The Tom Cochran Community Service Award recognizes a member of The Missouri Bar whose service and professionalism have enhanced their community. The award is named after Thomas D. Cochran, whose commitment and contributions to the practice of law and his community inspired generations of lawyers.  

Drake is a partner at Parks & Drake, Attorneys at the Lake, where she represents clients throughout Mid-Missouri in family law, real estate, civil litigation, and business matters. A graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, Drake is The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Council District 12 representative, is co-chair of the YLS Council CLE committee, and is a member of several statewide initiatives focused on leadership and professional development.

Drake received this award in recognition of her commitment to community service and leadership as president of The Changing Table, Mid-Missouri’s regional diaper bank. Drake works closely with the organization’s board of directors and executive director to support daily operations, expand community partnerships, and further the nonprofit’s mission of ensuring that no child goes without an adequate supply of diapers.

She represents the organization at community events, educates local businesses and civic groups about diaper insecurity, and advocates for increased awareness of the challenges many working families face in accessing basic necessities. Her leadership has helped strengthen the organization’s visibility in the region.

Drake said she is dedicated to helping others navigate some of life’s most difficult circumstances with compassion and integrity. Through her legal career and volunteer efforts, she said she has “demonstrated that meaningful community impact is created through consistent leadership, advocacy, and a genuine commitment to serving others.”

Drake said she is motivated by knowing that every case, every client, and every opportunity to serve is a chance to make a positive impact.

“My passion for my work is not the law itself, rather my passion is solving problems for people when they feel like no one else can,” Drake said. “The law is simply the tool I have chosen to accomplish that work.”

She said she is motivated not by “winning,” but by “taking a chaotic, emotional situation and bringing clarity, direction, and a path forward to the client.”

She encourages every lawyer, especially new lawyers, to remember that the legal profession is fundamentally one of service.

“The most meaningful work you will do may never appear on your résumé or in a courtroom,” Drake said. “Don't underestimate the impact of small acts of service.”

Drake will accept the Tom Cochran Community Service Award in Kansas City during the Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar and Judicial Conference, Sept. 16-18.

Click here to learn more about annual awards presented by The Missouri Bar, the Missouri Bar Foundation, and other entities. Read about other 2026 award winners here.

The newly elected and retained Board of Governors members and YLS Council members will take office at the conclusion of the 2026 Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar, which takes place Sept. 16-18 in Kansas City. 

Board of Governors

Five members were newly elected to the 45-member Board of Governors of The Missouri Bar and 15 incumbents were retained for new terms. Members of the Board of Governors are elected to serve two-year terms. Newly elected members or past members elected in different districts of the Board of Governors include: 

- District 5 (Barry, Barton, Cedar, Dade, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Stone, and Vernon counties): Hon. Nicole M. Carlton

- District 8 (Jackson [excluding Kansas City], Clay, and Platte counties): Hon. Jessica M. Agnelly

- District 10 (Greene County): C. Nathan Dunville

- District 12 (City of Kansas City within Jackson County): Lillian Mehler, Robert M. Thompson, and Danielle M. Atchison

The following members of the Board of Governors were re-elected to a two-year term: 

- District 1 (Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Caldwell, Chariton, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Holt, Linn, Livingston, Mercer, Nodaway, Putnam, Sullivan, and Worth counties): Lauren A. Horsman

- District 2 (Adair, Audrain, Clark, Howard, Knox, Lewis, Lincoln, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, Pike, Ralls, Randolph, Schuyler, Scotland, Shelby and Warren counties): Hon. Corey R. Moon

- District 4 (Cole County): Jason A. Paulsmeyer

- District 7 (Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Dunklin, Jefferson, Madison, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Ripley, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Scott, Stoddard, and Washington counties): Mark J. Welker

- District 8 (Jackson (excluding Kansas City), Clay, and Platte counties): Jason K. Rew

- District 9 (St. Louis County): Michael R. Cherba, Lauren C. Collins, and Joan M. Swartz

- District 11 (City of St. Louis): Bryan J. Sanger, Alexa N. Hillery, and Bharat Varadachari

- District 12 (City of Kansas City within Jackson County): Amy R. Jackson

- District 13 (Carter, Crawford, Dent, Franklin, Gasconade, Howell, Iron, Maries, Oregon, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Shannon, Texas, and Wayne counties): Carl M. Ward

- Missouri Court of Appeals-Eastern District: Monique D. Abby

YLS Council

Missouri lawyers elected three new individuals and retained nine incumbents to serve on the 35-member YLS Council, the governing body of The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section. Council members are elected to serve two-year terms.

Newly elected members or past members elected in different districts include:

- District 3 (Jackson County): Elizabeth Reiher

- District 8 (St. Louis County): Steven Ebert and Killian Walsh

- District 10 (Barry, Barton, Bates, Cedar, Dade, Henry, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, St. Clair, and Vernon counties): Travis West

The incumbents retained for new terms are:

- District 1 (Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Caldwell, Carroll, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Holt, Livingston, Mercer, Nodaway, and Worth counties): Maggie McConville

- District 3 (Jackson County): Jackson Hobbs and Eli Dodge 

- District 6 (Cole, Moniteau, and Osage counties): Sarah Ernst

- District 7 (Franklin, Gasconade, St. Charles, and Warren counties): Paige Sparks

- District 9 (City of St. Louis): Sean Connelly

- District 11 (Christian, Douglas, Greene, Howell, Ozark, Stone, Taney, Webster, and Wright): Brian Moody

- District 13 (Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Crawford, Jefferson, Perry, St. Francois, St. Genevieve, and Washington counties): Jonathan Doss

YLS strives to enhance the professional growth and public service of new and recently admitted Missouri lawyers by sponsoring community service projects, CLE programs, and networking events. All Missouri lawyers 36 years old or younger and/or who have been in practice 10 years or less are automatically members of the section at no additional cost. Learn more about YLS at MoBar.org/YLS.

The Missouri Bar is a statewide organization that is dedicated to improving the legal profession, the law, and the administration of justice for all Missourians. Created in 1944 by order of the Supreme Court of Missouri, it serves all 30,750 of Missouri’s practicing lawyers. The Missouri Bar provides a wide range of services and resources to its members, as well as the media, educators, and the citizens of Missouri. To learn more, visit MoBar.org. 

Each event is worth 2.4 MCLE, 2.4 Ethics, and 2.4 Bias credits. Attendees must stay for the panel discussion to receive CLE credit.  

Columbia  

The Columbia event will be held Oct. 1 at the University of Missouri School of Law. There will be a reception at 5:15 p.m. The film will begin at 6 p.m. with the panel discussion following at 7 p.m. 

Panelists are University of Missouri professors Mike Jirik, S. David Mitchell, and Marcus Nevius. The panel also includes Joel Rhodes executive director of the State Historical Society of Missouri. 

Register today! 

St. Louis  

The St. Louis event will be held Oct. 8 at the Saint Louis University School of Law. There will be a reception at 5:15 p.m. The film will begin at 6 p.m. with the panel discussion following at 7 p.m. 

Panelists are Portia Britt, YLS Council member and American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division liaison; Lauren Collins, Missouri Bar Board of Governors member; Twinette Johnson, Saint Louis University School of Law dean; and Trez Quinn, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis immediate past president. 

Register today!  

About “The Milly Project” 

“The Milly Project” tells the story of an enslaved woman named Milly Sawyers who fought for and won her freedom in Springfield before the Civil War.  

The film adaptation of the original play is written and directed by Kendra Chappell and details the challenges and victories of Sawyers, as taken from handwritten court manuscripts only recently uncovered by local archivists. It has blossomed into a nationally recognized production, winning Best Screenplay and Best Social Justice Film at the New York International Film Festival in 2021.  

Click here to view a trailer of the film.  

That’s why the YLS Diversity Committee created networking and trivia nights to allow lawyers to connect with others they may not otherwise have the opportunity to interact with. 

YLS held three networking events across the state in 2025 and received positive feedback from attendees. 

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

There are two events scheduled for this year so far, one in Springfield and one in St. Louis, that are open to all Missouri lawyers regardless of age or practice area. 

Springfield 

6-8:30 p.m. July 30 

Hold Fast Brewing 

235 N. Kimbrough Ave. 

St. Louis 

5-7 p.m. Aug. 6 

International Tap House, Soulard 

1711 S. 9th St. 

YLS includes all Missouri lawyers aged 36 or less or, if older, who have been admitted to any state bar for 10 years or less. Click here to learn more about YLS and how you can get involved. 

At the Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar in September, Danielle Atchison will attend her final meeting as a member of The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Council. The occasion brings her both gratitude and sadness as she reflects on her time serving new and young lawyers in Missouri.  

“I wish someone would have prepared me for the long journey and how abruptly it ends,” she said. “… I wish I could’ve prepared for how sad I’d be in leaving this wonderful group.” 

YLS works to facilitate the professional growth and public service of new and recently admitted Missouri lawyers. The YLS Council is comprised of approximately 35 lawyers from districts across the state who are elected by their peers to serve two-year terms.  

A graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, Atchison practices corporate immigration law at Mdivani Corporate Immigration Law Firm in Overland Park, Kansas. She joined the council in 2019. 

Atchison’s time on the YLS Council has helped her grow both personally and professionally. She has served on numerous committees, including the Citizenship Education and Outreach, Continuing Legal Education, and Young Lawyer Recognition committees. She has also held officer positions within the council. Outside YLS, she has served on the Missouri Bar Advisory Committee for Citizenship Education, Leadership Academy, and Immigration Law Committee.  

“Council emboldens you to lead in committee work or as an officer, and I feel like I grew up there,” she said. 

Her favorite part of serving on the council has been creating long-lasting professional and personal friendships with her peers. Having struggled with networking and feelings of inadequacy early in her career, running for YLS Council forced her to step outside her comfort zone and build connections.  

“I am so grateful because I do now feel like I belong, and I’ve made it my mission to support anyone new who wants to grow, too,” Atchison said. 

YLS District 1 Representative Maggie McConville has been mentored by Atchison and worked closely with her on many projects.  

“I first met Danielle when I joined the Young Lawyers’ Section Council in 2023, and I could tell immediately that she was an incredibly passionate person who puts her all into programs and initiatives she believes will better society as a whole,” McConville said. “She not only invests her time in programs and initiatives, but she invests her time in people.” 

One of Atchison’s favorite aspects of the council is how members have handled difficult debates and upheld the group’s mission. She praised their ability to challenge tradition and ensure they are doing what is best for Missouri’s young lawyers. 

“This group is serious and fun,” she said. “Everyone who joins the council understands the mission and expectation[s], but … everyone also understands this is volunteer work and should be enjoyable.” 

Atchison encourages all young lawyers to get involved with The Missouri Bar and the Young Lawyers’ Section.  

“I think our Young Lawyers’ Section is such a benefit for new lawyers,” she said. “Joining the profession can be extremely overwhelming, but … please reach out to any of us and we will gladly walk you through what the bar can offer you and how to get involved.” 

Click here to learn more about YLS and the YLS Council.

On March 4, The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section sponsored meals for the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law’s Rural Attorney Panel.

The panel included Hon. Harold Dump and Hon. Brandon Baker of the 27th Circuit Court, along with YLS Council member Maggie McConville.

Panelists encouraged students to consider practicing law in rural areas. They discussed how to find jobs in rural areas, practice types to expect, navigating seeing clients in the community, and more.

For more information about The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section, click here.

Liberty Bell Award  

The Liberty Bell Award recognizes a non-lawyer or non-legal organization in Missouri that engages in public service activities that enhance the legal community or are dedicated to the advancement of justice. Nominations are due May 15.  

Read about the 2024 awardee Eugene O’Loughlin. 

Nominate a deserving lawyer here. 

Tom Cochran Community Service Award  

The Tom Cochran Community Service Award recognizes a Missouri Bar member whose service and professionalism has enhanced their community. Nominations are due May 15.  

Read about the 2025 awardee Jessica R. Langley. 

Nominate a deserving lawyer here. 

Read about awards given by YLS, The Missouri Bar, and The Missouri Bar Foundation here.

“I was happy to welcome The Missouri Bar YLS to Columbia for our winter meeting,” said Nicholas Jain, YLS Council chair. “We met at the Tiger Hotel, which is historically significant due to it being the site of the creation of the Missouri Non-Partisan Court Plan in 1937.”

The Non-Partisan Court Plan is Missouri’s constitutional system for merit-based selection of appellate and certain trial judges. The hotel also hosted the inaugural Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar in 1945.

Twelve YLS council members spent their afternoon Feb. 27 volunteering with the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri packing bags of food. Six council members recorded videos to educate the public on their rights based on content from ShowMeRights.org.

The council conducted official business Feb. 28 and gave updates on various projects including:

-          Planning for upcoming events such as continuing legal education programs, annual meeting, networking opportunities, and law school events

-          Budget review and funding requests

-          Reports from various committees and liaisons

For more information about The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section, click here.

Nicholas Jain is Dunklin County prosecuting attorney and 2025-2026 Young Lawyers’ Section Council chair.

Note from Missouri Bar Executive Director Mischa Buford Epps: The mission of the Young Lawyers’ Section is to enhance the professional growth and public service of new and recently admitted Missouri lawyers. No matter where you are in your career, it is important to encourage and support others. With this in mind, I have invited YLS Council Chair Nicholas Jain to share about YLS and its latest initiatives. 

I’m proud to serve as chair of YLS Council and carry on the legacy of young lawyers before me. YLS is a community within The Missouri Bar comprised of lawyers who are 36 years old or younger, or who have been admitted to any state bar for 10 years or less.

My time on YLS began in 2016 while working as a prosecutor in southwest Missouri just a year out of law school. While I was surrounded by a strong network of lawyers there, YLS gave me an additional community of fellow young lawyers to learn from and grow with. I quickly learned that even though Missouri lawyers have a worldwide reach, being a Missouri lawyer and YLS member is a small group. 

During last year’s Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar, I sat next to David Macoubrie, a lawyer from Chillicothe, at the Opening Lunch and Chief Justice’s Address. I learned that Macoubrie was on the inaugural YLS Council in 1967. 

Another member of the inaugural YLS Council was the late Maurice “Marcy” Graham, whom I was fortunate enough to meet when I was a law student with very little clue of what my future practice would look like. Simply based on the virtue of me wanting to be a lawyer and him being one, Graham generously shared his time to help me decide what type of lawyer I wanted to be. Graham’s legacy of guiding young lawyers continues to this day.

Knowing these inaugural members sparked an interest in learning more about the history of the YLS Council’s founding and its connection to today. 

YLS was created to solve what the bar identified at the time as its greatest challenge: obtaining “more and better participation by the lawyer in Bar activities,” according to a 1967 article in the Journal of The Missouri Bar.¹ Bar leaders recognized that educating new lawyers about the bar’s responsibilities early on would promote continued service throughout the lawyers’ careers. 

At its first meeting, the YLS Council adopted the following projects for its first year of creation: 

– Welcome new lawyers at the bar admission ceremonies 
– Educate students of the future dangers of a felony conviction 
– Undertake a study to locate areas in the state that had the largest need for lawyers 
– Share with high school and college students about the practice of law 
– Recognize outstanding contributions to the overall field of law²

Now, nearly 60 years later, I can report that YLS continues to carry that mission and passion. YLS members welcome new lawyers at enrollment ceremonies every year. YLS Council members continue to present to students about civic education throughout the year and even saw a massive success for last year’s Constitution Day when lawyers spoke to more than 2,000 students at more than 60 schools.³ The council continues to partner with law schools around the state to connect students to The Missouri Bar and YLS. The YLS Council also highlights lawyers and non-lawyers who are making a difference in their communities by presenting the annual Liberty Bell Award and Tom Cochran Community Service Award. 

YLS has expanded its mission greatly since its founding in 1967. YLS organizes and provides continuing legal education programs both around the state and virtually. YLS Council educates the public through ShowMeRights.org and publications about the courts. We help our communities through service projects and by answering Missouri residents’ questions on Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org. 

I am proud of the work The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section does for lawyers of all ages and for the individual communities we serve. I am certain YLS will continue to serve Missourians long into the future.

Endnotes 
1 Thomas D. Cochran, “Missouri Young Lawyers Section,” 23 J. MoBar 528 (1967). 
2 Id. at 529-31. 
3 “Former Missouri chief justice, 2025-26 Missouri Bar vice president present to students,” The Missouri Bar (2025), https://news.mobar.org/former-missouri-chief-justice-2025-26-missouri-bar-vice-president-present-to-students.

The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Council recently elected Joseph Findley to represent District 4 (Cass, Clay, Johnson, Lafayette, Platte, and Ray counties). 

YLS works to facilitate the professional growth and public service of new and recently admitted Missouri lawyers. The YLS Council is comprised of approximately 35 lawyers from districts across the state who are elected by their peers to serve two-year terms.    

Findley earned his J.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law in 2020. He is an assistant prosecuting attorney with Platte County.  

Findley answered the following questions to help his constituents get to know him. 

What do you want other young lawyers to learn about YLS or The Missouri Bar? 

“Coming out of law school does not fully prepare you for the practice of law. YLS gives young attorneys access to other younger attorneys who have been practicing longer in a particular practice area to help answer questions. I've personally seen it countless times where someone reaches out with a question on a particular topic, and several people are quick to respond with assistance or guidance. It is one of the bright points of The Missouri Bar and a great example of how collegial the profession is.” 

What is your favorite way to spend a day off? 

“I love spending time with my wife and two young boys. My oldest one (almost 3 years old) is obsessed with trains and we do things related to trains in the KC area. Outside of family time, I enjoy rebuilding my project car — which at this point has become a glorified yard ornament.” 

Is there anything that you would like members of the bar to know about you? 

“I like to think I am very personable and approachable. Whether that be in the law or everyday life, I enjoy talking and getting to know people, so do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or just want to chat!” 

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

March: YLS winter meeting 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

July: Lawyers and law students network during YLS trivia nights 

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

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

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

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

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

September: YLS presents awards at Annual Meeting 

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

JoEllen Engelbart Award: Maggie McConville 

Tom Cochran Community Service Award: Jessica R. Langley 

YLS Chair Awards: Johnny Boyer and Paige Sparks 

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

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

See photos from the day’s celebration here. 

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

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

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

November: CLE and networking events 

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

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

November: YLS plans for 2026 during fall meeting 

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

New representatives elected  

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

District 3: Kelly St. John, Justin Shock 

District 4: Joseph Findley 

District 9: Brad Baker 

District 10: Taylor Haas 

District 11: Brett Hodges 

Western Appellate District: Darrell Smith 

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

Continuing legal education 

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

Empowering Missourians to understand their rights  

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

Watch the videos here.  

These videos empower Missouri’s teenagers and young adults to make informed decisions by equipping them with clear, accessible knowledge of their legal rights. Teenagers and young adults are often navigating critical milestones like obtaining credit, taking out loans, entering the workforce, and, in some cases, managing family law issues like marriage, parenting, and paternity. They may be unaware of the services available to them and need accessible, trustworthy guidance to make informed decisions as they transition into adulthood.  

ShowMeRights.org was created by the 2017-2018 Leadership Academy class to help Missouri’s teenagers and young adults understand their rights and responsibilities. The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section maintains the website. 

Since May 2024, 12 videos have been published covering a variety of topics including paternity, orders of protection, jury duty, and more. They have amassed over 245,000 views across Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and have driven more than 1,700 visits to ShowMeRights.org. Watch the videos below. 

This project received an award for excellence in social media marketing during the 2025 National Association of Bar Executives Communications Workshop.  

For more information about The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section, click here. 

The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Council recently appointed Taylor Haas to represent District 10 (Barry, Barton, Bates, Cedar, Dade, Henry, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, St. Clair and Vernon counties). 

YLS works to facilitate the professional growth and public service of new and recently admitted Missouri lawyers. The YLS Council is comprised of approximately 35 lawyers from districts across the state who are elected by their peers to serve two-year terms.    

Haas earned his J.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law in 2017.  He is an attorney at Johnson, Vorhees, & Martucci Law Firm in Joplin.  

Haas answered the following questions to help his constituents get to know him. 

What are you most looking forward to in your role as a YLS Council member? 

“Connecting with other young lawyers! It’s easy to get wrapped up in our practices and focus on nothing but moving cases, communicating with clients, and drafting motions. It’s important to share ideas, swap war stories, and sometimes even commiserate together. I most look forward to meeting young attorneys from all over the state and reconnecting with ones I already know.” 

What made you want to be a lawyer in the first place? 

“I don’t like bullies. I wanted to become a lawyer so I could stand up for the little guy. I am proud to say that in my time as an assistant prosecutor and now as a personal injury lawyer, I get to do exactly that, every single day.” 

What is your favorite way to spend a day off? 

“I love spending time outdoors with my family. It doesn’t really matter what we’re doing, whether we’re hiking, fishing, swimming, camping, or anything else. As long as we are outside and together, that’s a perfect day.” 

Is there anything you would like to add? 

“I will bring a unique perspective to the YLS Council. I’ll always be a young lawyer at heart, but I have been practicing law and trying cases for eight and a half years both as an assistant prosecutor and as an injury lawyer. I am ready to use that experience to contribute to the mission of the YLS Council and give back to our profession that has given me so much.” 

Interested in serving on the YLS Council? From Jan. 1-June 20, 2026, Missouri Bar members seeking election to the YLS Council can download and submit nominating petitions. Learn more here. 

The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section works to facilitate the professional growth and public service of new and recently admitted Missouri lawyers. The YLS Council is comprised of approximately 35 lawyers from districts across the state who are elected by their peers to serve two-year terms.  

The fall council meeting served as a planning session to discuss projects and events for 2026. Highlights from the meeting include: 

• Election of Taylor Haas to fill the District 10 vacancy,
• financial report and budget updates,
• delegate and liaison reports,
• committee chair reports, and 
• planning for the council’s Winter Meeting in February and the Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar in September. 

In addition to the meeting, the council also hosted a Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org clinic where 15 lawyers answered 25 non-criminal legal questions from the public. At each meeting, the council strives to host a community service project to help new and young lawyers integrate into the profession and even better serve their clients and communities.  

For more information about The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section, click here.  

The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Council recently elected Brett Hodges to represent District 11 (Christian, Douglas, Greene, Howell, Ozark, Stone, Taney, Webster and Wright counties). 

YLS works to facilitate the professional growth and public service of new and recently admitted Missouri lawyers. The YLS Council is comprised of approximately 35 lawyers from districts across the state who are elected by their peers to serve two-year terms.    

Hodges earned his J.D. from the University of Missouri School of Law in 2024. He is an associate attorney with Carnahan Evans PC, in Springfield.  

Hodges answered the following questions to help his constituents get to know him. 

What are you most looking forward to in your role as a YLS Council member? 

“I’m most looking forward to connecting with the broader legal community. As lawyers, we have a tendency to only interact with people who are in our own practice area. There’s a whole state full of individuals performing legal services that I have limited experience with, and I’m very much looking forward to getting to learn about those areas of law.” 

What is your favorite way to spend a day off? 

“I most enjoy spending my days off doing outdoor related activities. I enjoy everything from hunting and fishing to hiking and even gardening. Really, the only requirement I have for a day off is that it’s spent outside.” 

Is there anything you would like to add? 

“I would just like to add that I feel incredibly privileged to represent the young lawyers of the southwest Missouri area. This area, along with the people in it, has been absolutely wonderful, and I cannot imagine a better place to have begun my career in law.”

Upcoming CLEs 

Two upcoming CLE events will feature the film “The Milly Project” followed by a panel discussion. “The Milly Project” tells the story of an enslaved woman named Milly Sawyers who fought for and won her freedom in Springfield, Missouri before the Civil War. In 2021, “The Milly Project” won Best Screenplay and Best Social Justice Film and was nominated for Best Acting Ensemble at the New York International Film Festival. Watch the trailer here. 

Kansas City: Nov. 5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Polsinelli Law Firm, 900 W. 48th Place. 

Joplin: Nov. 6 from 2-4 p.m. at Missouri Southern State University, 3950 E. Newman Road. 

Friendsgiving networking events 

All Missouri lawyers are also invited to join The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section diversity committee for networking and Friendsgiving. Food and beverages are provided, but guests are welcome to bring dishes if they would like. Click the links below to register. 

St. Louis: Nov. 6 from 5:30-8:30 at Graffiti Loft, 1802 S. 9th St. 

Kansas City: Nov. 19 from 5-8 p.m. at Third Place Lounge, 1744 Broadway Blvd. 

The mission of YLS is to enhance the professional growth and public service of new and recently admitted Missouri lawyers. All Missouri lawyers aged 36 or less or, if older, who have been admitted to any state bar for 10 years or less, are automatically members of the section at no additional cost. YLS sponsors a variety of public service projects, CLEs, and networking events across Missouri. Learn more about YLS at MoBar.org/YLS. 

The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Council recently elected Kelly St. John to represent District 3, which includes Jackson County. 

YLS works to facilitate the professional growth and public service of new and recently admitted Missouri lawyers. The YLS Council is comprised of approximately 35 lawyers from districts across the state who are elected by their peers to serve two-year terms.    

St. John earned her J.D. from the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law and is the lead lawyer at DM Injury Law’s Topeka office.  

St. John answered the following questions to help her constituents get to know her. 

What do you want other young lawyers to know about the YLS or The Missouri Bar? 

"I want young lawyers to know they’re not alone. Whether you’re in private practice, government work, a small or solo firm, or in-house counsel, there are others walking the same path. The YLS and The Missouri Bar offer incredible resources and a supportive community of lawyers who genuinely want to help you succeed. Whether you need advice, mentorship, or just a sense of connection, there’s always someone willing to help. It’s a wonderful network of people all working toward the same goal — supporting one another and strengthening Missouri’s legal community.” 

What is your favorite way to spend a day off? 

"My favorite way to spend a day off is by unplugging: putting down my phone, avoiding my computer, and spending time outside. When it’s a nice morning, I love grabbing a fancy coffee and taking my dog to the bark park to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, I’ll take the opportunity to catch up on my favorite shows. In such a busy world, it’s so important to take time for yourself. Prioritize your own well-being — because if you don’t, no one else will!” 

Is there anything that you would like members of the bar to know about you? 

"I truly enjoy networking and connecting with others. I’m a naturally positive and upbeat person, and I hope to inspire that same energy in those around me. Life is too short to miss out on family moments, vacations, or taking a day to reset. I’m always happy to lend an ear, grab a meal, or join you at a committee meeting — especially if you don’t know anyone yet. I look forward to meeting more members of the bar and building meaningful connections!” 

The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Council recently elected Darrell Smith to represent the Western Appellate District.  

YLS works to facilitate the professional growth and public service of new and recently admitted Missouri lawyers. The YLS Council is comprised of approximately 35 lawyers from districts across the state who are elected by their peers to serve two-year terms.    

Smith earned his J.D. from the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law in 2018. He is legal counsel for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. 

Smith answered the following questions to help his constituents get to know him. 

What are you most looking forward to in your role as a YLS Council member? 

"I am looking forward to working with like-minded people in serving the legal community in Missouri.” 

What is your favorite way to spend a day off? 

"I enjoy watching murder mysteries with my lady.” 

Is there anything you would like to add? 

"I encourage everyone to look into and take advantage of all the great benefits that the Missouri Lawyers' Assistance Program (MOLAP) provides to every attorney, including no-cost and confidential counseling, crisis intervention services, and educational programs. Check it out at MoBar.org/MOLAP or call 1-800-688-7859.” 

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

View photos from the day’s celebration on The Missouri Bar's Facebook page.

While the weather was rainy and cold, the energy in the Supreme Court of Missouri building was high as families and friends hugged and congratulated the new lawyers. In the corner of the lobby, new lawyer Drue Young smiled for several photos with various family members.

“I’m going to get choked up,” she said, fighting back tears. “I really couldn’t have done this without them.”

After taking a criminal justice class in high school and observing a murder trial her senior year, Young knew she wanted to be lawyer. A graduate of Saint Louis University School of Law, she is now working at Tim Lohmar in O’Fallon, which focuses on family and criminal defense.

“I want to give back to my community and help people … in the position that I’m in now,” Young said.

Meredith Sharp, a graduate from the University of Mississippi School of Law, said she was also excited to help people as a lawyer. Sharp plans to focus on estate planning in Kansas City.

“Working in trusts and estates is such an intimate part of people’s lives and stuff that’s really important to them and carrying on their legacies,” Sharp said. “So, being able to help with that is very fulfilling to me.”

Upstairs, Jonnette Oakes waited to enter the courtroom where she would take her oath of admission. A graduate of Washburn School of Law in Topeka, Kansas, Oakes now works as a research lawyer at the Kansas Court of Appeals.

“It’s always been my goal to be an attorney, but it wasn’t something that I thought was obtainable,” she said. “So, having the opportunity to be here today and say ‘I am an attorney,’ is something I’m proud of.”

The Missouri Bar is here to help lawyers even better serve their clients and communities. Enrollees can view the plethora of resources available to them at MoBar.org/New-Members. In addition, The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section sent welcome packets to the state’s enrollees.

The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Council recently elected Brad Baker to represent District 9 (City of St. Louis).  

YLS works to facilitate the professional growth and public service of new and recently admitted Missouri lawyers. The YLS Council is comprised of approximately 35 lawyers from districts across the state who are elected by their peers to serve two-year terms.  

Baker earned his J.D. from the Saint Louis University School of Law in 2021. He is a litigation attorney for the Missouri Attorney General’s Office in St. Louis. 

Baker answered the following questions to help his constituents get to know him. 

What are you most looking forward to in your role as a YLS Council member? 

"I am most looking forward to the opportunity to connect with other young attorneys across Missouri and to make a positive contribution to our profession. My goal is to strengthen The Missouri Bar by ensuring that the perspectives of young attorneys are represented and valued.”  

What made you want to be a lawyer in the first place? 

"I have always been drawn to public service and to making a difference in my community. Becoming a lawyer has opened up many doors and has given me the opportunity to make a real impact. I feel very blessed to have found such a fulfilling profession.” 

What do you want other young lawyers to learn about YLS or The Missouri Bar? 

"I want other young lawyers to learn more about the wide range of resources that are available to them through both YLS and The Missouri Bar. When I first started practicing, I was amazed by the depth of networking and leadership opportunities that are readily available, and I want the young lawyers in Missouri to fully take advantage of these programs.” 

Is there anything that you would like members of the bar to know about you? 

"Through my work as an attorney for the State of Missouri, I’ve been fortunate to practice law in courtrooms all across our state. This experience has given me a broad perspective on the unique legal issues faced in both rural and urban communities. It has been rewarding to witness firsthand how the law impacts every corner of the state differently, and I believe this statewide perspective will allow me to better serve the young lawyers all throughout Missouri.” 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Boyer 

Boyer, of Joplin, was chosen for his work as YLS liaison to the Board of Governors and chair of the Diversity Committee.  

He attended all Board of Governors meetings and presented changes to the YLS bylaws for approval. He also worked with the Diversity Committee to organize several networking events across the state for all lawyers.  

“I chose Johnny Boyer for a YLS Chair Award because I wanted to recognize how tall of an order I put in front of him this year and how well he stepped up to the plate,” Atchison said. “He is an outstanding leader and wonderful representative of the YLS Council to the BOG and also to our statewide bar.” 

Boyer credited committee members for their support. 

"I am particularly proud of numerous connections that I have made over the past year,” Boyer said. “Whether it was through developing great connections and relationships with the talented and hard-working members of The Missouri Bar staff, my fellow committee members, or the many amazing lawyers across our state that come to our events, I have been blown away by everyone’s determination to serve our clients and the people of our state.” 

Sparks 

Sparks, of St. Louis, was presented with a YLS Chair Award for her work with the Publications Committee and her willingness to help in any capacity. 

As chair of the Publications Committee, Sparks has worked with bar staff and other council members to create videos that inform the public of their rights. The videos use information from ShowMeRights.org, which the committee created in 2017. Aside from her work with the committee, she volunteers for many events and programs throughout the year. 

"Paige has always shown up for the council’s efforts. She is at every swearing in ceremony to make sure we have the ability to swear folks into the federal districts,” Atchison said. “She volunteers every year to present to schools for Constitution Day programming, and she volunteers to present any CLE that the YLS Council asks her to.” 

Sparks said she is proud of the video project’s success and is grateful for the recognition but emphasized that meaningful work is not about awards. 

“It's not about chasing recognition,” she said. “It's about showing up, doing the work, and advocating with purpose every day. If you stay committed and work hard, the results will follow, and people will notice.” 

Click here to learn more about annual awards presented by The Missouri Bar, The Missouri Bar Foundation, and other entities. Read about other 2025 award winners here.  

The term for the district 10 council seat will end September 2026, filling the remaining time left of a two-year term.

The council requests that those interested in serving complete the nominating petition and file it with Brett Rolwes, The Missouri Bar YLS liaison, by Oct. 27. The council invites those who file to include a resume and brief statement explaining their interest in serving on the YLS Council. All eligible petitions received will be submitted to the YLS Council for consideration.

What is the YLS Council? 

The YLS Council is the governing body for the Young Lawyers’ Section of The Missouri Bar. It is composed of approximately 35 young or new lawyers elected to serve two-year terms from districts across the state. Officers and executive committee members are elected from within the ranks of the council’s membership. 

What does YLS do? 

YLS sponsors, in full or in part, a variety of public service projects, Continuing Legal Education programs, and social networking events across Missouri that are geared toward young and recently admitted lawyers. The section collaborates with a number of affiliate organizations that also have great opportunities to help new and young lawyers integrate in the profession and serve their communities.  

Visit News.MoBar.org to learn more about what YLS and the council have been doing recently. 

Information about the council is available at MoBar.org/YLS.  

For further information or questions, please contact Brett Rolwes at (573) 635-4128 or yls@mobar.org. 

Maggie McConville was presented with the Young Lawyers’ Section JoEllen Engelbart Award at the Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar in September. 

The award honors the late JoEllen Engelbart, who was chair-elect of the council when she died in 2021. Engelbart dedicated her career to public service. She was a fierce advocate for special victims through her job as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Jackson County. YLS members at the time described her as an invaluable member of the council who was always willing to help and mentor new members.   

McConville graduated from the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law in 2022. After graduating, she returned to her hometown of Chillicothe and joined Chapman and Cowherd, P.C. 

Danielle Atchison, 2024-2025 YLS Council chair, selected McConville for the award because of her dedication to her community and her outreach efforts on the council. McConville chairs the Civic Education and Outreach Committee and has been instrumental in expanding its work. 

“She is always working to make the project she’s in charge of better,” Atchison said. “I am proud to have her on our YLS Council and proud to give her this award.” 

McConville is driven by a desire to increase legal representation in rural Missouri. As a rural lawyer, she serves 13 counties. In many of them, the only lawyers are the judge and prosecutor. 

McConville has seen firsthand the benefits of rural communities and investing in them. She has found many mentors who have helped her along the way. 

“I also know the value of mentorship, as I have had amazing attorneys guide me in my first years of practice,” she said. “Not everyone has that support, so I want to be a resource for others who may have questions or concerns about rural practice.” 

While she didn’t personally know Engelbart, McConville has seen the impact she had on the council.  

“I am honored to be considered in the same class as JoEllen, but I know that any success I have on the council is because of the amazing people I serve with — especially those who have mentored me, just as JoEllen mentored them,” she said. “I look forward to this next year and to all that the council has planned for our great state.” 

Click here to learn more about annual awards presented by The Missouri Bar, The Missouri Bar Foundation, and other entities. Read about other 2025 award winners here.  

The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Council recently elected Justin Shock to represent District 3 (Jackson County).  

YLS works to facilitate the professional growth and public service of new and recently admitted Missouri lawyers. The YLS Council is comprised of approximately 35 lawyers from districts across the state who are elected by their peers to serve two-year terms.  

Shock earned his J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law in 2024. He is an associate attorney at Baty Otto Scheer P.C. in Kansas City. 

Shock answered the following questions to help his constituents get to know him. 

What are you most looking forward to in your role as a YLS Council member? 

“I’m excited to join the CLE Committee and help build a robust presentation schedule that introduces young attorneys to a wide range of legal fields — including those they may not have encountered before.” 

What made you want to be a lawyer in the first place? 

“My uncle, Judge Shock, inspired me to become a lawyer; I suppose the desire to practice law runs in family! I’ve always admired how his work, both in private practice and on the bench, allowed him to make a real difference in people’s lives.” 

What is your favorite way to spend a day off? 

“I enjoy golfing or flying with friends. I’m currently working on my pilot’s license — definitely a better way to beat I-70 traffic!” 

Is there anything that you would like members of the bar to know about you? 

"I enjoy meeting new people — if you’re ever in the Kansas City area for work, feel free to reach out. I’d love to grab lunch!” 

This article was updated at noon on Oct. 6, 2025, to correct the county Shock was elected to represent.

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

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

Several council members participated in the event, including Brice Barnard, Eli Dodge, Quinn Benson, and Sam Sherman.

For more information about The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section, click here.

The Kansas City event took place Thursday, July 24,  while the St. Louis event was held Thursday, July 31.  

Law students and lawyers joined together to network and test their knowledge through questions on bar exam trivia and the history of lawyers of color. Attendees appreciated the opportunity to connect with colleagues in a casual, engaging environment. 

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

For more information about the Young Lawyers’ Section, click here. 

In honor of her dedication to helping the community, Jessica R. Langley will receive this year’s Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Tom Cochran Community Service Award. 

The Tom Cochran Community Service Award recognizes a member of The Missouri Bar whose community service and professionalism have enhanced their Missouri community. The award is named after Thomas D. Cochran, whose commitment and contributions to the practice of law and his community inspired generations of lawyers.  

Langley earned her Juris Doctor from Arizona Summit Law School in 2014. After graduating, she returned to her hometown of Kansas City and began her career as a judicial law clerk in Jackson County. She is a certified mediator, Guardian ad Litem, court appointed special advocate, and a big sister volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters.  

Langley said she is proud to be recognized for her support of both legal and community-based organizations. 

 “Giving back in meaningful ways — whether through mentorship, legal advocacy, civil engagement, or community development — is a core part of who I am, and I’m honored to be acknowledged for that commitment,” Langley said. 

Driven by her belief that strong communities start with strong families, she has dedicated her volunteer work to serving families and children in her community. 

“I feel called to support and uplift the children in my community. Whether that’s through my legal work, my volunteer efforts, or simply showing up when it matters most, I know the impact that I can make in helping others,” she said. “Knowing I can play even a small part in helping a child feel safe, heard, and/or valued is what keeps me going.” 

Langley is most proud of her work with Big Brothers Big Sisters. She has been involved for nearly a decade and said the impact it has had on her life is immeasurable, as what started as a volunteer opportunity turned into a meaningful relationship. 

“Watching my little grow, overcome challenges, and become their own person has been an incredible privilege,” she said. “It’s a reminder that consistently showing up can make a lasting difference in someone’s life. What I didn’t expect was just how much it would change mine, too.” 

To Langley, receiving this award felt like a reflection of her mother’s legacy. Growing up, she watched her mom be heavily involved in the community and saw how she touched the lives of many. 

She encourages other lawyers to “suit up and show up.” 

“Putting real sweat equity back into your community, whether through pro bono work, mentorship, or investing your time, doesn’t just make you a better lawyer, it makes your community stronger,” she said. 

Langley will receive her award Sept. 17 in Branson during the Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar and Missouri Judicial Conference. 

Click here to learn more about annual awards presented by The Missouri Bar, the Missouri Bar Foundation, and other entities. Read about other 2025 award winners here.  

YLS works to facilitate the professional growth and public service of new and recently admitted Missouri lawyers. The YLS Council is comprised of approximately 35 lawyers from districts across the state who are elected by their peers to serve two-year terms.  

At each meeting, the council participates in a service project to give back to the community. At this meeting, they hosted a Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org clinic where they answered 28 questions from low-income Missourians. 

The council conducted official business including: 

• Approving candidates for vacancies; 
• selecting a new representative to The Missouri Bar Foundation; 
• voting on awards; 
• committee reports; 
• reviewing upcoming events; and 
• discussing recommendations on by-laws changes. 

For more information about The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section, click here.

In addition to hearing financial summaries and reports from officers, board members will hear a report from the Special Committee on the Impartiality of the Judiciary and review The Missouri Bar’s strategic direction. They will also select the candidate slate for the Western and Southern Appellate District board seats and hold a forum for the 2025-2026 Missouri Bar vice president candidates.

The board will also learn about legislative developments and receive updates from the Appointments Committee.

View the full agenda for the July 14 meeting, as well as past meeting minutes and future meeting dates, at MoBar.org/BOG-agendas.

The YLS Council will hear reports from about a dozen YLS committees, as well as updates about the Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar and Judicial Conference, the Board of Governors, The Missouri Bar Foundation, and legislative topics. The council will also review the candidates for the District 4 YLS vacancy and a potential bylaw change.

The term for the District 4 council seat will end September 2026, filling the remaining time left of a two-year term. 

Nominations will be accepted from eligible YLS members in District 4. You can find your YLS district here. Those interested in serving must complete the nominating petition and email it to Brett Rolwes at yls@mobar.org, The Missouri Bar YLS liaison, by July 7. Those who file should also include a resume and brief statement explaining their interest in serving on the YLS Council. All eligible petitions received will be submitted to the YLS Council for consideration. 

What is the YLS Council? 

The YLS Council is the governing body for the Young Lawyers’ Section of The Missouri Bar. It is composed of approximately 35 young or new lawyers elected to serve two-year terms from districts across the state. Officers and executive committee members are elected from within the ranks of the council’s membership. 

What does YLS do? 

YLS sponsors, in full or in part, a variety of public service projects, Continuing Legal Education programs, and social networking events across Missouri that are geared toward young and recently admitted lawyers. The section collaborates with a number of affiliate organizations that also have great opportunities to help new and young lawyers integrate in the profession and serve their communities.  

Visit News.MoBar.org to learn more about what YLS and the council have been doing recently. 

Information about the council is available at MoBar.org/YLS.  

For further information or questions, please contact Brett Rolwes at (573) 635-4128 or yls@mobar.org. 

The distinguished faculty featured nine lawyers with practices spanning a range of civil and criminal issues, covering many aspects of trials, from motions to closing statements.  

“Very helpful for first-year lawyers still learning the ins and outs of trial,” one participant said. 

The Trial Skills Workshop is not just for young lawyers; it covers information that is helpful for all lawyers.  

“I am an older lawyer who wanted to brush up on jury trial skills, and this program was well balanced and hit on the important aspects of jury trial,” one participant said. 

If you missed the program, you can register for the rebroadcast on Sep. 4 here.  

In addition to the annual Trial Skills Workshop, YLS produces monthly hour-long programs as part of the Accelerator Series. Register for these upcoming programs: 

- July 2 – Record, post, win!: A fool-proof guide to social media networking success for your law firm 

- July 30 – Rules of evidence in action 

- Aug. 6 – I beg your pardon… Difficult opposing counsel and the duty to report 

- Aug. 21 – You’ve set up shop… now what?

Editor’s note: The applicants who passed the bar examination but had not yet completed all other requirements for admission are not included in this list, which the Missouri Board of Law Examiners originally published on April 9, 2025. Read more about the admission requirements under Rule 8 at MBLE.org.

Panelists included YLS Council members Elizabeth McNulty and Paige Sparks, as well as Mary Vogt of the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.  

“It was exciting to be able to give law students advice on how they can best utilize their networks, after the hard work they put in to establish them,” McNulty said. “YLS and the council are a way for me to grow my network further, so we also encouraged the students to get involved in The Missouri Bar through YLS.”  

After the panel, the council and PSAB also hosted a networking hour for students to put their newfound skills to use.  

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

“As we all know, the stresses of exams can be overwhelming,” Castro said. “Providing lunch and snacks helped relieve at least some of that stress.”  

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

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

The law applies to:

-          Manually dialing a phone number,

-          texting,

-          updating or browsing social media,

-          FaceTime or video calls,

-          browsing the internet,

-          watching videos,

-          playing games, and

-          taking videos or photos.

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

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

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

Penalties

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

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

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

YLS works to facilitate the professional growth and public service of new and recently admitted Missouri lawyers. The YLS Council is comprised of approximately 35 lawyers from districts across the state who are elected by their peers to serve two-year terms.  

Twelve YLS  council members spent their afternoon March 28 sorting supplies for families in need  with Operation Breakthrough. Three council members recorded videos to educate the public on their rights based on content from ShowMeRights.org. That evening, the council focused on networking with dinner and mini golf.

The council conducted official business March 29 and gave updates on various projects including:

- a welcome and update on The Missouri Bar Board of Governors from 2024-2025 Missouri Bar President Shelly Dreyer;

- budget review and funding request;

- reports from various committees and liaisons.

“We had a wonderful winter YLS Council meeting here in Kansas City last weekend,” said YLS Council Chair Danielle Atchison. “As the council chair, I had the privilege of hosting our council members from all around the state here in my district. The council members are working hard to carry out our mission through committee activities on ABA matters, disaster relief, citizenship education, well-being, diversified networking and educational opportunities, social media videos and publications for the public, among other work.”

For more information about The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section, click here.  

Liberty Bell Award  

The Liberty Bell Award recognizes a non-lawyer or non-legal organization in Missouri that engages in public service activities that enhance the legal community or are dedicated to the advancement of justice. Nominations are due May 15.  

Visit the 2025 Liberty Bell Award nomination form for information about requirements and to nominate a non-lawyer or non-legal organization.  

Click here to read about the 2024 recipient, Eugene O’Loughlin, and the ways he encouraged the advancement of justice.  

Tom Cochran Community Service Award  

The Tom Cochran Community Service Award recognizes a Missouri Bar member whose service and professionalism has enhanced their community. Nominations are due May 15.  

Visit the nomination form to learn about requirements or nominate a lawyer. You can also learn about the 2024 recipient, Dashawn R. Cason, here.  

Read about awards given by YLS, The Missouri Bar, and The Missouri Bar Foundation here.  

Seven members of The Missouri Bar’s Young Lawyers’ Section Council attended the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Midyear Meeting Jan. 30-Feb. 3 in Phoenix, Arizona.

The event included awards celebrations, luncheons, CLEs, oral arguments from the U.S. Army Court of Appeals, and more.

A highlight of the event was the Assembly (legislative body of the YLD) meeting, where they discussed and passed resolutions.

The New York City Bar Association presented a resolution proposing a modification to the ethics code the Supreme Court of The United States previously adopted to allow more leniency when interpreting past acts and the code of conduct.

The Virgin Islands Bar Association presented a resolution opposing investigation and prosecution by the federal government for activities protected by the First Amendment, including advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and accessibility policies.

The delegation also passed a resolution to allow lawyers participating in mock trials to receive up to 6 CLE credit hours for their work.

“This is a really big deal because it is a very time-consuming commitment to participate that they previously received no compensation for other than feeling good about it,” said Paige Sparks, a Missouri delegate. “This will hopefully incentivize more lawyers to participate in mock trial.”

The ABA YLD is set to meet next at the 2024-2025 Young Lawyers Division Spring Conference April 24-25 in New Orleans, Louisiana. To learn more about The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section, click here.    

Why serve?

Serving on the Board of Governors and YLS Council are unique ways to get directly involved in the policy-making decisions of The Missouri Bar.

The Board of Governors is a 45-member elected group of lawyers who represent the members in their districts. The board helps shape strategies to fulfill the bar’s goals of improving the profession, the law, and access to legal resources on behalf of all Missourians. 

The YLS Council is composed of approximately 35 young lawyers elected to serve their respective districts. Council members help enhance the professional growth and public service of lawyers who are 36 years old or younger and/or have been practicing law in any state for 10 years or less. 

What are the vacancies?

There are 22 upcoming vacancies on the Board of Governors. Vacancies include districts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, and 15, as well as the western and southern districts. Find your board district here. 

There are also upcoming vacancies on the YLS Council. Vacancies include districts 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, and 12, as well as the diversity seats for the southern and western appellate districts. Click here to find your YLS district.

How do I get on the ballot? 

Nominating petitions for Board of Governors and YLS Council vacancies are due by June 20.

Click here to download a nominating petition for Board of Governors and review the instructions for gathering signatures and submitting a completed petition.

For YLS Council, click here to download a nominating petition and review the instructions for gathering signatures and submitting a completed petition.

How do I vote? 

Missouri lawyers will receive an email from the Office of the State Courts Administrator in late July containing an electronic ballot to vote in the Board of Governors election. Missouri Bar members are eligible to vote in the election based upon the current Board of Governors voting district that is on file for a member. The voting district is where the lawyer is employed or maintains their principal office.

YLS members will receive an email July 21 from The Missouri Bar containing an electronic ballot to vote in the contested elections for YLS Council.

Ensure your address and email are up to date with The Missouri Bar by logging in to the member portal at MoBar.org.

Check out the stories below to see how YLS worked to improve the legal profession in 2024. 

February: YLS winter meeting 

The YLS Council met Feb. 23-24 in St. Louis for networking, planning, and community service.  

March: diversity networking events  

The YLS Diversity Committee held three networking events March 14 in St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield. 

July: YLS Council summer meeting 

The YLS Council held its summer meeting July 20 in Branson, combining business with community service. Prior to the meeting, council members assembled blankets and sensory bags for the Child Advocacy Center in Springfield and collected items for the Greene County Family Justice Center. The council began its meeting with a visit from 2023-2024 Missouri Bar President Megan Phillips, who gave several updates pertaining to the Board of Governors. The council also welcomed new members and elected a new YLS Council delegate to The Missouri Bar Board of Governors.  

August: Missouri lawyer elected as clerk for ABA Young Lawyers Division 

YLS member Portia Britt, associate county counselor for the St. Louis County Counselor’s Office, was elected as the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division clerk for the 2024-2025 year at the ABA Annual Meeting in August. She is the first Missouri Lawyer in 30 years to serve as clerk. 

Read the full article to learn more about Britt and her involvement with YLS and the ABA. 

September: YLS presents awards at Annual Meeting 

YLS presented four awards during The Missouri Bar’s Annual Meeting and Missouri Judicial Conference. Learn about the awards and their recipients below. 

JoEllen Engelbart Award: Ashley J. Moore 

Liberty Bell Award: Eugene O’Loughlin 

Tom Cochran Community Service Award: Dashawn R. Cason 

YLS Chair Awards: Danielle Drake, Sarah Ernst, and Aaron Rankin 

September: Nearly 200 #NewMOLawyers sworn in during Fall Enrollment Ceremonies 

The Missouri Bar celebrated 194 new lawyers who took their oath of admission and were sworn in to the legal profession during multiple Fall Enrollment Ceremonies at the Supreme Court of Missouri building in Jefferson City. Those lawyers were among the 286 individuals who passed the July bar examination and met all other admission criteria. 

See more photos from the day’s celebration here. 

September: Missouri lawyers inspire students with Constitution Day presentations 

More than 600 Missouri students had the opportunity to learn about the U.S. Constitution from lawyers during the annual Constitution Day presentations in September.  

Each year, YLS partners with the bar’s citizenship education department to send lawyers to present for Constitution Day. In September, more than 600 students across the state had the opportunity to learn about the U.S. Constitution from those who regularly interact with it. 

October: Milly Project event at Saint Louis University School of Law 

YLS hosted a continuing legal education program which featured a screening of “The Milly Project” followed by a panel discussion with Hon. George W. Draper III, former Supreme Court of Missouri chief justice, and Twinette Johnson, Saint Louis University School of Law dean.  

"This program was truly powerful and riveting, leaving a profound impact on all who attended,” said Katie Krispin, YLS Council District 8 representative. “It inspired meaningful conversations between attendees and our insightful panelists that will resonate with participants long after the event." 

November: YLS plans for 2025 during fall meeting 

YLS met November in Jefferson City to plan for the upcoming year and participate in a Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org clinic.  

December: Diversity networking events 

YLS hosted three networking events Dec. 5 in St. Louis, Kansas City, and Jefferson City. 

YLS also helped sponsor the Boone County Bar Association Young Lawyer’s Division holiday party.  

New representatives elected  

This year, 12 new representatives were elected to serve on the YLS Council. Learn about them below. 

District 3: Andrew Tremonti, Eli Dodge, and Jackson Hobbs 

District 4: Cody Wiegers 

District 8: Darrian Castro, Vince Taormina, Carleigh Cavender 

District 9: David Wasserman, Killian Walsh, Michael Figenshau, and Sean Connelly 

District 11: Brian Moody 

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

Continuing legal education 

One of the largest programs YLS offers is the Accelerator Series, a series of online courses designed specifically to provide the most current continuing legal education to lawyers in any stage of practice. They hosted 11 programs in 2024. Click here to view past and upcoming programs. 

The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Council recently elected Carleigh Cavender to represent District 8 (St. Louis County). YLS works to facilitate the professional growth and public service of new and recently admitted Missouri lawyers. The YLS Council is comprised of approximately 35 lawyers from districts across the state who are elected by their peers to serve two-year terms.  

Cavender earned her J.D. from The University of Missouri School of Law. After law school, she clerked with Hon. Theresa Lazar Springmann in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana and Hon. W.  Brent Powell with the Supreme Court of Missouri. She currently works at Stinson LLP in Clayton where her practice focuses on business litigation.  

Cavender answered the following questions to help his constituents get to know her. 

What are you most looking forward to in your role as a YLS Council member? 

“Meeting people and learning the process of furthering the goals of the committees to which I have been assigned. YLS has already been an incredible networking experience, and the first few meetings I attended were a crash course in learning how the council processes and achieves its goals. I am also greatly looking forward to continuing work within my committee assignments to further opportunities, education, and support for lawyers — particularly lawyers’ well-being, a topic for which I feel great passion.” 

Who is your personal hero? 

“Probably Mitski, whose music I adore. Within the profession, the mentors at each job I have held so far, whom I have had the great privilege to know and learn from. Each is an incredible lawyer who is exceptionally knowledgeable, kind, supportive, and good at giving honest and helpful feedback. There are too many to name here but suffice to say they have all deeply impacted my life and career, for which I am very grateful.” 

What is your favorite way to spend a day off? 

“Yoga, picnic with friends in Forest Park, or playing with my puppy and my nieces and nephews.” 

Is there anything that you would like members of the bar to know about you? 

“I am here to listen, learn, and advance your interests. I welcome any ideas, suggestions, or feedback!” 

The terms for the District 8 and 9 council seats will end September 2025 to fill the remaining time left of two-year terms. The council requests that those interested in serving complete the nominating petition and file it with Brett Rolwes, The Missouri Bar YLS liaison, by Friday, Dec. 13. The council invites those who file to include a resume and brief statement explaining their interest in serving on the YLS Council. All eligible petitions received will be submitted to the YLS Council for consideration.  

Information about the council is available at MoBar.org/YLS.  

If you would like further information or have any questions, please contact Brett Rolwes at (573) 635-4128 or yls@mobar.org.  

The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Council recently elected Brian Moody to represent District 11 which encompasses Christian, Douglas, Greene, Howell, Ozark, Stone, Taney, Webster, and Wright counties. YLS works to facilitate the professional growth and public service of new and recently admitted Missouri lawyers. The YLS Council is comprised of approximately 35 lawyers from districts across the state who are elected by their peers to serve two-year terms.  

Moody earned his J.D. from the University of Missouri School of Law. After graduating, he clerked for Hon. Patricia Breckenridge with the Supreme Court of Missouri. He currently works at Kutak Rock LLP where he focuses on commercial litigation. He is an alumnus of the 2022-2023 Leadership Academy class. 

Moody answered the following questions to help his constituents get to know him. 

What are you most looking forward to in your role as a YLS Council member? 

“As a new member of the YLS Council, I am most looking forward to serving Greene County young lawyers, building meaningful connections within the statewide legal community, and collaborating to do so with colleagues who share a commitment to integrity and excellence in the profession.” 

What do you want other young lawyers to learn about the YLS or The Missouri Bar? 

“I want other young lawyers to know The Missouri Bar is a supportive community and a valuable resource for professional growth.  The bar offers many opportunities to connect with experienced mentors, develop new skills, and give back through service initiatives.  Engaging with the state bar can be incredibly rewarding, and I encourage young lawyers to take advantage of its programs and networks to build a fulfilling career.” 

What made you want to be a lawyer in the first place? 

“Law is a unique field that allows me to combine my passion for problem-solving with a commitment to justice, and I feel fortunate to work in a profession where I can advocate for others and help them find solutions to complex issues.” 

Who is your personal hero? 

“It may sound a bit idealistic, but I see many heroes in this profession.  I am inspired by the judges, commissioners, and court staff in my local circuits who demonstrate the highest degrees of respect and professionalism to everyone they encounter.  I also practice alongside lawyers who passionately advocate for their clients and remind me that being a lawyer is not something I earned when I passed the bar; it is something to live up to on a daily basis.” 

Is there anything that you would like members of the bar to know about you? 

“I am always open to connecting, learning, and collaborating.  We always have an opportunity in our profession to support and learn from one another, so I welcome the opportunity to build relationships and pay forward all the early morning coffee meetings and informal conversations that have guided me through my career.” 

The Young Lawyers’ Section Council met Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in Jefferson City to plan for the upcoming year and participate in a Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org clinic. 

The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section (YLS) works to facilitate the professional growth and public service of new and recently admitted Missouri lawyers. The YLS Council is comprised of approximately 35 lawyers from districts across the state who are elected by their peers to serve two-year terms.  

The fall council meeting served as a planning session to discuss projects and events for 2025. Highlights from the meeting include: 

- Guest presentation from Ryan Harding, The Missouri Bar general counsel, covering challenges      for mandatory bars.

- Financial report and budget updates,

- Delegates and liaisons reports,

- Committee chair reports,

- And a review of upcoming events.

In addition to the meeting, the council also hosted a Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org clinic where about 12 lawyers answered 15 non-criminal legal questions from the public. At each meeting, the council strives to host a community service project to help new and young lawyers integrate into the profession and even better serve their clients and communities. 

For more information about The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section, click here.  

The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Council recently elected Michael Figenshau to represent District 9 (City of St. Louis). YLS works to facilitate the professional growth and public service of new and recently admitted Missouri lawyers. The YLS Council is comprised of approximately 35 lawyers from districts across the state who are elected by their peers to serve two-year terms.  

Figenshau earned his J.D. from the University of Missouri School of Law. After graduating in 2021, he joined Gray Ritter Graham where his practice primarily focuses on wrongful death, catastrophic injury, and commercial litigation. He is an alumnus of the 2022-2023 Leadership Academy class. 

Figenshau answered the following questions to help his constituents get to know him. 

What would you like other lawyers to know about YLS or the Missouri Bar? 

“I would like other young lawyers to learn about all the services and programs that The Missouri Bar and YLS offer.” 

What made you want to be a lawyer in the first place? 

“As a kid, I watched ‘Forensic Files’ religiously. The investigative techniques and trial strategies I learned from that show continue to inspire me.” 

Is there anything that you would like members of the bar to know about you? 

“I am open to constructive criticism, and I look forward to working with other members of the bar.”  

The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Council recently elected Cody Wiegers to represent District 4, which encompasses Cass, Clay, Johnson, Lafayette, Platte, and Ray counties. YLS works to facilitate the professional growth and public service of new and recently admitted Missouri lawyers. The YLS Council is comprised of approximately 35 lawyers from districts across the state who are elected by their peers to serve two-year terms.  

Wiegers earned his J.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law in 2020. He began his career focusing on family and criminal law in rural communities across northwest Missouri but has since transitioned into civil litigation. He is an alumnus of the 2022-2023 Leadership Academy class. 

Wiegers answered the following questions to help his constituents get to know him. 

What are you most looking forward to in your role as a YLS Council member?  

“I am looking forward to working collaboratively with other young attorneys from across the state to give back to our communities and addressing the issues facing young Missouri lawyers.” 

Who is your personal hero? 

“My life is full of people I look up to as heroes, so it is difficult to say who my ‘personal’ hero is. I would have been unable to enjoy any semblance of success without standing on the shoulders of dozens of people. My parents, siblings, mentors, and friends have all been personal heroes to me at one time or another. However, if I must identify just one, my wife immediately comes to mind. She is the kindest person I have ever met. She assumes and sees the best in everyone. It is an extraordinary character trait that I’m not sure I have ever seen quite replicated. She is a daily reminder to treat all people with dignity and respect.” 

Is there anything that you would like members of the bar to know about you? 

“I believe in the importance of open, honest, and direct communication.” 

The St. Louis event will be held at 5 p.m. at Luvwoo Bar, 12965 Olive Blvd. Complimentary Korean fried chicken, beverages, and bubble tea will be provided.  

The Kansas City event will be held at 4 p.m. at King G, 500 E. 18th St. 

The Jefferson City event will be held at 6:30 p.m. at BarVino, 204 E. High St. 

“The Young Lawyer's Section is proud to provide several opportunities throughout the state for lawyers of all backgrounds to come together and celebrate not only what makes each of us unique but also what unites us," said Johnny Boyer, YLS Diversity Committee member.