to express your wishes, your agent needs to have this conversation with your physician.

To learn more about National Healthcare Decisions Day and how you can complete your Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Health Care Directive form, go to MissouriLawyersHelp.org. 

No one likes talking about death or end-of-life matters, but on April 16, The Missouri Bar is encouraging individuals to do just that as part of National Healthcare Decisions Day.

NHDD, created in 2008 by Virginia lawyer Nathan Kottkamp, exists to educate the public and medical providers about the importance of advance care planning. To help Missourians express their wishes regarding health care – and help ensure providers and facilities respect those wishes – The Missouri Bar offers free Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Health Care Directive forms.  

These forms allow individuals to document their care preferences, including decisions on life-prolonging procedures and organ donation. Individuals can also outline who they want to carry out their health care wishes. 

To learn more about NHDD and how you can complete your Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Health Care Directive form, go to MissouriLawyersHelp.org. 

The students were given the unique opportunity to argue complex constitutional issues before a panel of judges composed of leaders in the legal and educational fields. Joplin High School took first place, Central High School took second place, and Kickapoo High School finished in third place. 

The competition, hosted by The Missouri Bar's citizenship education department, simulates congressional committee hearings, challenging teams of students to analyze and apply constitutional principles to contemporary legal and political issues. This year’s topics included: 

- presidential immunity; 

- the overturning of Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc.; and 

- proposed constitutional changes to the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Central High School senior Ben Ondetti has competed three times. For him, it’s an opportunity to learn about things he otherwise wouldn’t research. He expressed his fondness for the program and its importance in society. 

“I think [the competition] is extremely important to keep around for future generations…” Ondetti said. “I think that it’s super important for maintaining education, especially a higher and deeper level of rigor that is extremely important nowadays.”  

Hon. W. Brent Powell of the Supreme Court of Missouri said he is inspired by the students who compete each year and their excitement for constitutional issues. He encourages all the students he interacts with to consider law. He also encourages lawyers to get involved with the program and serve in any way they can. 

“It’s fantastic. If someone asks you to get involved, get involved.” Powell said. “You won’t regret it.” 

It can be nerve-wracking for students to argue constitutional topics in front of prominent members of the legal community. Seneca High School senior Ysabella Moss said she was nervous at first, but the judges made her feel comfortable, and she enjoyed the opportunity to meet them. 

“Once we started getting into the questioning, it got more comfortable…” Moss said. “It was really interesting to hear their opinions and also have them ask us our opinions.”  

Her classmate Evelyn Ritter echoed the statement and added that the competition has helped them become informed citizens, especially after voting in their first election. 

“We’re high school kids so logically, we don’t really look at these issues on an everyday basis,” Ritter said. “But this event has given us the opportunity to look at these things and look at our Constitution and how these different things affect us, or could affect us in the future.” 

The competition would not be possible without the lawyers and educators who volunteer their time to judge the competition. They play a major part in helping The Missouri Bar further its goal of ensuring all Missourians have access to ongoing civics education.  

View photos from this year’s Show Me the Constitution competition here. 

The Missouri Bar citizenship education department hosts numerous events throughout the year and provides resources that can be implemented in the classroom. View dozens of resources at MissouriLawyersHelp.org.

The workshop focused on the rule of law and fair and effective courts. Participants considered U.S. Supreme Court cases Torres v. Madrid and Barnes v. Felix. They participated in activities they can use in their classrooms and received a variety of lesson plans and materials to take back to their schools.

“Street Law presents such an extraordinary array of tools for teachers — materials they can use in their classes, interaction with professionals from the bench and bar, and an experience in a moot court simulation,” said Dr. Anthony Simones, citizenship education director with The Missouri Bar. “

The teachers also heard from leaders in the legal community, including Hon. John M. Bodenhausen, U.S. magistrate; Hon. Stephen R. Clark, chief U.S. district judge; Hon. Matthew T. Schelp, U.S. district judge; Sayler Fleming, U.S. attorney; Mohammed Ahmed, assistant federal public defender with the Eastern District of Missouri; Hon. Rebeca Navarro-McKelvey of the Missouri Court of Appeals-Eastern District; Cira Duffe with Hartmann, Duffe & Pegram; and Joe Goff of Armstrong Teasdale.

On the second day of the workshop, teachers had lunch with current and former clerks of the U.S. Eastern District of Missouri and the 8th Judicial Circuit to learn about their roles and experiences in the judicial system.

The Missouri Bar offers a variety of resources for teachers, including lesson plans and professional development information. View the full list of resources here.  

How it works:

1. When the president signs a disaster declaration, The Missouri Bar opens the Disaster Legal Assistance Hotline – (800) 829-4128.

2. Those affected by natural disasters call the hotline with legal questions.

3. Volunteer lawyers return the calls and provide free legal help. Lawyers can NOT represent callers or accept them as clients.

Lawyers can assist with various disaster-related legal problems like landlord-tenant issues, replacement of important legal documents, insurance claims, and contractor scams.

Click here to sign up as a volunteer for the disaster hotline.

The toll-free disaster hotline is a partnership between The Missouri Bar, the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The E. A. Richter Award recognizes remarkable contributions by Missouri teachers, administrators, and schools to citizenship education efforts in the state. Past winners include secondary and elementary teachers; college professors; and school civics, citizenship, government, and law programs. The Missouri Bar Advisory Committee for Citizenship Education established the award in honor of E.A. “Wally” Richter, long-time Missouri Bar law-related education department director. 

Click here to nominate a teacher, group of teachers, administrator, or school for the E.A. Richter Award. Nominations are due May 1. 

The Dr. Warren H. Solomon Civic Virtue Award honors individuals who embody civic virtue and have promoted it among Missouri teachers and students. The Missouri Bar Advisory Committee for Citizenship Education created this award to pay respect to Dr. Warren H. Solomon, a social studies curriculum specialist with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education who advocated for law-related education among Missouri teachers. 

Click here to nominate someone for the Dr. Warren H. Solomon Civic Virtue Award. Nominations are due May 1. 

You can read about past Missouri Bar award recipients here. To learn more about awards from The Missouri Bar, The Missouri Bar Foundation, and The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section, click here. 

Clients who believe they have been overcharged by a Missouri lawyer can dispute the charges through The Missouri Bar’s confidential Fee Dispute Resolution Program. The program offers a faster, no-cost alternative to lengthy court cases.  

How does the Fee Dispute Resolution Program work?

The Missouri Bar’s Fee Dispute Resolution Program (FDR) handles fee disputes at no cost to clients. The program is available on a voluntary basis to assist clients who believe a Missouri lawyer overcharged them for legal fees and wish to dispute the fees. FDR offers informal and confidential proceedings with fast resolution to help both the client and the lawyer.

Steps of the fee dispute resolution process

Step 1: Complete petition

To start the process, clients can complete the FDR petition form and submit it by email, mail, or fax.

Step 2: Committee reviews

The Fee Dispute Resolution Committee will review the submitted petition and determine if the program has jurisdiction to open a case.

Step 3: Client consents to mediation and/or binding arbitration

The Fee Dispute Resolution Committee will ask the client and other person(s) bringing the complaint to sign a form giving consent to participate in a mediation session and/or binding arbitration hearing within 30 days. If the client selects both options, the committee will ask the client to specify a preference.

-          Mediation: If all parties consent to mediation, one or more mediators will meet with the parties and help them reach a mutually acceptable agreement. The mediator(s) will not make a final decision.

-          Arbitration: If the client selects arbitration, the arbitrator(s) will meet with both parties and make a final decision.

Step 4: Lawyer responds and consents

While the client completes the consent form, the committee will ask the lawyer respondent to file a written response to the complaint within 30 days. The committee will also ask the lawyer to give consent to participate in mediation and/or binding arbitration. If the lawyer does not respond, a facilitator will contact them and may also aid in informally resolving the complaint, if appropriate.

Step 5: Parties prepare for mediation (skip to step seven if you choose binding arbitration)

The program administrator will arrange for the mediation in a convenient setting for all parties. Mediation may be virtual, in library or courthouse meeting rooms, or similar settings. The parties have the right to hire counsel to represent them, at the parties’ own expenses, but representation is not required.

Step 6: Parties engage in mediation session

The mediator(s) will hear both sides of the issue and assist the parties in reaching a satisfactory conclusion. The mediator(s) will write the agreement, and the parties will sign the document.

If the lawyer and client don’t settle the dispute, the parties may request a binding arbitration hearing. Both parties must give written consent to move forward with binding arbitration.

Step 7: Prepare for binding arbitration hearing

Typically, the Fee Dispute Resolution Committee will appoint one arbitrator for disputes in amounts of $10,000 or less. For disputes over $10,000, the committee appoints a panel of three arbitrators. One member of the arbitration panel will be a lawyer, one member will be a non-lawyer volunteer, and the third member may either be a lawyer or non-lawyer. Either party may request that one arbitrator be replaced by providing good reasoning and proper notice.

Both may hire counsel to represent them at the hearing at their expense. Representation is not required.

Step 8: Parties engage in binding arbitration hearing

At the hearing, all parties will have an equal opportunity to present their case, provide evidence, and cross-examine witnesses. If either party fails to appear, the arbitrator(s) may proceed and enter a binding decision or award.

Step 9: Arbitrator(s) enter decision

The arbitrator(s) will provide a written decision or award within 30 days after the close of the hearing or as soon as possible. In binding arbitration, the parties will be bound by the arbitrators’ decision, regardless of if it is in their favor.

Step 10: Enforcement of the decision

If both the client petitioner and the lawyer respondent signed the consent to binding arbitration, the decision of the arbitration panel may be enforced by a court of competent jurisdiction according to Chapter 435, RSMo.

Visit MissouriLawyersHelp.org/Client-Protection to learn more about the Fee Dispute Resolution Program and other ways The Missouri Bar protects clients.

According to the Supreme Court of Missouri, the State of the Judiciary “provides an opportunity to bring together all three branches of government and the public to learn more about the state courts’ accomplishments and priorities.” The first State of the Judiciary address was delivered in 1974, the Court notes.

If you have questions regarding the address, contact Beth Riggert, communications counsel for the Supreme Court of Missouri, at beth.riggert@courts.mo.gov or 573-751-3676.

The workshop is led by Street Law in partnership with The Missouri Bar, the federal court system, and The Judicial Learning Center. The program will feature prominent Missouri lawyers and judges who will discuss the importance of the rule of law and fair and effective Courts.  

The two-day program is packed full of content to help you best educate your students. Participants will receive classroom-ready materials, explore current and contested issues, learn from prominent members of the legal community, and participate in skill building strategies like case studies and a moot court.  

Meals and materials will be provided, including a group dinner on Wednesday. Teachers traveling from outside the St. Louis area will have lodging provided March 5-6. Accepted teachers are eligible to apply for a $100 allowance to be paid to their school to help cover the costs of substitute teachers. 

Those interested in attending must register by Feb. 7. As space is limited, registration does not mean you will be automatically accepted to attend. Registrants will be notified of their acceptance on Feb. 11. Click here to register.  

If you have questions, please contact Dr. Tony Simones, Missouri Bar citizenship education director or Rachel Marshall with the U.S. Courts system. 

The Missouri Bar offers a variety of resources for teachers, including lesson plans and professional development information. View the full list of resources here.  

Most services will still be available to lawyers and the public.

The Missouri Bar civics education department offers a wide variety of resources to help teachers educate their students on government and Missouri law. Below are the top teacher resources available at MissouriLawyersHelp.org/Educational-Resources to help you in your classroom. 

Free American Government lesson plans 

The Missouri Bar offers over 50 lesson plans at no cost to teachers. The lessons, which span six units, were created by Missouri teachers to inspire students to think critically and creatively. Lesson plans can be found at MissouriLawyersHelp.org/FreeMOLessonPlans and cover the foundations of government, the United States Constitution, the branches of government, political participation, and civil rights and liberties.  

Show Me the Constitution 

The Missouri Bar’s Show Me the Constitution competition offers high school students across the state the opportunity to gain firsthand experience with civic discourse and today’s complex constitutional questions. 

During the competition, teams of students take on the role of experts testifying about constitutional issues before a congressional committee, composed of three judges. The format brings constitutional principles to life while developing critical thinking and civil debate skills. 

The 2025 Show Me the Constitution competition will be held April 7 in Columbia. Click here to learn more about the program and view this year’s questions. 

Summer Institute 

Summer Institute is a dynamic training program for educators specializing in American history, government, and civics hosted by The Missouri Bar citizenship education department. 

During the three-day program, teachers learn about critical concepts and experience them firsthand. Working through lessons before implementing them allows educators to anticipate student reactions and fine-tune their approach for maximum impact. 

The 2025 session will be held July 21-23 in Jefferson City and cover social media and the Constitution. 

View materials and lessons from previous sessions.

Contact CitizenshipEducation@mobar.org for more information. 

Civics Education Resources  

The Civics Education department has compiled a list of resources to help you better educate your students. These resources are used by teachers across the state to help with creating thoughtful and engaging lessons to inspire their students about civics.  

Resources include:  

• Bill of Rights Institute  
• Constitutional Rights Foundation  
• Coloring books from The Missouri Bar  
• Cornell Legal Information Institute  

Click here to view the full list of resources.  

The competition, which will take place April 7, 2025, in Columbia, replicates congressional committee hearings, challenging teams of students to apply constitutional principles to current events. This year’s competition features questions about presidential immunity, the overturning of Chevron, and constitutional changes to the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Danielle Atchison is an alumnus of the program and has been volunteering as a judge since 2014.   

“I believe my participation in high school directly affected me becoming a lawyer,” Atchison said. “I always walk away with excitement and hope knowing our next generation of students are gaining invaluable skills to be a part of their own government.”  

Russ Sackreiter is a retired teacher whose students competed in the competition for many years. He now serves as a judge to continue inspiring students to increase their knowledge of the law and government. 

“After countless years as a judge for SMTC I am never disappointed, quite the contrary, I am filled with confidence that the United States in in good hands,” Sackreiter said. 

If you are interested in volunteering for Show Me the Constitution, contact CitizenshipEducation@mobar.org.