Now a DWI and criminal defense lawyer and founder of Benjamin Law Firm in Belton, she wants to help other lawyers feel empowered and have the education they need to succeed.

Benjamin has been attending The Missouri Bar Bernard Edelman DWI Law & Science Seminar since the 2000s. She’s a member of the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers board, and this year she was involved in planning the DWI seminar.

“… I always want lawyers to come here to learn how to win a DWI, to not feel so defeated, to have some hope,” Benjamin said.

The in-person and virtual seminar, July 23-24 in Lake Ozark, provided attendees with the opportunity to learn advanced techniques and the science behind DWI law.

Presented by The Missouri Bar and MACDL, this year’s seminar had topics covering jury selection, ethical issues surrounding AI, breath testing basics, blood test issues, THC-related DUI cases, and more. The seminar also had a basics/bootcamp track for lawyers and paralegals.

What’s unique about the seminar, Benjamin said, is that it focuses not only on law, but science, helping lawyers be more familiar with blood and breath testing.

In addition to gaining practical insights, Benjamin said attendees can also form new connections.

“Don’t be afraid to come and meet people, talk to people, find other people who do this, find mentors,” Benjamin said. “Everybody who has experience loves sharing their experience and teaching other lawyers, so come here to find those people.”

Attendee Tim Cisar, a lawyer with the Law Office of Cisar & Spier, has been involved in MACDL since about 1992. He’s been coming to the DWI seminar since about the time it started.

Cisar said the seminar provides a good opportunity to recharge and learn from other lawyers.

“It teaches me stuff every year,” Cisar said. “My rule of thumb is to learn one thing at a seminar, and I’ve learned four things I’ll be bringing away already.”

Speaker Michael Reid, a lawyer with M. Reid Legal Solutions, said he first came to the conference 27 years ago. His legal mentors took him under their wings and said the only thing they asked of him was to give back.

“And that's why I always say, ‘If anybody here has a question, or you want something I've got, reach out to me ...” Reid said. “That's our obligation, because if we're not helping, we’re hurting.”

Save the date for next year: July 22-23, 2027.

View photos from this year’s seminar here.

Attendees can meet industry professionals and connect with other lawyers and judges while learning about topics covering:

• Generational differences
• Effective trial preparation and advocacy
• Ethical AI usage
• Family pets
• Mediation tips and new standards
• Custody and guardianship
• Interviews involving children
• Orders of protection

Along with the numerous breakout sessions and plenaries, the Family Law Conference will include two judicial panels, a mental health panel, and four specialized tracks — Guardian Ad Litem, basics, paralegal, and business management.

Lawyers can earn 16.2 MCLE, 1.0 Ethics, 1.0 Bias, and 9.0 GAL credit at the conference.

Click here to register, view the agenda, and book a hotel room for the conference.

Secure your spot by July 19 to save $55 on your standard or virtual pass. Discounted passes are also available for law students, paralegals, legal aid lawyers, and public defenders and prosecutors. View registration details here.

Visit MoBarCLE.org for more information about upcoming Missouri Bar conferences and CLE programs.

Genna Tlustos is the assistant editor of the Journal of The Missouri Bar.

For 30 years, The Missouri Bar Solo & Small Firm Conference has brought together lawyers from across the state to learn new skills, make connections, and receive important legal updates. 

After the second MOSOLO Small Firm Conference, an article from the July 1997 “Missouri Bar Bulletin” stated that there was “anticipation in the air on June 5, 6, and 7 at the Lodge of the Four Seasons at the Lake of the Ozarks. Was it really possible to duplicate the success of last year’s Missouri Bar Solo and Small Firm Conference?” 

The answer that year, and every year since, has been a resounding “yes.” Each summer, hundreds of Missouri lawyers have returned or come for the first time to experience what MOSOLO has to offer. 

This year’s MOSOLO Small Firm Conference is June 11-13 at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Osage Beach, and a virtual option will be held June 24-26. At just one conference, Missouri lawyers can fulfill all 15 MCLE hours for the reporting year. This year, attendees are participating in a workshop that will enhance their observation, perception, and communication skills, along with sessions about expungement, preservation, voir dire, and more. 

“Most CLEs for this many hours are far more expensive, and they don’t include networking, mentorship, or the opportunity to attend classes in shorts,” said Cassie Bugalski, chair of the Solo and Small Firm Committee. 

The 30th anniversary and the number of attendees each year show how important solo and small firms are to the legal profession, said Bugalski, managing member at Gump, Faiella & Bugalski, LLC in Moberly and Columbia. In rural areas, solo and small firms are essential in providing communities with legal services.

Some lawyers have come since MOSOLO’s inception in 1996 and are now bringing their associates, children, and other young lawyers, she said. 

“The legacy of mentorship created by this conference has proven to be invaluable,” Bugalski said. 

David Macoubrie, a Chillicothe lawyer with Cleaveland, Macoubrie and Cox, LLC, said he was on the planning committee of the first MOSOLO Conference in 1996. He enjoys the camaraderie of Missouri Bar conferences and said that getting involved in the bar helps you become a better lawyer and positively influence others. 

“I think we owe it to ourselves and to other lawyers to get involved, and you’ll be surprised, you might be able to contribute something,” Macoubrie said. “… Everywhere I go, I learn something. And also, I probably teach something at the same time.” 

These conferences can help lawyers discover that they are not the first to have experienced a particular situation or issue. They can discuss how they approached those problems with other lawyers, he said.

For Bugalski, networking at MOSOLO has bettered her and her law firm. 

“Being able to tell a client that you don’t practice in an area when they need help can be frustrating, but because of (MOSOLO), I can say, ‘But I know someone who will take care of you. Let’s give them a call,’” said Bugalski, who has attended the conference for eight years. “To see their faces soften and their load lighten because you’re able to continue to take care of them with referrals to good people with the same client care is pretty powerful.” 

Bugalski said she comes back to MOSOLO each year to continue interacting with lawyers who have the common goal of treating clients with the utmost dignity and respect while making their businesses the best they can be, in the good times and the tough times. 

This year, Bugalski said she hopes participants see the value of personal interactions and connections, expanding their knowledge together while having some relaxation and fun. 

Register for the in-person or virtual MOSOLO Small Firm Conference at MoBarCLE.org. 

Scroll through the carousel at the top of this page to view MOSOLO photos from the last 30 years!

The two plenaries, organized by the Annual Meeting planning committee, include:

The Darryl Burton story: lessons for lawyers & judges

Explore the intricacies, strengths, and weaknesses of the legal system through the story of Darryl Burton, an innocent man who was wrongfully convicted of a murder and spent 24 years in a Missouri prison before being exonerated. Hon. Richard Callahan, who oversaw Burton’s exoneration case, will also provide insights, and lawyer Liz Ramsey McIntosh will moderate the panel. After the plenary, lawyers will have a chance to speak with Burton.

Law in flux: navigating 2025’s legal and judicial crosswinds

Panelists Hon. David Dolan, 2024-2025 American Bar Association President Bill Bay, Professor Steve Leben, and lawyer Jenifer Placzek will address the impact on Missouri lawyers’ practices following 2025’s expansive, rapid changes to federal and state laws and agencies, as well as challenges to the independent judiciary and the ability to represent clients without repercussions. Dana Tippin Cutler will moderate the panel.

Annual Meeting will also feature four track sessions – business, family law, litigation, and probate – that will highlight timely and relevant educational programs designed to make a difference in lawyers’ practices.

There will be a YLS Series with three sessions developed by the Young Lawyers’ Section that are relevant to new and seasoned lawyers alike and an Ethics Series featuring two sessions that will give lawyers a chance to hear from Missouri’s chief disciplinary counsel and legal ethics counsel.

Click here for the full schedule of events.

Presented by MoBarCLE and the Family Law Committee, the conference will be held in Branson and virtually Aug. 14-16. Along with the numerous breakout sessions and plenaries, the Family Law Conference will highlight three judicial panels and two specialized tracks – Guardian Ad Litem and paralegal.

Click here to register, view the agenda, and book a hotel room for the conference.

Pass breakdown:

• $455 - Standard pass
• $400 - Virtual pass
• $230 - In-person law student/paralegal/Legal Aid
• $230 - Virtual law student/paralegal/Legal Aid

Plenaries

• Plenary 1 - Family law then and now: Intergenerational perspectives (qualifies for 1.5 ethics and 1.5 elimination of bias credit)
• Plenary 2 - Popcorn plenary (qualifies for 1.5 ethics credit)
• Plenary 3 - GAL track | Minimizing bias and premature closure: A rubric for the evaluation and adjudication of resist refuse dynamics (qualifies for 1.0 GAL credit)

Visit MoBarCLE.MoBar.org for more information about upcoming Missouri Bar conferences and CLE programs.

Karima Berkat Gilbert, chair of the Animal Law Committee, encouraged all lawyers to get involved in committees, whether related to their practice or an area of interest.

“It provides a forum for information sharing, networking, and can serve as a great resource for lawyers in general,” Berkat Gilbert said. “It doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment, but you can put as much into it as you like. You can be really active on the blog page (connect.MOBAR community) and have some interesting conversations with peers or just attend free CLEs and read email updates regarding that committee’s area of interest.”

For the Spring Committee Meetings, Berkat Gilbert helped organize the Animal Law Committee’s CLE on the intersection of animal law and veterans law in Missouri. Berkat Gilbert emphasized that “animal law is more than just ‘animal rights’” and hoped attendees learned how animal law ties to military dogs’ duties.

Also at the Spring Committee Meetings, the Juvenile Courts and Laws Committee hosted a CLE on working with neurodiverse children. Committee Chair Karen Bickel hoped lawyers became more aware of the resources and services available to practitioners and their neurodiverse clients.

Bickel also recommended lawyers join committees to stay informed about specific areas of law, adding that the Juvenile Courts and Laws Committee offers a platform for discussing questions, concerns, and resources that affect juvenile law practice in Missouri.

Enroll in the various open-enrollment committees here.

Stay tuned for information about the Fall Committee Meetings at MoBar.org.

Between April 28-May 1, nearly 35 committees and divisions will meet virtually to discuss committee business, with the majority also hosting CLE programs. Three committees are hosting CLEs about AI in practice areas, while other committees will offer CLEs regarding:

- cognitive bias,

- aligning lawyer well-being with client satisfaction and firm risk management,

- protecting people with opioid use disorder in Missouri,

- paths to retirement for Missouri lawyers,

- usage of psychological evaluations in custody matters,

- the intersection of animal law and veterans law,

- high-profile defamation cases to watch for in 2025,

- and many more.

Registration is of no cost to Missouri Bar members, and lawyers can attend multiple meetings. Committee membership is encouraged but not required.

Click here to view the full schedule and register for committee meetings and CLE programs.  

The Missouri Bar encourages lawyers to stay up to date on the law by enrolling in the various open-enrollment committees and sections. Click here to join. 

Join us June 5-7, 2025, at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Osage Beach and take advantage of this chance to refresh your practice both practically and socially. Lawyers can also attend virtually with access to CLE sessions, panel discussions, and plenaries post-conference. Register by May 6 at MOSOLO.org and save $50 on in-person and virtual passes.

MOSOLO provides the unique opportunity to connect with lawyers at all stages of their practices. Whether you’re just starting out or have decades of experience, the conference is the perfect setting to step away from the day-to-day tasks and connect with other lawyers in your focus area.

MOSOLO isn’t just for networking with other lawyers. Design a conference experience fit to your firm’s needs with over 50 breakout sessions in 12 time slots to choose from. Each session qualifies for CLE credit just in time for the June 30 deadline.

Register at MOSOLO.org and check back later for more information on social activities, specific CLEs, and conference receptions.

Hon. Mary R. Russell is chief justice of the Supreme Court of Missouri.

Thank you, President-Elect Dreyer, and good afternoon to all of you! I am honored to be here celebrating the 80th anniversary of The Missouri Bar. And let me tell you ... from up here, you all look pretty good for 80!

How many of you are attending your very first Annual Meeting? I attended for the first time when I was a young associate at a small Hannibal law firm. It was “strongly suggested” I go by my new boss, Bob Clayton, who had been very involved in The Missouri Bar for years and would soon serve as president. 

He introduced me to his generation of lawyers and other leaders. He later encouraged me to run for a seat on the Young Lawyers’ Section Council. It was through that council that I met Zel Fischer, Karen Mitchell, Dan Scott, Angela Quigless, and Bill Corrigan Jr. – not only did they all become judges, too, but they also became my lifelong friends. It’s also where I met our ABA President, Bill Bay, who is another lifelong friend. 

Because Bob always was such a huge mentor and cheerleader of mine, I always assumed he was happy to have hired me ... but I recently learned that he struggled with the idea of employing a female attorney. At that time, there was only one other woman practicing law in our small town – it was the mid-1980s! Apparently, Bob was apprehensive to add a female to his two-man firm. He sought advice from one of his friends on the Board of Governors, Jerry Brandt, of Liberty. He assured Bob, “Hey, it wouldn’t hurt a thing to add a girl to the firm.” I believe Jerry is here today – thank you for your endorsement, Jerry. Without you, who knows where I would be? 

I hope Bob never regretted his choice, but as far as I am concerned, joining his practice was one of the best decisions in my life … second only to agreeing to marry my late husband. 

Bob became my mentor, my law partner, my friend, my confidante ... basically, we became family. Bob, I know you weren’t aware I was going to talk about you today, but please stand so everyone can join me in recognizing you! Now, Bob, I need to warn you: I’m going to be talking a lot about you in this speech ... and all the lessons you taught me. 

I am so glad Bob took the time to invest in me and teach me all the realities I needed to know to practice law. You know all those things we didn’t really learn in law school ... how to take a deposition or notice up a hearing, make sure the staff gets paid, how to handle lawyers who were bullies, remind clients they might be behind in paying fees, and how to deliver the bad news. 

In all our years working together, we never had a disagreement. Well, except that one Saturday morning I brought my dog to work, and he peed on Bob’s carpet! (Let’s just say Sparky stayed home after that!) 

From Bob, I learned to value the practice of law as a profession and not just a job ... an avocation, not a vocation. I learned the importance of honesty to our clients and the courts ... the importance of service through pro bono, civic, and charitable work in our community and state. 

Bob also demonstrated that we are lawyers 24/7, and our code of ethics governs us at all times. He set the example of showing respect for all. He greeted everyone warmly, no matter their station in life. 

Thanks to him, I have always made a point of getting to know court staff, valuing not only the work they do but also caring about them and their loved ones. 

Bob’s appreciation of court staff set an example for me. And I believe it was what inspired me to spend the past 14 months traveling the state thanking our frontline heroes for everything they do to serve the public and to keep our courts functioning smoothly. So far, I have visited 30 circuits, with another 16 to go by June. I am surprised how many local court employees have never met a Supreme Court judge. Many can’t believe the chief justice would travel to their courthouse just to shake their hands and say, “Thank you.” I want to get to know them, and it is my hope that hearing how much they are appreciated boosts their morale and renews their enthusiasm for the important work they do. 

During my visits, I hear about the successes of their circuits and also how the judiciary can be improved. The lessons I’ve learned are consistent across the state. Our clerks are resilient, but it has been exhausting for them to adapt to a new case management system while also processing workloads, searching old court records to expunge eligible marijuana convictions, and fielding questions about redactions. Meanwhile, the ever-growing number of self-represented litigants also puts a strain on them to balance helping without giving legal advice. 

Those working with jurors are frustrated by how little money the law guarantees as pay for local citizens who serve on juries. Our juvenile system employees are worried about the lack of available beds and staff in our juvenile detention centers. And everyone is disheartened at the growing number of litigants who need mental health services and the lack of available resources across all case types. 

Our courts are also facing an increasing loss of public trust and confidence ... and civility. We see it in the news and on social media, and I hear about it from court staff who increasingly encounter disrespect and vitriol from the public. 

In my 30 years on the bench, I have never seen such low public trust and confidence as I see now. 

And national data proves it. When asked whether they believe state courts provide equal justice for all, more people say no than yes. Focus groups describe two systems of justice – one for those with money or connections, and the other ... for everyone else. And almost half the people surveyed believe their state courts need to do more to help them navigate the court system ... without an attorney. This should concern us all. 

This loss of public trust and confidence coincides with attacks against our entire system. Our courts and judges are disrespected. They are called “corrupt” or “illegitimate.” They receive angry, belligerent phone calls. And they even receive threats of physical violence. 

Right here in Missouri, judges recently have received death threats, have had threats made against their family members, have been threatened with the public release of their private financial information, and even had litigants show up at their homes. 

The violence is not isolated to our judges. Earlier this year, we were devastated when a Jackson County circuit court employee was killed in the line of duty when he went to serve an eviction notice. 

So, what can we do to help reduce these threats and bolster public trust and confidence? 

When I was practicing, I certainly did not win every case I tried or every motion I argued. Sometimes I just didn’t have the facts – or the law – on my side. And sometimes, even when I thought I had a good case, I still lost. And, admittedly, I probably won some cases I shouldn’t have. But no matter the outcome, Bob always taught me to never speak ill of any court or judge in talking with my clients or the public. We took seriously our ethical obligation to show respect toward the judicial system and legal process. 

As Bob demonstrated to me, both lawyers and judges are leaders in Missouri’s legal community. What we tell our clients, our neighbors, our friends, and our family – and what tone we take – all matter because we influence others, whether we realize it or not. We should tone down our rhetoric when we talk about any judicial decision with which we disagree. 

We must remind litigants, our clients, and the public that neither judges nor lawyers are above the law. All of us are accountable – to our constitutions, laws, and ethical rules – and subject to criminal sanctions if we break the law. In addition, Missouri judges have financial disclosure requirements, just like elected officials in the executive and legislative branches. 

We also need to provide more accessibility and transparency, so the public better understands our system. After all, more than 95% of all cases are heard in state courts, not federal courts. We want people to feel like their state courts are relevant in their daily lives. 

It is not enough to say that justice is being done. The public must see first-hand it is being done before they will begin to believe it is being done. Last week, our Supreme Court started live video streaming of our oral arguments, giving more people a view of what is happening at the Court. Now the public can watch arguments from their computers or mobile devices, without having to travel to Jefferson City. 

We also need to better utilize social media, because like it or not, people increasingly rely on social media for information. So, we all need to provide accurate facts about how our courts and legal system work. When we see incorrect information, we need to flag it and fix it. Many of your organizations already have social media accounts. Now the Supreme Court is starting accounts, too. This way, we can help more people learn about activities and programs at all levels of the courts and spotlight incredible individuals for the hard work they do every day. If you have any ideas of what we can share, please let us know! 

Utilizing technology in the courts and in the practice of law continues to be essential. I learned this early, because Bob loved technology, which might surprise you about a guy who used to have a side gig playing Mark Twain. He especially advocated technology that could help us serve our clients better, more efficiently, and at a reduced cost. As a result, our firm was always on the cutting edge. We were early users of computers, and, in fact, we were the first law firm in Hannibal with a dedicated fax line! (Hey, it was revolutionary back then!) 

Today, we stand on the brink of another technology revolution – generative artificial intelligence. AI is already in our lives. If you’ve used Siri or Alexa, you’ve used AI. You know those ads that show up right after you were shopping online? You have AI to thank for that. And no matter what legal research tool you are using, it probably has AI built into it. 

Generative AI is being incorporated into legal processes worldwide. Some countries are deploying AI to increase access to justice. But other countries are using AI to replace human decision-making and “correct human error.” One country is even developing an AI system to decide family law cases – a judge only gets involved if there is an appeal. That scares me. 

The bottom line is this: Generative AI is here to stay, and its use in our profession is inevitable. We all have practical and ethical duties to become competent about generative AI. But we also have an imperative to establish appropriate guardrails around its use in our legal profession. 

If they haven’t already, your clients – large and small – will start asking you to find ways to use generative AI. They will expect you to reduce the cost of legal services while maintaining high standards for the quality of those services. We should find ways to be more efficient so we can be more effective at the uniquely human elements of our work. 

Missouri courts are taking a lead in shaping our future. Our judicial AI work group is developing policies and strategies to help the people who work in our legal system, not to replace them. 

Speaking of people we value, I value all of my colleagues on our Court, including our newest member – Judge Ginger Gooch, who joined us this past November. Ginger, we are thrilled to have you on our Court. And for those of you who are counting, yes, we still have a female majority on the state Supreme Court. 

I know Judge Gooch has also had great mentors in her career, including Judge Ann Covington, for whom she clerked after law school. Judge Covington is a mentor who made a lasting impact on everyone she encountered, including me. 

Judge Gooch and I were fortunate to have mentors like Judge Covington and Bob and others along the way. Everything they did served as an example of ethics, professionalism, and civility. They exemplified leadership through actions, not just words. 

As I reflect on the profound impact people like them have had in shaping my professional journey, I am more driven to express gratitude at every opportunity to all those who have helped me. 

Perhaps you too have been thinking about the special mentors in your lives, whose investments shaped you into the individuals and professionals you are today. 

We all benefit from the knowledge, experience, and generosity of those who have come before us. Let us not take their support for granted. Let us seize the opportunity now to express our gratitude to those who have helped guide our careers. 

I appreciate you indulging me today as I have shared how instrumental Bob’s mentorship has been to me. I never will forget his wisdom, guidance, humor, and unwavering belief in my abilities. 

And as we go forward, let us find ways to play a role in the success of others by mentoring and developing another generation of lawyers and leaders ... not because we hope to gain anything for ourselves, but because we are invested in making sure our legal profession remains headed in the right direction. 

So, I encourage you to lift others up as we navigate the future together. Who knows, our small actions today could result in a profound impact on someone else in the future! 

Thank you. 

The event will be from 8:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m. at The Missouri Bar in Jefferson City or online.

Registration is $54 for in-person or virtual attendance, and there is no deadline for registration. Lawyers can earn 7.6 MCLE credits for attending.

Topics to be covered include:

- “From junkie to judge: Overcoming addiction and resources for attorneys;”

- “The legal athlete: How a holistic approach to practice can reduce burnout and stress;”

- “The lines of trauma: Ethical and practical considerations;”

- “The lawyers in balance: Techniques for stress management and emotional resilience;” and

- “Narcissism in the legal profession.”

The Missouri Bar, The Bar Plan, and The Missouri Bar Foundation are sponsoring the annual event, in its 29th year.  

Scholarships are available for those in financial hardship. Contact Stacy Parmer, Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program director, at 573-638-2262 for more information.

To register for in-person or virtual attendance, go to MoBarCLE.MoBar.org. 

More than 700 lawyers and judges traveled to St. Louis Sept. 18-20 to attend the Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar, where they had a chance to attend insightful CLEs; meet new acquaintances and catch up with old friends; connect with the new bar officers; and celebrate colleagues leaving a positive impact on the profession.

Retired lawyer Mary Nelson has been attending Annual Meeting since she was a law student at the University of Missouri School of Law in the early 1980s. From receiving tips that can help win cases to learning about daily workout exercises, Nelson said she can always count on learning something from fellow lawyers and “renewing friendships” while attending Annual Meeting.

“It’s community for us, so you get to learn new things to make you better at your job,” she said. “You get to make connections with lawyers from all over the state, which I find fascinating. I’ve had fun with these people for almost 50 years, and it’s been great.”

Being a first-time Annual Meeting attendee, Carleigh Cavender agreed Annual Meeting is the perfect way to meet lawyers, particularly those she will serve with on The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Council. Cavender was recently elected to represent District 8.

“I’ve been connecting with lawyers who have served on it (YLS Council) before and they have phenomenal things to say about networking opportunities and how great everyone is, how they are like a family and raise each other up,” she said, nodding towards Dashawn Cason, a former YLS Council member.

Cason said Annual Meeting is all about “community building” – from meeting Supreme Court of Missouri judges to catching up with a lawyer from your alma mater.

“It’s a lot easier to do the work that we do in the legal profession when you have a familiarity with the other parties involved, when you can connect on a human level and not just strictly about the business,” he said.

Annual Meeting featured the swearing-in of Shelly Dreyer as 2024-2025 Missouri Bar president and the recognition of several awardees. View photos from the Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar here.

Couldn’t attend Annual Meeting in St. Louis? Register for the Virtual Annual Meeting “Lunch & Learn” Oct. 7-11 to watch the CLEs and plenaries.

Shelly Dreyer, a personal injury lawyer and partner at Dreyer & Tinney law firm in Joplin, was elected as 2024-2025 president of The Missouri Bar during the Sept. 18 Board of Governors meeting. She was sworn in Sept. 19 during the Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar, held in St. Louis. Her oath was delivered by Hon. Mary Sheffield.

Dreyer succeeds Megan Phillips, of St. Louis, as president of the 31,000-member Missouri Bar. Phillips transitioned into the role of immediate past president.

During her term as president, Dreyer aims to prioritize lawyer wellness; encourage bar involvement among new and young lawyers; and address the unique challenges faced by legal practitioners outside of major metropolitan areas.

Dreyer handles litigation involving personal injury, automobile accidents, workers' compensation, medical malpractice, and more. A Springfield native, she graduated from the University of Missouri School of Law and was admitted to The Missouri Bar in 1997.

Athena Dickson was elected as the new president-elect of The Missouri Bar. Dickson is a partner at Siro Smith Dickson PC in Kansas City, where she focuses her practice on the areas of personal injury and employment discrimination. In addition to her time on The Missouri Bar Board of Governors, she has served as chair of the Standing Committee on Well-being in the Profession as well as a co-chair of the board's Appointments Committee.

Jennifer Matthew Crompton became vice president of The Missouri Bar. Crompton is a trial lawyer and chief operating officer at Unglesby & Crompton in Clayton. Her professional experience includes prosecuting sex crimes, homicides, and other serious offenses along with years of managing the alternative dispute resolution program of a privately held legal services company. Crompton most recently served on The Missouri Bar Board of Governors' Executive Committee.

Learn more about The Missouri Bar Board of Governors here.

William Douglas Abele

John David Anderson

Hon. James Patrick Anderton

Mark Michael Anson

Mark D. Antonacci

Dwight Calvin Arn

Julie C. Arnold

Jennifer Gille Bacon

Russell W. Baker, Jr.

Jerome V. Bales

Phillip John Barkett, Jr.

James Russell Bartimus

William Randolph Bates, Jr.

Jack Milton Beam

Rudy D. Beck

Paul Henry Berens

Victor A. Bergman

Davis Biggs, Jr.

Paul David Blackman

James D. Boggs

Mary Catherine Bonacorsi

John B. Boyd

Ms. Suzanne Bocell Bradley

Thomas J. Brill

Margaret Elizabeth Broadaway

Kenneth Charles Brostron

Hon. Michael J. Bullerdieck

John Francis Burns

Clement E. Burns, Jr.

Hon. Julian Bush

Timothy Raymond Cappel

Gerard Timothy Carmody

John M. Carnahan, III

Kenneth Michael Chackes

William Winfield Cheeseman, Sr.

Kenneth Earl Clark

Hon. Anne-Marie Clarke

Steven John Clausen

Karen Kohler Clegg

Ronald Charles Clements

Michael Vincent Conger

Don L. Cowan

Stanley Brian Cox

Thomas Eugene Crocco, Jr.

Robert A. Crowe

Albert Archie Crump, Jr.

Charles Ceedrick Curd

Charles Edward Darnell

Dennis Eugene Davidson

Karen Frances Davis

Teresa Ann Davis

Paula Virginia Davis

Vernon R. Dawdy

Edward J. Deghroony

James R. Derting, Jr.

Raymond H. Dickhaner

Hon. Robert H. Dierker, Jr.

Ralph A. Dobberstein

John P. Dockery, Jr.

Edward L. Dowd, Jr.

Roger Merrill Driskill

Thomas Mitchell Dunlap

David Samuel Durbin

Hon. Cynthia Marie Eckelkamp

Ransom A. Ellis, III

John Brand Eskew

Frank M. Evans, III

I. Pearl Fain

Nancy C. Ferguson

Ronald E. Finley

David L. Forbes

David Victor Fox

William Hein Freivogel

Hon. John E. Frerking

Ceci Hiramoto Galeota

William Dean Geary

Mark Allen Geers

Gary Bruce Gelfand

Steven D. Gilley

H. Marvin Gilmore

Ronald Craig Gladney

Mark Chandler Goldenberg

Robert Joseph Goodwin

Mark H. Goran

Martin M. Gorin

William P. Grant

Peggy Grant-Cobb

Hon. Jack Richard Grate, Jr.

Margo Leslie Green

Sheila Greenbaum

Marilyn S. Gussman

Donald A. Hale

Timothy C. Harlan

John E. Harris, III

Arthur Sumner Haseltine

Kenneth J. Heinz

Theodore H. Hellmuth

Hon. Don M. Henry

Kenneth Allan Herring

Gene A. Hilton

Farrell Douglas Hockemeier

Harvey Allen Hoffman

Phillip James Hoskins

Hon. Robert Harlan House

Hon. John Kent Howald

Hon. Jon Scott Hutcheson

James Melvin Hux

James Robert Inghram

Ken Bentley Jacob

Hon. Michael T. Jamison

Max Jevinsky

Althea Patricia Johns

W. Henry Johnson

Philip Alan Kaiser

Jane Ann Kanter

Irene C. Karns

Richard Brott Katz

James A. Kearns, III

Hon. Thomas J. Keedy

Stephen Martin Keeling

Michael Patrick Keleher

Robert Edward Keller

Thomas Michael Kendrick

Jim Charles Klepper

John William Koenig, Jr.

David J. Kozeny

Marc S. Kramer

Catherine Leonir Lange

George W. Lange, Jr.

Don G. Lents

Louis J. Leonatti

Wallace T. Lew

Rodney Earl Loomer

Jeffrey Laurence Lucas

Hon. Paul Thomas Luckenbill, Jr.

Hon. Cynthia O. Macpherson

George Michael Madsen

Michele M. Maue

Jerome Patrick McAndrews

Christopher J. McCarthy

Robert Moore McMahon

Richard Kendrick Mersman, III

Stephen Frank Meyerkord

Hon. Robert Barry Miner

Stephen Girard Mirakian

Ronald E. Mitchell

Jerry Joe Montgomery

Hon. Lawrence E. Mooney

Hon. James R. Moore

Donald Rae Moore

Stephen Charles Moore

Eleanor M. Moran

Albert Nicholas Moskowitz

Brent Lee Motchan

Raymond J. Moulis

Marcia Ann Mulcahy

Stephen Joseph Nangle

Hon. Margaret Mary Neill

Hon. Mark H. Neill

Deborah Jean Noakes

Jeffrey Thomas O'Connor

Bruce C. Oetter

Mary Margaret O'Hare

James D. Oliver

Jeffrey Owen Parshall

Don Alcorn Peterson

C. John Pleban

William Jay Powell

Edward M. Pultz

James Anthony Rapp

John B. Rathmel

Hon. Lucy Decker Rauch

Hon. Dennis Dwight Reaves

Robert Benjamin Reeser, Jr.

Kenneth J. Reilly

Richard E. Rice

Rodney Lee Richardson

Ninion S. Riley

Stephen H. Ringkamp

Rosetta B. Robins

Gloria Jean Loyd Rose

Mark J. Rubinelli

Hugh Harvey Ryan

Ronald Evan Sandhaus

Gary Richard Sarachan

Hon. Jeffrey W. Schaeperkoetter

George Joseph Schlagel

Stanley David Schnaare

James Robert Schurman

Russell Kenneth Scott

Andrew Bruce See

David R. Segal

William N. Seibel, Jr.

Cary Cornell Selsor

David P. Senkel

Marilyn Marcia Shapiro

Robert R. Shepherd

Hon. Thea Anne Sherry

Christine Theresa Sill-Rogers

John William Simon

James Stewart Sinclair

Charles D. Sindel

Hon. Dennis Neil Smith

Gregory John Smith

Cynthia Smuda

Steven B. Spewak

Charles Martin Stinger

Donald George Stouffer

Daniel John Strausbaugh

Earl Wayne Taff

Barbara L. Teeple

Terry Kaye Tenebaum

John Kent Thomas

James H. Thompson, Jr.

Donald C. Tiemeyer

Hon. James Michael Tobin

Steven Ira Toybes

Wallace W. Trosen, Jr.

Hon. Robert Lynn Trout

Terry Lee Tyrrell

Brian Clinton Underwood

William Dirk Vandever

Louis Arthur Vlasaty

Daniel P. Wade

Lawrence Joseph Wadsack

Karen Cobin Warner

Hon. David Gregory Warren

Mathew C. Warren

Mark David Wasserstrom

Jeff Weintraub

John Robert Weisenfels

Michael H. Wetmore

Patrick Erwin White

John Lister Whiteside

Harris H. Wilder

Kathy M. Wilke

Alif Amon Williams

Gregory Roland Wilsey

Patricia Lou Wilson

David L. Wing

Morris Kendall Withers

Hon. Jane Betebenner Wyman

Suzanne L. Zatlin

Hon. Richard Kevin Zerr

Karl Zobrist

The Board of Governors meeting will include financial summaries and reports from officers, committee reports, a presentation from the 2023-2024 Leadership Academy Class, and an election of officers and executive committee members. American Bar Association President Bill Bay will also address the board for an update on the ABA. 

The Young Lawyers Section Council meeting will include financial summaries and reports from officers and committees, reports from delegates and liaisons, presentation of the YLS Chair Awards, election of officers, and an introduction of new members.  

The Missouri Bar's Board of Governors and Young Lawyers Section Council meet several times a year to conduct the business of The Missouri Bar and keep abreast of issues. See past meeting minutes and future meeting dates here. 

The Missouri Bar Annual Meeting/Missouri Judicial Conference is less than a month away, but there is still time to register! The event’s luncheons and receptions are perfect opportunities for lawyers to network with and celebrate fellow legal professionals.

Luncheons

The separately ticketed Missouri Bar Foundation and Public Service Awards Luncheon will kick off the three days of social gatherings, CLE programs, and networking opportunities. From noon-1:30 p.m. Sept. 18, The Missouri Bar Foundation will recognize members of the bar who have performed exemplary work in trial and appellate advocacy, legal writing, professionalism, and contributions to the administration of justice. View the 2024 awardees here.

From noon-1:40 p.m. Sept. 19, the Opening Luncheon gives lawyers and judges the chance to enjoy lunch and hear an update on Missouri’s justice system during the Chief Justice’s Address, presented by Hon. Mary R. Russell. The lunch will also include the passing of the gavel from Missouri Bar President Megan Phillips to President-Elect Shelly Dreyer, as well as recognition of this year’s class of Senior Counselors.

Receptions

Networking and fun doesn’t end at 5 p.m.

Annual Meeting’s goal is for attendees to cultivate connections and feel the camaraderie of fellow legal professionals. This begins with the warm welcome of the President’s and Chief Justice’s Opening Night Reception from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 18. During this reception, lawyers and judges can dine on delicious hors d’oeuvres and beverages in a relaxed, casual setting.

The following night, from 6-8 p.m., lawyers can hit the soccer fields at this year’s Best of Missouri Reception location, CITYPARK - ULTRA Club. This is the perfect environment to transfer the positive energy from the day’s impactful, future-directed educational sessions and inspiring celebrations of the profession to an atmosphere filled with shared experience and camaraderie.

If you want to continue that energy after the Best of Missouri Reception, head to the YLS-Sponsored Best of Missouri Post-Party at 8 p.m.

There will be a few affiliate receptions prior to the Opening Reception and Best of Missouri Reception, so make sure to check the Annual Meeting schedule.

Make sure you have a room booked for this can’t-miss event! Rooms are available at a discounted rate at several nearby hotels. Click here to book your room for Annual Meeting.

Can’t attend in person? The Virtual Annual Meeting “Lunch & Learn” Oct. 7-11 will showcase all the CLE programs from the in-person Annual Meeting. Attendees can log on for sessions during midday time blocks while still having time to focus on their practice each day. Click here to register for the virtual option.

Visit MoBar.org/AM24 for more information about the upcoming Missouri Bar Annual Meeting/Missouri Judicial Conference.

On top of structured breakout sessions and social opportunities, lawyers and paralegals also benefitted from asking questions and receiving guidance from others who have experience in similar casework.  

Jessie Greathouse, a legal assistant and a speaker for the seminar’s “Bootcamp for Lawyers and Paralegals” series, said it’s a benefit to come to the DWI Law & Science Seminar. 

“I would say for anybody that is wanting to know more about DWIs and how to fight them, how to help your clients, things to provide for your staff in a DWI firm, this is probably the place that you want to go to learn those things,” Greathouse said. “They provide a lot of useful information both for attorneys and for their paralegals.”  

This year’s seminar offered a wide variety of session topics, including the luncheon presentation, “Drafting representations agreements for ethical and effective representation,” and plenary session, “Creatively negotiating for your clients: A prosecutor’s perspective.”. Other topics included trial techniques, trust compliance issues, and rising BAC and fermentation issues in DWI alcohol cases.  

Seminar programs qualified for up to 16.7 MCLE credits, including three ethics and one elimination of bias hours.  

Erin Kiersch, a criminal defense practitioner in Jefferson City, said she and her partner enjoy coming to the DWI Law & Science Seminar and think it is one of the highest regarded conferences in Missouri. 

“This is the conference we choose to attend every year. I think it has the best speakers, the best information, and it’s very helpful,” Kiersch said, adding she also enjoys interacting with young and new lawyers. “I used to be the young attorney, and now seeing the nice young attorneys and getting to mingle with them at different events is always something I think we enjoy.” 

Whether they were reconnecting with those they know or meeting lawyers for the first time, attendees of the conference had the opportunity to expand their network and improve their practice based on highly relevant CLE.  

“I think anybody who practices and has to deal with DWIs would benefit greatly from something like this. It’s amazing,” attendee Chad Moen said. “As a prosecutor, I generally don’t get to see this side of it as much, so, for me, it was especially revealing in that respect.” 

View photos from this year’s seminar here. 

CLE programs and plenaries

Annual Meeting will feature four track sessions – business; family law; litigation; and probate, trust and elder law – that highlight timely and relevant educational programs designed to make a difference in lawyers’ practices.

There will also be a “YLS New Lawyer Series” – three sessions developed by YLS that are relevant to new and seasoned lawyers alike – and a “Ethics Series” featuring two sessions that give lawyers a chance to hear from Missouri’s chief disciplinary counsel and legal ethics counsel.

There will be two plenaries at Annual Meeting:

- “I want it THAT way … When generational differences create friction in the workplace and what to do about it,” presented by Kelli Dunaway and Mollie Farrell

- “Ethical considerations of embracing and using generative AI: From ‘How do I?’ to ‘Should I?’” presented by Chris Stiegemeyer, Jim Shreve, Rachel Harris, and Matt Braunel

Click here for the full schedule of events.

Prices and lodging

Attendees can either register for the full experience – CLEs, receptions, and luncheons – for $295 or only the CLEs and plenaries for $195. Click here to see a breakdown of registration options

Can’t attend in person? The Virtual Annual Meeting “Lunch & Learn” Oct. 7-11 will showcase all the CLE programs from the in-person Annual Meeting. For $195, attendees can log on for sessions during midday time blocks while still having time to attend to their practice each day. Click here to register for the virtual option.

Rooms at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark are available at a discounted rate starting at $169. The deadline to book a room at the group rate is Aug. 26. Click here to book your room for Annual Meeting.

Visit MoBar.org/AM24 for more information about this year’s Annual Meeting.

Presented by MoBarCLE and the Family Law Section, the conference will be held in person at Osage Bach and online July 31-Aug. 2. Along with the numerous breakout sessions and plenaries, the Annual Family Law Conference will highlight three judicial panels, as well as three individual tracks – guardian ad litem, basic, and paralegal.

Click here to register, view the agenda, and book a hotel room for the conference.

Pass breakdown:

$415 – in-person pass for Family Law Section member

$455 – in-person pass for non-Family Law Section member

$360 – virtual pass for Family Law Section member

$400 – virtual pass for non-Family Law Section member

$230 – in-person or virtual pass for law student, paralegal, legal aid, public defender, public prosecutor, or Missouri Protection and Advocacy Services

Plenaries

“Generative AI and the law,” presented by Michael P. Downey, of St. Louis

“Wellness issues for family law practitioners,” presented by Katie Wessling, of St. Louis

“Case law update,” presented by Andrew C. Scholz, of Springfield

Visit MoBarCLE.MoBar.org for more information about upcoming Missouri Bar conferences and CLE programs.

Atchison will help lawyers understand the top 10 ethical issues they face and how to mitigate those problems during the Saturday closing plenary at the MOSOLO Small Firm Conference, set Thursday through Saturday (June 6-8) online and at Osage Beach.

“We recognize solo and small firms are businesses, but we aren’t necessarily trained in business,” Atchison said. “So, what do we do if we receive a comingled check from the client that has trust money and operating money in it? What do we do with advertising dollars knowing the ethical rules are narrow for us as lawyers? What do we do when we’re under water with cases, and things are blowing up left and right that we couldn’t have anticipated?”

Atchison, a business immigration lawyer at Mdivani Corporate Immigration Law Firm in Overland Park, Kansas, reviewed reports from the Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel, chatted with fellow lawyers, and researched problems solo and small firm practitioners face. In her presentation, she’ll list real-life examples and brainstorm solutions with the audience.

Atchison’s session is one of 60-plus CLE programs and networking opportunities offered at this year’s MOSOLO Small Firm Conference.

“That is the best part of the conference – friends coming together; learning each other’s tools, tips, and tricks; meeting lawyers from across the state; and walking away with hopefully better solutions for our own practices,” Atchison said.

View the MOSOLO program guide and register for an online or in-person pass.

Set July 25-26 virtually and in person in Lake Ozark, the Bernard Edelman DWI Law & Science Seminar is Missouri’s premier DWI seminar, offering lawyers the opportunity to learn from local and national lawyers on ways to even better serve their clients in DWI cases. The conference is hosted by MoBarCLE and the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Types of passes

Standard: Until June 24, standard passes cost $345 for MACDL members and $385 for non-MACDL members. Starting June 25, lawyers will pay $55 more for standard passes – $400 for MACDL members and $440 for non-MACDL members.

With standard passes, lawyers can:

• View CLE sessions, panel discussions, and plenaries;
• Receive meals for breakfast, lunch, and reception on Thursday and breakfast and lunch on Friday; and
• Access program recordings for one year.

The following individuals can receive in-person passes for $230:

• Law students; Paralegals
• Paralegals;
• Legal aid lawyers and paralegals;
• State public defenders;
• Prosecutors; and
• Those with Missouri protection and advocacy services.

Virtual: MACDL members can receive virtual passes for $345 until June 24. Starting June 25, virtual passes will cost $400 for all lawyers.

With virtual passes, lawyers can access program recordings for one year (available approximately one month after the conference).

DWI bootcamp: Lawyers and paralegals can purchase in-person or virtual passes for solely Friday’s programs for $155. With the in-person and virtual bootcamp passes, individuals can view Friday’s CLE sessions, panel discussions, and plenaries, as well as have access to program recordings for one year. Those with in-person bootcamp passes will also receive breakfast and lunch on Friday.

CLE programs

Learn from recognized lawyers and judges with extensive experience in DWI law during these plenaries:

• "What to expect when law enforcement becomes the phlebotomist,” presented by Joseph P. St. Louis, of Nesci & St. Louis in Tucson, Arizona;
• “Top 10 tips for using NHTSA manual to win your case (including changes found in the 2023 manual),” presented by Travis B. Jones, with TBJ LLC in Moscow Mills;
• “Case law update,” presented by Matthew D. Fry, with Rosenblum, Schwartz, and Fry PC in St. Louis;
• “Rising BAC and fermentation issues with DWI alcohol cases,” presented by Benjamin S. Faber, with Faber Law Firm in Columbia;
• “Attacking the breath test: One sample vs. two samples,” presented by Virginia L. Landry, with Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry, Inc. from Aliso Viejo, California;
• “Creatively negotiating great outcomes for your clients: A prosecutor’s perspective,” presented by Kelly L. King, with the Attorney General’s Office in Jefferson City; and
• “How to avoid employment discrimination at work,” presented by Megan Atzert, with Wilke & Wilke in St. Louis.

Click here to view the complete agenda and register for an in-person or virtual pass.

“Thank you to all members who took the time out of their busy schedules to attend the Spring Committee Meetings!” said Krista Lepper, director of committees and meetings at The Missouri Bar. “We are going into our fifth year of virtual committee meetings, and we are coming in strong with record numbers.”

The Women in the Profession Committee also broke the attendance record for an individual meeting during committee meetings, with over 550 people attending its April 30 meeting and CLE, Lepper said. The committee, chaired by Amy Bender-Levy and Stephanie Wan, hosted a CLE called “United WE Appointments Project – Improving Gender Diversity on Boards and Commissions,” with panelists Wendy Doyle, Danielle Kincaid, Debbie Dodge, Brittney Southworth, Marissa Rosen, Kristy Lambert, Christa Moss, and Alissia Canady.

“The committee chairs work hard to find relevant CLE topics, and your attendance speaks volumes to the quality of programming offered,” Lepper said.

The Missouri Bar encourages lawyers to stay up to date on the law by enrolling in the various open-enrollment committees and sections. Click here to join. 

Stay tuned for information about the Fall Committee Meetings at MoBar.org.

Between April 29-May 3, nearly 30 committees and divisions will meet virtually to discuss committee business, with the majority also hosting CLE programs. Topics include improving gender diversity on boards and committees; remote deposition best practices; the psychology of negotiation; the whys and hows of legal name changes; and more.

Registration is of no cost to Missouri Bar members, and lawyers can attend multiple meetings. Committee registration is encouraged but not required.

Click here to view the full schedule and register for committee meetings and CLE programs.  

The Missouri Bar encourages lawyers to stay up to date on the law by enrolling in the various open-enrollment committees and sections. Click here to join. 

Notable features of this year’s conference include:

·         An opening plenary on “Expanded Remote Access in Case.net and complying with redacting confidential information”;

·         A closing plenary on the “Top 10 ethical issues for solo and small firm practitioners”; and

·         A “Starting a practice bootcamp” session.

Each day, attendees can choose from a multitude of breakout sessions covering topics like lawyer well-being, civil procedure, estate planning, improving law firm efficiency and productivity, navigating retirement, and advanced GAL.

On Thursday, attendees can enjoy family-friendly events such as bowling and arcade games after visiting with sponsors and exhibitors. On Friday, families are invited to “The Big Game Show” to participate in a live game show experience.

Visit MoSolo.org to sign up for an in-person or virtual pass, and save on your conference pass and lodging rates by registering by the early bird deadline on May 7. Have questions? Contact mobarcle@mobar.org.

After 22 years, Stoeckl retired as The Missouri Bar’s project director in January but was retained as a consultant to help with the departmental transition through early March. On Friday, the bar’s Board of Governors will hold a special recognition for Stoeckl.

Stoeckl isn’t one for the spotlight, as many know. As someone who constantly sang praises of those around him, Stoeckl often stood off to the side or in the back of the room at Annual Meetings of The Missouri Bar, committee meetings, and Board of Governor meetings. But don’t let that fool you – Stoeckl’s leadership and vision helped pave the way for many successful events and projects.

If you have attended Annual Meeting or committee meetings or read the weekly ESQ. email within the last two decades, you have seen Stoeckl’s dedication to help lawyers even better serve their clients and communities.

“I have always enjoyed starting with an idea or objective, gathering the right pieces and/or people together, and moving the ingredients to create a positive result,” he said. “I am fascinated by the alchemy that happens when you mix a broad range of personalities, expertise, and talents together.”

When Stoeckl joined the bar in 2002, his position as project director didn’t exist. The bar sought someone who could manage a variety of programs, projects, and activities. Stoeckl was asked to work with members to develop a new structure and direction to increase interest in and attendance at Annual Meeting.

That working relationship resulted in some of Stoeckl’s favorite memories. He spoke fondly of the last Saturday of January, the usual date of the kick-off meeting for the Annual Meeting Planning Committee.

“I always said it is one of my favorite days of the year – that chance to gather the new year’s talented group that will transform the next ‘blank slate’ into the Annual Meeting,” he said. “Nerdy, I know, but true 22 times!”

Stoeckl oversaw numerous changes at Annual Meeting, including when the event – like many others – moved to a virtual platform during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, Annual Meeting offers hybrid opportunities, allowing members to attend in person or virtually.

What was once a struggling event 22 years ago now attracts hundreds of lawyers each year. In 2023, more than 1,000 lawyers attended the in-person and virtual Annual Meeting, with over 90% of attendees stating they would return for a future Annual Meeting.

While planning Annual Meeting every year took up a substantial amount of time, Stoeckl also devoted a significant amount of energy working with his team to prepare the weekly ESQ. email, which in 2002 was a new idea to deliver news and informational resources to members. From summaries of court decisions and upcoming MoBarCLE programs to practice tips and member discounts and benefits, ESQ. became a fundamental project under Stoeckl’s guidance. Up until his retirement, Stoeckl served as editor for more than 1,000 issues of ESQ.

Along with Annual Meeting and ESQ., Stoeckl helped expand interest and engagement in Spring and Fall Committee Meetings. In 2023, more than 5,200 combined attendees participated in the virtual Spring Committee Meetings, while more than 4,500 combined attendees participated in virtual Fall Committee Meetings.

Among Stoeckl’s plethora of duties, he also developed and coordinated meetings for the Board of Governors, organized the outstate mid-year meeting, and worked with volunteer-led committees.

It’s the people who ultimately created the enjoyment Stoeckl felt every time he walked through the doors at The Missouri Bar. From working with Missouri Bar staff and executive directors Keith Birkes, Sebrina Barrett, and Mischa Buford Epps to interacting with members who volunteered with the programs and projects he was involved with, Stoeckl said he thrived on building friendships and relationships.

“It was exhilarating to work with so many intelligent, talented members who I truly admired in route to accomplishing objectives,” he said. “Over my more than two decades with the bar, I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with a host of absolutely incredible lawyers and judges.”

Now retired, Stoeckl plans to pursue cycling, hiking, running, and weight training with his wife and kids in Colorado.

“And because I get bored quickly and enjoy working, I expect to pick one of my many interests and look for a new endeavor to fill the rest of my time,” he added.

In the morning, attendees will have the opportunity to sit in on a judicial panel, where Hon. Stanley Wallach, Hon. Joseph Walsh, Hon. Chris McDonough, and Hon. Robert Clayton will discuss issues relating to labor and employment law.

Christyona J. Pham, of the U.S. Department of Labor, will present a primer on federal mental health laws that will inform attendees of participant/employee rights and plan fiduciary obligations under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) as it pertains to mental health and substance use disorder benefits.

Other scheduled sessions include:

• "Negligent hiring, retention, and supervision," presented by Laura E. Clubb of The Clubb Law Firm LLC.

• "Wage and hour law," presented by Raymond A. Dake of Siro Smith Dickson.

• "The current status of non-compete law and restrictive covenants in employment," presented by Emma R. Schuering, Polsinelli PC.

• "The new age of labor: The NLRB expands its influence beyond the unionized workplace," presented by Dean S. Kpere-Daibo of Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete LLP.

To register for the symposium, visit MoBarCLE.MoBar.org.

This year, more than 100 legal professionals attended both online and in-person at the Sheraton Westport Lakeside Chalet in St. Louis, where they heard from experts on topics such as:

·         Ethical representation of unethical fiduciary

·         Anything but administration

·         Expanded remote public access

·         Legislative and case law updates

·         Let’s talk about implicit bias

·         The subtle art of lawyering clients through trauma

"Through insightful discussions and comprehensive sessions, this year's Annual Estate, Trust & Elder Law Institute offered an invaluable platform for legal professionals to delve into the latest developments and nuances in estate, trust and elder law," said Maria Sanders, director of CLE and member services at The Missouri Bar.

This year, the conference offered a variety of breakout sessions covering a wide range of topics.

On Thursday, Commissioner William Gust reviewed evidence in probate court.

Russell “Rusty” Fracassa reviewed the Hallam decision and key takeaways to understanding the case law and federal statutes involved in the case, as well as crisis planning for married couples.

Jennifer Sanwald also helped attendees navigate trust distribution language to identify the legal and fiduciary obligations of corporate trustees in interpreting trust distribution language and understand the potential consequences of vague or imprecise standards.

Friday morning’s breakout sessions featured Mike Bartolacci discussing the effective use of experts in trust and estate litigation, where attendees reviewed the practical aspects of selecting, preparing and presenting testimony from expert witnesses in litigation matters involving trust and estate issues, including capacity/undue influence, breach of duty, and investment matters.

A panel discussion with Timothy Weaks, Commissioner Misty Watson, and Joshua S. rose gave an overview of the challenges Missouri’s Public Guardianship currently faces due to unprecedented caseloads, more complex cases, understaffing, and lack of uniformity across the state.

Other speakers on Friday included:

·         Jeffrey Glogower, “Salvaging the broken charitable remainder trust”

·         Lori Rook, “Exceptions to the five-year look back”

·         Emily J. Kembell and Shane Rader, “Corporate transparency act”

·         Jeffrey Glogower, “International aspects of estate planning”

When not attending CLE programming, lawyers also had the opportunity to visit exhibitor booths. Sponsors such as the Clio, Midwest Trust, Krause Financial Services, and Tri Trust True Integrity Fiduciary Services networked with lawyers about their companies and the benefits of their products.

Visit The Missouri Bar’s Facebook page to view photos from the conference.

Phillips delivered the following remarks during the opening luncheon of the joint annual meeting of the Judicial Conference and The Missouri Bar following her Oath of Office. View the video or read the full text below. 

"Good afternoon, friends and colleagues, judges, and distinguished guests. It’s great to be back in my home town (although I haven’t been out of this building yet). 

First of all, I want to thank Judge Van Amburg for doing the honors today. I was her law clerk for several years on the Eastern District Court of Appeals, and now we teach together at Saint Louis University School of Law. Judge, thank you for your mentorship and friendship and for being here to support me today. And happy birthday! 

Next, I want to recognize Immediate Past President Lauren Tucker McCubbin and all the past presidents in attendance. I stand on your shoulders, and I have you on speed dial this year. I especially want to thank the women presidents who came before us. Before Lauren, there were only five in The Missouri Bar’s 79-year history. For the first time in the bar’s nearly 80-year history, all four officers are women. To my generation and those before us, it’s a big deal! Hopefully, for the younger folks, it’s totally normal, nothing to see here, and that’s a good thing! 

Thank you to my friends and colleagues on the Board of Governors for entrusting me with this profound honor and responsibility. I promise to give you my very best effort this year while making your service meaningful and fun. 

I was raised by a lawyer and a teacher. My dad, who is no longer with us, was a University of Missouri-Kansas City Law School grad and practiced here in Kansas City. Some of the senior lawyers here may have known him, Roger Phillips. I miss him fiercely today but have been showered with well wishes from many of his peers, telling me how proud he would have been. 

And I have a large cheering section here today! First and foremost my mom, Patricia Phillips. If you live the Kansas City area and have had children in the Johnson County school district, you probably know of her because she is a legend, having taught in elementary schools here for decades. She has educated generations. She is everyone’s favorite teacher, especially mine. With her are some of her closest friends, whom I’ve known all my life, and who supported my mom through the hell of my teenage years. These women demonstrate that friendship is the key to success and longevity. Thank you for being my role models in friendship, motherhood, and good trouble. Which brings me to my own squad. I am obnoxiously, filthy rich with the best of friends. My cousin and I were raised like sisters. She gave me a pixie haircut with my aunt’s sewing sheers when we were three years old. Several of my college and law school friends are here as well. These women have seen all versions of me, at all stages of life. These are friends who drop everything and run toward the crisis. But this time, thank you for being here to share this celebratory moment (and help me get through this speech). 

I’ve always been a joiner. In college, I joined a sorority founded in 1870 by women seeking equal access to education and the social support of a chosen family. They aspired to challenge themselves intellectually and effect the widest influence for good. My experience among these high-achieving women had a profound impact on who I am and why I stand before you today. 

I came up in bar service primarily through women’s advocacy. I led the Women Lawyers' Association of Greater St. Louis, through The Missouri Bar’s Leadership Academy I taught the law curriculum at the American Legion Auxiliary Missouri Girls State for several years, and I chaired the Missouri Joint Commission on Women in the Profession. Meanwhile, for 17 years, I earned a living as a career law clerk in the state appellate and federal district courts. Along the way, I realized that, to advance the causes I care about – equality, justice, and civic education – The Missouri Bar is where I – and more importantly we – all of us here today, can do the most good. 

We know that, within the profession, The Missouri Bar provides CLEs, practice resources, and networking opportunities to help us thrive and succeed in our service to clients. 

Within our communities, The Missouri Bar is a conduit for public service and civic education. Next time you’re feeling burned out, go spend an afternoon at your nearest school presenting one of the bar’s lesson plans, or just log on to Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org from your computer and make someone’s day by simply answering a question. It feels good to do good. 

And within society at large, lawyers are the guardians of democracy and the rule of law. Our rules of professional conduct mandate truth, civility, and integrity because these qualities are vital to the public’s confidence in our justice system. 

Additionally, the bar collaborates with and serves the judiciary in furtherance of its critical role as the Third Branch in our democracy. I cannot fathom a wider influence than that. 

Unfortunately, disinformation abounds and fuels public distrust, undermining our courts and the rule of law. Lawyers are uniquely positioned to correct misconceptions and explain the principle of judicial independence. With the privilege of our profession comes this civic responsibility. 

Advances in technology, such as generative artificial intelligence and alternative models for the provision of legal services, are barreling toward us. Your bar is tracking these developments to identify best practices, to utilize new tools for efficiency and access while protecting the public from an unregulated emerging market. 

And friends, let’s normalize real talk about tough subjects. Many of us are struggling. Lawyers experience alarming rates of depression, anxiety, substance use, and even suicide. Lawyers of color leave the profession at twice the average rate. The bar strives to be a place of inclusion and belonging, where your lived experience is valued and celebrated, and your well-being matters. 

The Supreme Court of Missouri created our unified bar almost 80 years ago. Today, we enjoy the collective strength of nearly 31,000 members. Like siblings in a family, we may have our internal differences on any number of issues, but here we are united in our common goal to improve the profession, the law, and the administration of justice on behalf of all Missourians. 

Last year at this lunch, then Chief Justice Paul Wilson said something that stuck with me, and I bet it resonates with you, too:  “Commit yourself to a life of service, and the pursuit of happiness will take care of itself.” 

I couldn’t agree more. 

I am profoundly honored to serve as president of The Missouri Bar for the coming year. I look forward to us working together, unified, to effect the widest influence for good.  

Thank you."

Phillips also recognized Lauren Tucker McCubbin for her service as the 2022-23 president of The Missouri Bar before introducing Supreme Court of Missouri Chief Justice Mary Russell to deliver the keynote address. 

Learn more about the leadership of The Missouri Bar, including its officers, here.

The Annual Meeting offers lawyers a chance to earn CLE credit, with 14.4 MCLE, 10.9 Ethics, and 2.0 Elimination of Bias credit available. Educational programming for the week was split into four tracks: Business, Family Law, Litigation, and Probate, Trust & Elder Law. On top of the CLE sessions, the conference also offered plenty of social events, including the Best of Missouri Reception held at Science City. 

As the start of the new bar year, Annual Meeting also ushered in change for Missouri’s lawyers and judges. Lauren Tucker McCubbin, 2022-23 Missouri Bar president, passed the gavel to 2023-24 Missouri Bar President Megan Phillips. During the Opening Luncheon, Phillips addressed the crowd and spoke of the importance of a unified bar. 

“The Supreme Court of Missouri created our unified bar almost 80 years ago. Today, we enjoy the collective strength of nearly 31,000 members,” Phillips said. “Like siblings in a family, we may have our internal differences on any number of issues, but here we are united in our common goal to improve the profession, the law, and the administration of justice on behalf of all Missourians.” 

The Board of Governors, the Young Lawyers' Section Council, and some committees also met during the meeting to welcome new members and leadership and discuss plans for the upcoming year. The Missouri Bar Foundation, The Missouri Bar, and The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section (YLS) also presented awards, such as the President’s and Diversity Champion, during the Public Service Awards Luncheon. Read more about the awards here. 

On Thursday, lawyers attended two plenary sessions: “Creating a life of balance and satisfaction in a demanding legal profession” and “Innovation and impact on the future of the profession.” Virtual attendees were also able to stream the sessions live. Chief Justice Mary Russell addressed the crowd during the Opening Luncheon. 

This year’s Annual Meeting included a few new elements. The Lawyers Impacting Community Project and KC’s Operation Breakthrough collected school supplies that will be distributed to area children. Some attendees left Annual Meeting with a new furry friend after Paws to Destress: Puppy Playtime. And more than 80 lawyers and judges took advantage of YLS’ photography station to get an updated headshot during the conference. 

Over 600 judges and lawyers attended the conference in person. The conference’s virtual “Lunch & Learn” option begins Sept. 26 and information can be found here. The 2024 Annual Meeting will take place Sept. 18-20 in St. Louis at the Hilton at the Ballpark. Read more about Annual Meeting’s awardees, senior counselors, and the bar’s new leadership at News.MoBar.org. 

A Missouri judge and three Missouri lawyers have been named the 2023 recipients of The Missouri Bar President’s Award: Hon. Jeff Bates, Melinda J. Bentley, David W. Ransin, and Catherine Nelson Zacharias. The awardees were at the helm of educating Missouri’s lawyers and legal professionals on the importance of protecting clients’ confidential information and proper redaction in light of expanded remote public access to public court records per the Supreme Court of Missouri’s rule change which took effect July 1, 2023.

The President’s Award is given annually by the president of The Missouri Bar to recognize meritorious service to the state bar. This year’s recipients will be presented the award Sept. 13, 2023, during the Missouri Bar Foundation and Public Service Awards Luncheon at the Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar held in Kansas City.

Lauren Tucker McCubbin, 2022-23 president of The Missouri Bar, said the joint efforts of the four individuals aided thousands of Missouri lawyers and legal professionals. Tucker McCubbin noted more than 5,000 lawyers and legal professionals attended the Continuing Legal Education (CLE) online seminar series they presented. In addition, she noted the online CLE videos garnered more than 6,000 views, while articles appearing in the Journal of The Missouri Bar and online at MoBar.org received more than 16,000 reads.

“As lawyers, we all strive to do our best to protect our clients’ confidential information and be in compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and Courts rules.” Tucker McCubbin said. “As practitioners, we thank these four individuals immeasurably for educating us about the new rule and the associated ethical and practical considerations of these changes as our profession keeps pace with technology and consumer expectations.”

Hon. Jeffrey Bates was appointed to the Court of Appeals, Southern District, for a term beginning on Dec. 1, 2003, and was retained by Missouri voters in 2006 and 2018. Bates graduated in 1979 from Southwest Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Speech. He earned his J.D. in 1984 from the University of Missouri School of Law. Tucker McCubbin said Bates presented dozens of in-person CLE programs, in addition to his service on the statutorily created Missouri Court Automation Committee and judicial committees.

“After working on this project for a year, I have been gratified to see coordinated action from the Supreme Court, the Missouri Court Automation Committee, the State Judicial Records Committee, and the Case Management Oversight Team to revise court operating rules, create new forms, and review document security settings to make this project a success.” Bates said. “It has required the contributions of many dedicated judges, attorneys, and clerks, all working to develop procedures and forms to make more court documents accessible to the public without leaving home.”

Melinda J. Bentley serves as Legal Ethics Counsel in Missouri where she provides oral and written informal advisory opinions to lawyers on issues related to the Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct. Previously, she worked for the Illinois State Bar Association as assistant counsel from 2001-03, first assistant counsel from 2003-11, and assistant director of legislative affairs from 2009-11. Bentley said her work is rewarding and that she is “passionate about legal ethics and am fortunate to have the opportunity to assist and educate my colleagues about the Rules of Professional Conduct.”

“I care about maintaining the integrity of our profession and helping my fellow lawyers,” Bentley said. “Lawyers really care about their clients and want to ensure they are protecting information that is confidential. It is really nice to see lawyers helping educate each other on this subject and the community response that reminds us we are a profession.”

David W. Ransin founded Ransin Injury Law in 1990 as a solo attorney in Springfield, Missouri, and exclusively represents people and their families in catastrophic injury and death litigation from car, bicycle, pedestrian, motorcycle, and tractor trailer crashes. Ransin earned his law degree from the University of Missouri School of Law in 1982. Ransin is a past chair of the state bar’s Solo and Small Firm Practice Committee and a respected presenter at its annual MOSOLO Small Firm Conference. Ransin shared tips on how to implement firm-wide procedures to ensure confidential information is properly redacted to help everyone “adopt the new rule into their daily practices with as few problems as possible.”

“I'm as humbled as I am honored,” Ransin said. “My goal for this task was never for any public recognition but was only to help colleagues across our state in their daily practices and to keep our judicial system moving as smoothly as possible.”

Catherine Nelson Zacharias has been legal counsel at the Missouri Office of State Courts Administrator (OSCA) since 1998. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1989 and her J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law in 1993. Prior to joining the staff at OSCA, Zacharias was an administrative hearing officer at the Department of Revenue and a litigation attorney at the Department of Social Services. She worked for Legal Services of Eastern Missouri during and after law school. Zacharias said it is a privilege to work for the judiciary and working to “strengthen public trust and confidence in the courts.”

“I am proud that I was able to provide input on the design to implement the Supreme Court rules changes for eFiling, work on the forms related to the changes, and provide training and answer questions that lawyers, court clerks, and judicial officers have about the changes and their obligations under the rules,” Zacharias said. “I am deeply humbled to be receiving this award. It is a recognition of the importance of public service and that the work that you do is important. Nothing gets done in the public sector with just one person and it really is a recognition that the office you work for provides a valuable service.”

Click here to learn more about annual awards presented by The Missouri Bar, the Missouri Bar Foundation, and other entities. Read about other 2023 award winners here.  

Throughout the event, which runs Sept. 13-15, the Lawyers Impacting Community Project will be collecting school supply donations for KC’s Operation Breakthrough. School supplies will support educational programs for children in poverty with the goal of collecting enough supplies for 50 new Preschool Literacy Kits. Read more about Operation Breakthrough here. 

From 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday in the Liberty Foyer, lawyers and judges will be able to have their headshot taken professionally by David Selby of Selby Films. Carving out time and finding resources to take a headshot can often fall to the bottom of one’s priority list. Annual Meeting’s free professional headshot service, sponsored by the Young Lawyers’ Section, provides built-in time for lawyers and judges to update their online public presence. Take benefit from this service and feel confident in sharing your updated, high-quality headshot for years to come.  

Friday morning from 8:30 to 11 a.m., attendees will have time to paws and destress with puppy playtime outside of the Century Ballroom Foyer. Playing with animals is a proven way to decrease stress, and the taxing nature of the legal profession heightens the importance of self-care through well-being strategies. 

Take advantage of these new and exciting elements at #MoBarMEET23 while still enjoying all the tried-and-true aspects of the annual conference. See you next week! 

The Annual Meeting fosters a community sought out by members of the profession. Partake in conversation relevant to you and your practice while learning about others’ experiences in the field. Earn CLE credit from compelling breakout sessions crafted by other lawyers, including an early morning ethics series, an afternoon series geared toward new lawyers, and four tracks keen to different areas of practice. Two plenary sessions presented by expert speakers will be the conference’s CLE capstone, with subjects on balance and satisfaction in a demanding legal profession and the impact innovation may have on the future of the profession.

Educational programming is not the only draw for lawyers and judges around the state. The Annual Meeting also has social opportunities throughout the conference crafted to provide lawyers and judges with exciting new ways to connect with others in their profession outside of the office. On Wednesday, attendees will enjoy the President’s and Chief Justice’s Opening Night Reception. The reception will end around 8 p.m., leaving plenty of time to explore downtown Kansas City with new and existing connections. Thursday will conclude with the Best of Missouri reception at Union Station’s Science City; an exciting and unconventional venue to share your story and expertise with new people.  

Attendees may also purchase tickets to attend The Missouri Bar Foundation and Public Service Awards Luncheon, where members of the bar who have performed exemplary work in trial and appellate advocacy, legal writing, professionalism, diversity and inclusion, community service, and contributions to the administration of justice will be recognized. On Thursday, at the Opening Luncheon and Chief Justice’s Address, attendees will be able to hear from Missouri’s new Chief Justice Mary Russell and witness the passing of the gavel between Missouri Bar President Lauren Tucker McCubbin of Kansas City to her likely successor, Megan Phillips of St. Louis. 

This year’s Annual Meeting will have the new addition of professional headshot services in the Foyer for attendees at no cost. Seize the opportunity to update your headshot to a recent, clear, and well-lit photo by David Selby of Selby Films & Photos. Never share an outdated, pixelated headshot again with this incredible opportunity brought to you by the Young Lawyers’ Section.  

With educational programming, networking, and professional events packed into Annual Meeting’s schedule, lawyers and judges will have a one-stop shop this September for enriching opportunities relevant to their profession. To learn more about Annual Meeting, visit MoBar.org/AM2023. 

Mary Kay O’Malley was honored with the Roger P. Krumm Family Law Award this year at The Missouri Bar’s Family Law Conference at Chateau on the Lake in Branson. O’Malley, who described herself as a juvenile specialist, has had a career involving both the practical and educational aspects of juvenile and family law.

“I’m really touched that the voting members actually chose me, but also to see the company I keep and in which I now am because of the previous recipients,” said O’Malley.  “I’m really humbled and overwhelmed, to be honest.”

Each year, the Family Law Section and The Missouri Bar present the Roger P. Krumm Family Law Award to honor a lawyer who has demonstrated excellence in the profession. Recipients of this award demonstrate integrity, commitment, skill, and dedication towards the practice of family law and the children and families involved in family law matters.

O’Malley is a clinical professor and director of the Child and Family Services Clinic at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, where she has worked since 2002, passing on her knowledge and training to the next generation of lawyers and helping youth within Missouri’s childcare system.

“There’s a sign in our clinic and it shows the number of children we’ve helped,” she said. “We’ve placed 1,149 children and most of those were abused and neglected.”

Through UMKC’s skills-based training, O’Malley’s mission is to help improve the bar and the practice of family law. She describes her holistic approach as focusing both on a child’s home life as well as their educational needs.

“We can’t forget that there’s a large group of children whose only meal of the day is the lunch they get at school, and what do think is going to happen to their education if those basic needs aren’t met?” she asked.

O’Malley spent the first 13 years of her career helping children and families as a social worker with the Missouri Division of Family Services. She credits her time as a social worker with helping her to understand what families need, and helping her work with parents to let them know what resources are available to them.

“That was just one of the things I really loved, being with children, working with them,” she said. “And I liked helping parents get better at parenting. I liked the coaching aspects of it.”

O’Malley eventually pursued law school at the Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kan., where she graduated cum laude.

“I decided to go to law school because I wanted to advocate for children, and I wanted to do it on a more meaningful level,” she said.

Becoming a prosecutor at juvenile court helped her understand the law and how it affects families, which she says prepared her for her next move into private practice representing parents and children.

“All that experience prepared me for this job now,” O’Malley said.

Although O’Malley has a wealth of career experience to draw from, she says she never intends to stop learning and expanding her education.

“Being a lawyer is a job that requires lifelong learning,” she said. “Go to conferences, listen to people, listen to experts: there’s always something new. If you walk away from something like a conference or CLE having learned one thing, that’s a success.”

She also emphasized that lawyers should strive to take care of their personal needs and prioritize their own families.

“You’re not going to be any good to others if you’re not taking care of yourself,” she said.

O’Malley stated that she hopes she’s helped lawyers remember the reason they started practicing family law.

“There are children and families who need us, who need the best minds to help craft orders, to help us craft arrangements and agreements that keep them safe and hopefully keep them happy,” she said.

O’Malley will remain in her position at the UMKC School of Law for the next year and says she doesn’t have any intention of quitting the practice of family law.

“Everything about our profession is a privilege,” she said. “It’s a privilege to practice law…and it’s a privilege to serve other people in your life.”

This year, more than 300 legal professionals attended both online and in-person at Chateau on the Lake in Branson, where they heard from experts on topics such as grandparent rights actions, integrating divorce mortgage planning into case management, and ensuring a smooth transfer of assets.

“This conference continues to provide an invaluable opportunity for our legal professionals to stay on top of current issues and trends in family law,” said Maria Sanders, director of CLE and member services at The Missouri Bar. “It allows our Missouri family law lawyers to sharpen their skills and stay updated, and also provides them with unique networking opportunities that can help expand their careers.”

This year, the conference offered more than 35 breakout sessions, a Guardian ad Litem track, and a basics track.

On Thursday, plenary speaker Julia Weber presented on reducing violence in family matters and, during a later breakout session, provided practical approaches to mitigating risk.

Other sessions covered current issues such as the power of forensic accounting; overviews of mental health evaluations and interventions; managing client expectations; and hearsay evidence. Attendees also had the opportunity to hear advice from family law judges during a panel presentation.

Friday morning featured a plenary session from Lundy Bancroft on “The domestic batter as parent,” and breakout sessions focused on topics such as the duty to become self-supporting, hearsay law problems and strategies, and child support issues.

On Saturday, attendees stayed to hear case law updates relevant to the practice of family law.

When not attending CLE programming, lawyers also had the opportunity to visit exhibitor booths. Sponsors such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and Soberlink networked with lawyers about their companies and the benefits of their products.

Visit The Missouri Bar’s Facebook page and Instagram page to view photos from the conference.

Visit MoBarCLE.org to sign up for upcoming conferences, including The Missouri Bar Annual Meeting and Missouri Judicial Conference Sept. 13-15 and the Estate, Trust, & Elder Law Institute Oct. 19-20.

Held both online and in-person at Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center in Branson Aug. 3-5, this year’s conference features a plenary session each day, as well as more than 35 breakout sessions, a Guardian ad Litem track, a basics track, and a paralegal track.

Keynote speakers Julia Weber and Lundy Bancroft will provide attendees with the most up to date information necessary for family law lawyers to even better serve their clients and communities.

Here some featured sessions at this year’s conferences:

Plenary: What we can do to reduce risk of violence

Family law lawyers, judicial officers, and court-connected professionals have a significant role to play in working with individuals and families in crisis, a role that is even more important given the emotional nature of the field and the potential for violence and injuries. The statistics are staggering and become that much more concerning when confronted with cases that may raise red flags or that result in actual harm. In this plenary, Julia Weber will provide information on what lawyers must do, should do, and can do when in confrontational situations with clients or others. Federal and state legislation, recent court decisions, and examples of promising practices that focus on fairly and effectively addressing these complex issues will be covered. Presented by Julia F. Weber, JD, MSW on Aug. 3 at 8:30 a.m.

Breakout session: Practical approaches to reducing violence risks

In this session, attendees will learn about concrete steps they can take to increase safety in family law, child custody, and domestic violence cases. Issues related to ethical and legal obligations, limitations, and opportunities will be addressed and specific questions and recommendations for having critical conversations to help plan for professional and client safety will be offered. Lawyers will also learn about current innovative approaches family law lawyers and others are taking to help reduce risk during this critical period. Presented by Julia F. Weber, JD, MSW on Aug. 3 at 10:10 a.m

Plenary: The domestic batterer as parent

This presentation will examine the established profile of men who abuse women, describe the power dynamics and the psychologically poisoned atmosphere that abusers create for children. Bancroft will look at some of the specific risks to children that are present in a batterer’s parenting style, including the significant overlap of physical and sexual abuse. Lawyers will learn about the impact the batterer has on the parenting of an abused woman and consider the binds she faces while attempting to protect her children. Bancroft will confront the myth that the children’s problems are solved when their mother leaves the batterer, a myth which connects to other misconceptions that can cause well-intentioned interventions to become dangerous situations. The plenary will also provide an overview of best practices to effectively promote safety and healing for children and their mothers. Presented by Lundy Bancroft on Aug. 4 at 8:30 a.m.

Register for an in-person or online pass at MoBarCLE.MoBar.org.

Presented by MoBarCLE and the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law & Science Seminar provides lawyers with the opportunity to learn from national experts and even better understand the science behind the practice of DWI law.

On Thursday, get to know DWI judges from the judge’s panel session prior to the networking reception with Hon. John F. Newsham, Associate Circuit Court, 21st Judicial Circuit, St. Louis; Hon. Stanley D. Williams, Associate Circuit Court, 20th Judicial Circuit, Eureka; Hon. Martina L. Peterson, Municipal Court, 16th Judicial Circuit, Kansas City; Hon. Gary D. Witt, Missouri Court of Appeals-Western District, Kansas City; and Hon. Matthew P. Hamner, Camden County Circuit Court, Camdenton. The reception will be held from 5:30–7 p.m. on The Rooftop.

Types of passes

Standard in-person passes cost $400 for MACDL members and include access to all CLE sessions, panel discussions, and plenaries. On Thursday July 27, standard pass holders will be provided breakfast, lunch, and a reception ticket to the networking event with judges from the “Judges panel: Do’s and don’ts from the bench.”

On Friday, in-person attendees will receive a buffet breakfast as well as lunch before the final program presentation.

Virtual passes cost $400 for MACDL members and include online access to all CLE sessions, panel discussions and plenary sessions. Access to program recordings for online live CLE credit will be available for 90 days (program recordings viewed after the conference can only be reported for self-study.)  

Friday’s Bootcamp for lawyers and paralegals is available for $155, and is a great track for lawyers in their first five years of practice, paralegals, or veterans lawyers who want to review the basics of DWI law and science.

Visit MoBarCLE.org to sign up online or read more about this year’s seminar here.

In an era where technology has revolutionized the way we connect and collaborate, the Solo & Small Firm Conference is ensuring that solo and small firm lawyers have access to continuing legal education in a way that fits their schedule by offering a virtual conference option in addition to traditional in-person passes.

Attendees can choose to attend the conference online or in a hybrid format by registering for a virtual pass for $370, where they will be able to virtually attend live sessions and receive program recording access to all CLE programs for 90 days.

Developed specifically for solo and small firm lawyers, this year’s plenaries will cover, “How to address your technical and cybersecurity obligations under the Rules of Professional Conduct” with Barron Henley, and “Looking backward to go forward: Improving your practice by getting back to basics” with Dana Tippin Cutler and Keith Cutler.

There will also be a session dedicated to answering questions about the expanded remote public access requirements, which go into effect July 1 per a Supreme Court order. Access The Missouri Bar’s Remote Public Access and Redaction Resource Center to get answers to frequently asked questions, learn about upcoming free CLE opportunities (June 26 is the next no-cost CLE on remote public access), or access no-cost watch self-study CLE on redaction requirements.

Virtual attendees are encouraged to “visit” sponsor and exhibitor booths online by clicking on the “sponsor” tab on the conference portal. Stop by booths online for an opportunity to win prize drawings.

Recognizing the need for accessibility and flexibility, the Solo & Small Firm Conference offers legal professionals the ability to benefit from MOSOLO’s wealth of knowledge, connect with experts, and tap into invaluable networking opportunities regardless of geographic location.

Register online at MoBarCLE.org or preview the program guide to learn more.

Still on the fence? Read about what attendees said about last year’s conference here.

This July, the Bernard Edelman DWI Law & Science Seminar returns to The Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark. The seminar, which will take place July 27-28, offers options for in-person or virtual attendance.

Presented by MoBarCLE and the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law & Science Seminar provides lawyers with the opportunity to learn from national experts and even better understand the science behind the practice of Driving While Intoxicated law.

The seminar covers everything from the essentials new lawyers need to win their first DWI case to the advanced techniques and case law updates required to keep veteran practitioners at the top of their game.

Virtual participants will have access to all CLE sessions and plenaries, which will be streamed live online. Paralegals and lawyers new to DWI law are also encouraged to attend the “Bootcamp for lawyers and paralegals” track on Friday.

Learn from recognized lawyers and judges with extensive experience in this area of law, including:

·    Laura E. O’Sullivan, of the DWI & Criminal Law Center, Benjamin Law Firm, LLC, in Belton, presenting “Daubert hearings: What you must know to defeat bad science” at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 27.

·    Shayla L. Marshall, a Missouri state public defender in St. Joseph, who will discuss “Understanding your clients and cultural humility” at 12:40 p.m., Thursday, July 27.

·    Associate Circuit Judge John F. Newsham, 21st Judicial Circuit, St. Louis County; Hon. Stanley D. Williams, 20th Judicial Circuit, Eureka;  and Kansas City Municipal Division Judge Martina L. Peterson, 16th Judicial Circuit will present the “Do’s and don’ts from the bench” on a judges’ panel at 3:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 27.

·    Andrew Mishlove, the dean of the National College for DUI Defense and lawyer at Mishlove & Stuckert, LLC, Attorneys at Law, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will present “Blood evidence and discovery: What you need to know to win” on Friday, July 28, at 8:30 a.m.

·    Travis Noble, of Travis Noble PC in St. Louis, will discuss a “Demonstration of crossing LEO” at 3:50 p.m. on Friday, July 28.

Visit MoBarCLE’s website to register for an in-person or virtual pass. Early registration discounts end June 26.

Read more about last year’s seminar experience here.

Discounted rates for Missouri Bar lawyers

The Missouri Bar offers discounted rates for early registration. This year lawyers will receive $50 off their MOSOLO pass when they register by May 9.

If you’re interested in attending in-person and staying at the Lake of the Ozarks’ Margaritaville Lake Resort, discounted room rates are also available through May 9. You can stay either in the Resort Complex, which is within walking distance of meeting rooms, or at the Estate Complex, which is approximately 10 minutes away from the Resort Complex (a free shuttle is available for use.)

Use the code “MBAR” to reserve your room online or call 1-800-826-8272. Be sure to use your “MBAR” code and let hotel staff know you’re attending the Solo and Small Firm Conference.

Types of passes

Standard in-person passes cost $320 if you register by May 9 (the price increases to $370 after that date). Standard passes include access to all CLE sessions, panel discussions, and plenaries. Standard pass holders will be provided lunch, dinner, and a reception ticket for Thursday;  breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a reception ticket on Friday; and breakfast on Saturday.

Virtual passes cost $320 when you register by May 9 (the price increases to $370 after that date). A virtual pass includes online access to all CLE sessions, panel discussions, and plenary sessions. Access to program recordings will be available for 90 days (program recordings viewed after the conference may only be reported for self-study credit).  

Passes for law students, paralegals, lawyers with Legal Services, state public defenders, prosecutors, and Missouri protection and advocacy services are available for $250.

Visit mosolo.org to sign up online or read more about last year’s MOSOLO conference experience here.

This year’s agenda will feature over 60 learning sessions with legal leaders, including keynote speaker Barron K. Henley of Affinity Consulting Group. During a plenary and breakout sessions, Henley, a leading national expert in legal technology and speaker at the Microsoft Enlightenment Course for Legal Professionals, will address:

·    How to address your technical and cybersecurity obligations under the rules of professional conduct

·    Electronic document security and digital signatures

·    Document automation - how to determine if this highly evolved technology would benefit your practice

·    2023’s best legal tech tips, tricks, services, gadgets, and websites

Network with more than 40 sponsors and exhibitors to help expand your professional knowledge, learn more about practice management solutions, and save on office tools for your firm.

The conference is also a time to have fun! In addition to continuing legal education, #MOSOLO23 offers several evenings of family-oriented activities for in-person attendees. On Thursday, June 8, join colleagues for the Boathouse Bash at JB’s Boathouse Grill, where you can enjoy lakeside barbeque and show off your bowling and arcade game prowess.

On Friday, attendees are encouraged to bring their families to partake in a professionally hosted game show after a dinner buffet. Participants can compete for prizes.

Visit mosolo.org to sign up for an in-person or virtual pass and save $50 by registering before the early rate ends on May 9.

Read more about last year’s MOSOLO conference experience here.

A bankruptcy judge for the Western District of Missouri since 2013, Norton practiced bankruptcy law for many years before being appointed to the bench.  

When asked why she loves the field of bankruptcy law, Norton said, “The correct question is: What is there not to love?” 

Although she “fell into” the world of bankruptcy law when she began clerking for a bankruptcy judge after law school, the challenges and rewards of the profession caused her to fall permanently in love with the field. 

“Bankruptcy lawyers are the last of the true renaissance lawyers in the sense that not only are you familiar with federal bankruptcy law, federal jurisdiction, rules, evidence, but every company or person filing bankruptcy brings whatever underlying state law problem or issue they have,” Norton said. 

The multifaceted nature of the field, she said, offers an opportunity to be creative and develop skills across areas of law.  

“One day you’re in the office meeting with clients and the next you’re in court. So, you’re both a courtroom lawyer as well as a business lawyer,” Norton said. 

A great example is the rapid rise of cryptocurrency and its newfound relevance to bankruptcy law.  

“The fact that we’re tied to the economy and structural and changes in the economy means you really have to keep up to be effective,” she said. “Bankruptcy is a complicated area of law that requires a lawyer to keep up with changes in case law, changes in bankruptcy related statues, changes in rules, and requires lots of practical knowledge.” 

Maintaining that practical knowledge has always been a priority for Norton, who is a fellow in the American College of Bankruptcy and a regular speaker and attendee at The Missouri Bar’s Annual Bankruptcy Institute, where she said the case law update programs were especially helpful in keeping her up to date. 

But one of the most valuable aspects of a career in bankruptcy law has been the relationships she shares with colleagues. 

“We’re a small bar. It tends to be that everyone knows each other,” Norton said. “One day you may be representing a debtor, the other day you might be representing a creditor. By the time you get into bankruptcy court, everyone has lost money.”  

Norton said the most effective lawyers and judges focus on maintaining civility in the courtroom to resolve issues.  

“That’s part of what I’ve always loved about it,” she said. “You can fight really hard in court, but at the end of the day you’ll still have a professional relationship with that person.” 

Norton said bankruptcy judges and lawyers in Missouri both consistently seek to do a great job for their clients. 

“There’s nothing more gratifying than for me to help people solve their problems,” she said.  

In 2012, Norton received the Robert Gernon Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to continuing legal education. She also received the Michael R. Roser Excellence in Bankruptcy Practice award in 2002. 

Norton graduated from the University of Kansas summa cum laude and was admitted to The Missouri Bar in 1989. 

The full-day program will include presentations on subjects ranging from arbitration and best and worst mediation practices to legislative developments and remote work issues and trends. A lunch presentation will focus on recent changes for Missouri state court practitioners, including updates regarding dispositive motions, the pleading of punitive damages, and changes in discovery rules. View the full schedule of events online. 

“These issues affect lawyers across all fields of practice,” said Lori Bonnot, assistant director of CLE programs at The Missouri Bar. “At some point in their career, most lawyers find themselves facing questions concerning labor and employment. The goal of this conference is to give Missouri lawyers the tools they need to spot problems and respond quickly and effectively.” 

In one learning session, panelists Tara Eberline and Kristi Kingston will focus on both plaintiff and defendant perspectives when an employee brings legal claims against his/her current employer, including: the taking of company documents, tape recording, participating in investigations, acts of retaliation, and negotiating exit strategies. 

The final speaker of the day, Vincent Reese, will examine the understanding of the nature and science behind implicit bias. Reese will review what implicit bias means and how it influences decisions, the impact of biases, and how to recognize behaviors that suggest bias or differential treatment. 

“Besides the opportunity to learn directly from experts, the in-person component of the conference offers benefits you just can’t get virtually,” said Garnett Matthews-Campbell, director of CLE & dispute resolution at The Missouri Bar. “Getting individual feedback about issues you might be facing in your own practice and being able to confer one-on-one with colleagues allows you to engage with the subject matter on a deeper level.” 

Register online to sign up for your in-person pass today. 

Lauren Tucker McCubbin, with Polsinelli in Kansas City, was sworn in as 2022-23 president of The Missouri Bar on Sept. 15 at the state bar's annual meeting, held at the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center in Springfield. Hon. Patricia Breckenridge, of the Supreme Court of Missouri, administered the Oath of Office. Tucker McCubbin was elected to the position, as were other officers, by the Board of Governors the previous day.

Tucker McCubbin delivered the following remarks during the opening luncheon of the joint annual meeting of The Missouri Bar and the Judicial Conference of Missouri following her Oath of Office. View the video or read the full text below. 

"E Pluribus Unum. Out of many, one. 

Until 1956, this was the official motto of the United States. It is my hope today that you will see how each of us – Missouri’s lawyers – can flourish as we celebrate both the “many” and the “one” in our Missouri Bar. 

We are a robust body of 30,750 lawyers – each with individual backstories, practices, and perspectives. Our Board of Governors is comprised of 45 lawyers with widely varying experiences and ideas. One of the things I love most about serving in leadership of The Missouri Bar is that, together, we serve all our members. We value each other’s unique contributions as we work toward our unified goal of helping Missouri lawyers even better serve their clients and communities, while also improving the profession, the law, and the administration of justice on behalf of all Missourians. 

The pandemic has made many things clear: we are all connected, we need each other, we can accomplish difficult tasks, and we are at our best when we work together toward a common goal. 

Now that we have more opportunities to gather safely, we are reminded how valuable it is to have many voices contributing toward a collective goal. 

You, as Missouri lawyers are part of a special community. You are uniquely qualified to help others. You ensure access to justice. You help people avoid disagreements or resolve them. You help businesses grow and help protect consumers from unfair or unsafe practices. You help Missourians understand how our justice system works and empower them to participate in it. In doing this, we are further bonded by our code of professional conduct and the social contract we entered when we took our oath. 

While our backgrounds, practices, and experiences vary widely – which is one of our greatest strengths – we are united in our ability and commitment to justice, civic education, and service. And we can make the most change and achieve the best results by working together. 

United, we flourish. 

I urge you to embrace these words as you connect with long-time peers and – more importantly – meet and learn from new friends here annual meeting. 

And long after tomorrow’s event, our bar – as it has since 1944 - will continue to help us flourish together by providing us and our communities with resources, points of connection, support, and education. 

I am honored to serve as president of this wonderful organization, and I look forward to all the good we can and will continue to do together to improve the lives of our fellow Missourians."

Tucker McCubbin also recognized John Grimm for his service as the 2021-22 president of The Missouri Bar. Before introducing the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Missouri for his address, she took a moment of personal privilege to thank her family, fellow lawyers at Polsinelli, and members of The Missouri Bar's Board of Governors. 

Learn more about the leadership of The Missouri Bar, including its officers, here.

If you wish to present on a topic at next year’s conference, you may submit up to three program proposals by Sept. 16.  The conference, held June 8-10, 2023, will be held in a hybrid format with virtual and in-person passes available.

Proposals must include a presentation title, program practice area(s), a brief synopsis of the presentation, proposed length of program, and contact information for proposed presenter(s). Click here to submit your program proposal(s) by Sept. 16.

Selected speakers will receive the option of a complimentary standard registration or round-trip mileage reimbursement. Speakers will be notified of their status by March 1.

If you have questions, contact Missy Stevens, member services coordinator, at 573-638-2259 or mstevens@mobar.org.

Karen DeLuccie, 2022 winner

“Strength,” Joe O’Hara said. “There’s nothing stronger than love.”

Love and strength were qualities that Karen DeLuccie had in abundance, according to the many who knew her. The family law lawyer from Independence was known for her wit, intelligence, and trailblazing legal career.

Although she passed away in April this year from an aggressive form of cancer, the 2022 winner of the Roger P. Krumm Family Law Award is not soon to be forgotten.

“She loved her work and she never shied away from the hardest part of her work,” said O’Hara, DeLuccie’s husband of 28 years.

Each year, the Family Law Section and The Missouri Bar present an award at the Family Law Conference to honor a Missouri lawyer who has demonstrated excellence in their profession. Recipients of this award demonstrate integrity, commitment, skill, and dedication towards the practice of family law and the children and families involved in family law matters.

Described as a civic leader, DeLuccie graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law in 1982 during a time when women practicing law were still a rarity.

Trained as both a mediator and guardian ad litem, DeLuccie began her career at Paden, Welch, Martin, and Albano, after which she and her husband opened DeLuccie & O’Hara Law Office, LLC. She practiced family law on Independence Square for nearly 40 years until the end of her career, and her legal achievements continue to positively affect families across Missouri.

Perhaps DeLuccie’s greatest legal achievement was assisting in authoring and passing the law that created Missouri’s Family Courts. The courts were established following the signing of HB346 in 1993, which outlined the court's jurisdiction over legal separations, divorces, child custody, adoptions, juvenile proceedings, adult abuse, and changes of name or titles.

Signed into law by Gov. Mel Carnahan, DeLuccie’s work on HB346 transformed the court system for families making divorce, paternity, and custody cases more efficient and less stressful.

“Somehow, for a woman whose family never knew divorce, she became one of the foremost domestic law practitioners Missouri has ever known,” O’Hara said. “It’s a testament to the love she received and the love she gave every day.”

The Missouri Bar hasn’t hosted the Family Law Conference since August 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To properly congratulate the lawyers receiving the award, winners from 2020, 2021, and 2022 were announced and given a commemorative plaque.

Rebecca Leonard, 2021 winner

A lawyer and registered pharmacist who has dedicated her professional career to helping clients, Rebecca Leonard has been negotiating and settling family law matters for more than 20 years.

Leonard specializes in litigating division of assets, spousal support, custody matters, parenting plans, child support determination, paternity matters, retirement account divisions, and enforcement of child support and custody matters.

“When I look at who else has received this award, it’s truly an honor to be considered part of that group,” Leonard said.

Since graduating from University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Law in 1994, Leonard has practiced family law exclusively.

“It’s a way to give back,” she said. “You can impact someone’s life when they’re going through a very difficult time, and the simple act of giving them facts and information can give people a lot of relief.”

Leonard is a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and was president of the Missouri chapter from 2014 until 2016. She is a member of The Missouri Bar's Family Law Section, the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, and the Eastern Jackson County Bar Association. She served as a member of Division One Missouri Supreme Court Disciplinary Committee for Region IV for over 10 years and is a frequent speaker on family law matters.

James Young, 2020 winner

A “tremendous mentor, friend, and perpetual professional” is how law firm partner Abraham Kuhl described the 2020 winner of the Roger P. Krumm Family Law Award.

Although he couldn’t attend the Family Law Conference in person, James Young has practiced family law for 30 years. He founded the Law Office of Young, Kuhl and Frick, LLC and serves as a special master for discovery and other financial issues, in addition to handling complex property and custody family law cases.

Young is involved in a myriad of legal organizations and has dedicated his career to helping families and bettering family law at both the local and state levels.

Kuhl collected the award as a stand-in and emphasized how Young has served as a model professional for not only him, but many in the legal community.

“One thing that I’ve always found very impressive about Jim is seeing his interactions with everyone,” Kuhl said. “He treats everyone with dignity and respect, and as brilliant as he is, his kindness is unmatched.”

A dedicated family and divorce attorney in Kansas City, Young is also a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, as well as the former president of the Missouri Chapter of that national organization.

He is active in several multiple-county and statewide committees and has been a frequent speaker at seminars, including discussing child support methodology and joint physical custody situations. 

“Jim’s had a tremendous influence on so many people. I know I’m not the only one proud to say I’ve had the pleasure of working with him,” Kuhl said.

Click here to learn more about awards presented by The Missouri Bar, Young Lawyers’ Section, The Missouri Bar Foundation, and other entities. To read about 2022 award winners, click here.

Visit The Missouri Bar’s Facebook page and Instagram page to view photos from the Family Law Conference.

Visit MoBarCLE.org to sign up for upcoming conferences, including The Missouri Bar Annual Meeting and Missouri Judicial Conference Sept. 14-16 and the Estate, Trust, & Elder Law Institute Oct. 20-21.

Held at the Chateau on the Lake in Branson, more than 300 lawyers attended the conference in person and virtually, which featured plenary sessions with nationally recognized experts on topics such as resist and refuse, the opioid crisis, lawyer well-being, and more.

“Getting to hear from nationally recognized experts in your practice area really is an invaluable experience,” said Garnett Matthews-Campbell, director of CLE and dispute resolution at The Missouri Bar. “It keeps Missouri family law lawyers at the top of their game and offers networking opportunities that practitioners can benefit from throughout their careers.”

The Missouri Bar hasn’t hosted the Family Law Conference since August 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lawyers had the option to attend 30 different breakout sessions, including a guardian ad litem track and a getting your case settled track.

The conference welcomed new and previous plenary speakers, including Stuart Teicher. A well-known presenter and educator, Teicher spoke on ethics and bias issues in virtual settings such as Zoom and Metaverse.

Stephanie Tabashneck examined the opioid crisis and how lawyers and courts across the country are confronting the challenges of managing the effects of opioid addiction in families. Drawing on recent research, she discussed the neuroscience of addiction and provided information for lawyers, judges, and mental health professionals involved in opioid cases.

Shely Polak joined virtually to discuss parent/child problems during separation proceedings. Although there is debate about how best to understand and respond to such cases, Polak highlighted recent research on parent/child contact problems and provided practical tips and tools for family law lawyers and judicial officers.

When not attending CLE programming, lawyers also had the opportunity to visit exhibitor booths. Sponsors such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and Soberlink networked with lawyers about their companies and the benefits of their products. 

Visit The Missouri Bar’s Facebook page and Instagram page to view photos from the conference.

Visit MoBarCLE.org to sign up for upcoming conferences, including The Missouri Bar Annual Meeting and Missouri Judicial Conference Sept. 14-16 and the Estate, Trust, & Elder Law Institute Oct. 20-21.

The annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law & Science Seminar kicked off last Thursday, July 28, with nationally recognized lawyers, speakers, and authors sharing their knowledge of DWI law and science to help Missouri lawyers even better serve their clients. For the first time in three years, professionals in Missouri DWI law gathered to share their expertise in DWI law essentials, case law updates, and advanced techniques to help keep Missouri lawyers at the top of their game.

Held at the Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, nearly 200 lawyers attended the seminar for in-person and virtual networking and CLE opportunities. 

“It was great to hear from so many experts in DWI law,” said Garnett Matthews-Campbell, director of CLE & dispute resolution at The Missouri Bar. “Being able to connect with colleagues in person and also have virtual speakers that otherwise wouldn’t be able to present at the seminar truly offered the best of both worlds.”

The Missouri Bar hasn’t hosted the seminar since July 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Well-known speaker and planning committee chair Kimberly Benjamin discussed tips on talking to juries about DWI cases. Benjamin, who is a faculty member of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College and National College of DUI Defense, regularly teaches lawyers how to talk to juries in civil and criminal cases. 

Janis C. Puracal spoke on how implicit racial bias affects forensic opinions and how lawyers can address racial bias in their cases. She examined the research behind racial bias and systemic reforms in forensics. 

One CLE program featured live oral arguments during a special session of the Missouri Court of Appeals-Western District. Hon. Zel Fischer, Hon. Gary Witt, and Hon. Thomas Chapman heard three DWI-related cases, giving trial lawyers the opportunity to observe live court proceedings.   

Travis Noble Jr., a platinum sponsor of the seminar, presented a live demonstration on voir dire and the questions to ask when selecting a jury.  

Unique to the DWI seminar is the paralegal track, which offered programs such as submitting evidence at hearings, analyzing driving records, and training paralegal staff in Excel.  Although paralegal training is often overlooked in continuing education, it is key to good law practice management. Paralegals handle routine forms, organize documents, manage data filing systems, and assist with routine client communications, all critical skills in maintaining a well-functioning firm. 

When not attending CLE programming, attendees also had the opportunity to visit exhibitor booths. Sponsors such as Smart Start and Intoxalock networked with lawyers about their companies and the benefits of their products. 

Visit The Missouri Bar’s Facebook page and Instagram page to view photos from the conference. 

Visit MoBarCLE.org to sign up for upcoming conferences, including the Annual Family Law Conference Aug. 4-6 and The Missouri Bar Annual Meeting and Missouri Judicial Conference Sept. 14-16. 

For Foristell lawyer Jim Wieczorek, the Missouri Bar’s Solo & Small Firm Conference isn’t just a conference to get continuing legal education credits – it’s a networking event where lawyers can create lasting professional and personal relationships. That is why he has been attending MOSOLO in person for 16 years.

“If you need some information down the road, people are more than willing to share their experiences, knowledge, and resources with the new lawyers and new attendees coming in,” Wieczorek said. “There are a lot of people starting their own law firms so having those resources is really important in that.”

For the first time in three years, more than 850 Missouri lawyers gathered for in-person and virtual networking and CLE opportunities at MOSOLO last week.

This year’s MOSOLO conference was held online and in person at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Osage Beach June 9-11. The conference featured more than 60 programs that covered a wide range of topics relevant to solo and small firm practitioners. Attendees also had access to dozens of exhibitors, and in-person attendees could attend a couple of themed dinners.

The Missouri Bar hasn’t hosted MOSOLO in person since June 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Digital marketing agency Law Quill was a gold sponsor of this year’s MOSOLO, and the company’s founder, Annette Choti, was a first-time attendee, speaker, and exhibitor at the conference. After presenting on the “5 steps to grow your law firm online,” Choti said the MOSOLO conference “surpassed her expectations” and was a great way to connect with lawyers and fellow legal vendors.

“The caliber of people who are showing up here is exceptional, not just the lawyers but also the exhibitors,” she said. “It has been truly a pleasure to be in this environment and the petri dish of people that understand and know the law and are experts in their field.”

Like Choti, Chris McHugh was also a first-time attendee and presenter at MOSOLO. He co-presented “Legal marijuana in Missouri: past, present, and future” to help clear up misconceptions about legal marijuana and how Missouri governs it.

“For what’s supposed to be a very dull, drab CLE conference, The Missouri Bar has made it into something that’s very cool,” he said.

When attendees wanted to take a break from sessions, many visited exhibitors both online and in person. At Margaritaville Lake Resort, Sam Portillo, with LawPay, chatted with lawyers continuously. LawPay, an online payment solution, was a platinum sponsor of MOSOLO.

“We love coming to MOSOLO because it’s geared towards small firms and LawPay is tethered towards small firms,” Portillo said. “We love to help these solo and small firm lawyers out so it’s a really rewarding job when we can see people get less stressed when they’re chasing all of their clients down for payments and all that.”

Visit The Missouri Bar’s Facebook page and Instagram page to view photos and videos from the conference.

Visit MoBarCLE.MoBar.org to sign up for upcoming conferences, such as the Bernard Edelman DWI Law & Science Seminar July 28-29 and the Annual Family Law Conference August 4-6.

Thirty committees hosted 25 meetings during the Spring Committee Meetings May 2-6, with a combined attendance of over 3,800, said Krista Lepper, Missouri Bar committee and section liaison. The Spring Committee Meetings provided more than 15 hours of CLE credits total, including those for ethics and elimination of bias.

The Women in the Profession Committee hosted the CLE, “You’ve Got a Friend: Why Male Leaders Should Mentor Women,” which had the highest number of attendees out of all the committee meetings.

The committee often asks men to be more involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to help equalize the gender gaps in the workplace, but there isn’t much guidance for how men can actively help in those efforts, said committee co-chair Stephanie Wan.

“The reality is that when men are actively engaged in gender inclusion within the legal community, progress is made for the profession as a whole,” said Kathleen Hamilton, who moderated the CLE. “… When male leaders mentor women, they help break down inequality and gender-based barriers which leads to more positive interactions and inclusion of women in the profession.”

By offering this CLE, Wan said she hopes those in leadership positions recognized the importance of mentoring women, and lawyers also learned how they can make the most of mentoring relationships.

“Ultimately, I hope the attendees were inspired to go out and help mentor, sponsor, and promote people that don’t look like them or have the same background as them, and the CLE provided them with some good ideas on how to kick off that relationship,” she added.

Continuing to offer CLEs like this is necessary to help build a more diverse and inclusive profession, Hamilton said.

“It is vital that all leaders acknowledge that there are intrinsic biases which impact how others are treated,” Hamilton said. “However, acknowledgment alone does not move the needle towards equality. Leaders have to listen, learn, and act in ways that encourage inclusion, which is why it is important to encourage male leaders to provide equal access to their support and guidance.”  

The Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee held a CLE that focused on discrimination and implicit bias for ADR neutrals: “ADR Tools to Address Race & Gender Discrimination & Implicit Bias.” The committee saw a record attendance of more than 300 lawyers, co-chairs Paul Ladehoff and Michael Geigerman said.

Through the CLE, the co-chairs said they hope ADR neutrals better understand the types of bias that they may unconsciously carry and how they can self-identify and address those biases.

It’s important to offer CLEs that focus on recent changes in law or best practices in a specific area, Ladehoff and Geigerman said, but it’s also “equally important to provide ‘general practice improvement’ opportunities like this CLE to discuss how we can provide truly neutral dispute resolution services, regardless of substantive area.” 

Civil Practice & Procedure Committee also saw high turnout for its CLE, “7 Habits of Highly Successful Advocates.”

While The Missouri Bar offers several CLEs on how to object at deposition, instruct a jury, and remain in compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct, there are few CLES that focus on professionalism, “which goes to the very heart of what we do on a daily basis,” said committee chair Michael Murphy.

“I think that as society has become more and more partisan and divided and even angry, lawyers ought to be talking even more about professionalism and civility, and about what it really means to be ‘a professional,’” he said.

All members of The Missouri Bar are encouraged to join committee and section activities. Lawyers can choose from more than 40 open enrollment committees and sections that each specialize in a substantive area of law, practice setting, or community. To join a committee or section, visit MoBar.org/Committees-Sections.

Over the course of three days, MOSOLO attendees will benefit from more than 60 breakout sessions, panel discussions, and plenaries highlighting topics such as technology, litigation, and guardian ad litem. Featured speakers Paul Unger and David Mann will discuss issues ranging from cybersecurity and law office management, to crafting effective statements in the courtroom. View the full schedule of events under the “Schedule at a Glance” tab at mosolo.org. 

“MOSOLO is a unique experience that offers small firm lawyers the chance to meet with colleagues in an enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere,” said Maureen Brady, chair of The Missouri Bar’s Solo and Small Firm Practice Committee. “Building connections with professionals who face similar challenges in their daily practice is an opportunity that benefits lawyers well beyond the scope of the conference.” 

Additional opportunities include no-cost practice management consultations with industry experts from Affinity Consulting, and the ability to network with dozens of sponsors and exhibitors to help expand your professional knowledge and further your knowledge on practice management solutions. 

Register today to secure your all access pass as fewer than 40 remain for the 2022 MOSOLO Small Firm Conference. Visit mosolo.org to claim your in-person or virtual pass before the early bird rate ends on May 9.