Michael E. Jones did not take a traditional path to law. He spent more than 30 years working in construction before graduating from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 2019.  

He has been dedicated to pro bono service since law school, where he spent countless hours in clinics helping underserved clients. This experience taught him to be compassionate and open-minded to the challenges others face. 

“When someone has made a mistake or has life problems, the best remedy is an understanding, compassionate friend that can provide legal support and resources provided by our communities,” Jones said. 

He has applied his pro bono experiences from law school to his work with Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org.  

The free legal advice clinic provides Jones with an opportunity to research new areas of law. He said he has found unique legal questions similar to those posed in law school or on the bar exam. The difference with these questions is they are not exaggerated hypotheticals, but real problems people are facing. 

“I find these types of questions or problems in unfamiliar fields of law engaging. It allows for legal research to find a competent and reliable solution that conforms with the law while solving a unique problem or learning about an unfamiliar field of law,” Jones said. “In these scenarios, the client and I benefit, we both win.” 

Jones encouraged other lawyers to participate in Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org, citing how the program allows you to control how much time you spend answering questions. 

“You can answer a question in 10 minutes at the airport waiting for your flight or take more extensive time to research a new legal field and provide a competent answer,” Jones said. “It is up to your liking and commitment.” 

He also said the support he has received from Missouri Bar staff made it easier to volunteer with the program.

“Take the opportunity and pay it forward to another by becoming a volunteer lawyer,” Jones said. “I believe it will change you as it has done so for myself.” 

Click here to learn more about Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org and volunteer today! 

Presented in October during National Pro Bono Week, four of the awards are given to an individual lawyer or law firm practicing in each of the following regions: the St. Louis metropolitan area, the Kansas City metropolitan area, and two in greater Missouri. The fifth award is given to a member of the Young Lawyers’ Section. 

Nomination criteria: 

• The recipient must be an individual lawyer or a law firm.
• A significant part of the service must have occurred during the past year.
• The service must have been provided without compensation to the lawyer or law firm except for reimbursement of actual expenses.
• A significant part of the pro bono service must have been rendered directly to low-income persons (under 200% of the federal poverty level) or as a pro bono volunteer to a public or tax-exempt nonprofit organization which directly serves low-income individuals.
• The recipient has not received the award within the past five years.
• The recipient is a member in good standing of The Missouri Bar. 

Nominations are due by June 15. 

For more information, visit the Pro Bono Awards nomination form or read about the 2025 awardees.  

The Missouri Bar, The Missouri Bar Foundation, and The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section are currently accepting nominations for several awards. Click here to read about other award nominations. 

Residents taking the survey will provide valuable information that can inform potential policy and program recommendations from the committee to help ensure adequate legal services for all Missouri residents.

“Across Missouri, we are hearing real concerns about access to legal services in rural communities,” said Shelly Dreyer, 2024-2025 Missouri Bar president. “While we know there are challenges, we don’t yet fully understand the scope of the issue.”

Residents can take the survey at: SurveyMonkey.com/r/RuralLegalSurvey.

Among other questions, the survey asks participants if they’ve ever struggled to find a lawyer, how far they would be willing to travel to hire a lawyer, and if they would be interested in virtual legal appointments.

No individual responses will be made public, and all responses will remain anonymous.

Dreyer, who practices in Joplin, is co-chairing the special committee with 2nd Judicial Circuit Judge Corey Moon, a member of The Missouri Bar Board of Governors and resident of rural northeast Missouri. More than 30 lawyers from across the state make up the committee, which was launched in 2025. It is also conducting surveys and interviews with rural lawyers and judges.

“The Missouri Bar's mission is to improve the lives of Missourians. That’s why this committee’s work is so important — it brings together data and perspectives to determine whether a shortage of attorneys exists in rural Missouri and what it means for access to justice,” Dreyer said.

You can help by volunteering with the Missouri Disaster Recovery Legal Assistance Hotline. 

How it works: 

1. The Missouri Bar opens the Disaster Recovery Legal Assistance Hotline. 

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

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

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

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

Jackson 

Jackson is a litigation partner at Weigl Law in St. Louis. He volunteers with Legal Services of Eastern Missouri’s Neighborhood Advocacy program, where he litigates the sale, transfer, or improvement of neglected properties. He works directly with neighborhood residents to empower their communities and restore historic properties to points of pride.  

“There is nothing more rewarding than knowing your efforts are directly helping to improve lives, restore communities, and build something better for all of us,” Jackson said. “Service to others not only draws you closer to your community, it makes you a better, more fulfilled, and more empathetic attorney.” 

Meyer 

Meyer earned his J.D. from the University of Missouri School of Law. He founded the firm Meyer Moody LLC in Columbia and is a graduate of the 2021-2022 Leadership Academy class. 

Meyer volunteers with The Missouri Bar’s Fee Dispute Resolution and Complaint Resolution programs, which help lawyers and clients solve disputes in confidential facilitation, mediation, or binding arbitration. He also serves as a special public defender. 

“I believe all lawyers have a responsibility to engage in pro bono work,” Meyer said. “Service to a community can take many forms, and all lawyers have something to offer.” 

No 

No earned her J.D. from Washburn University School of Law and is an associate with Joseph, Hollander & Craft, LLC in Kansas City. She volunteers with Legal Aid of Western Missouri’s Volunteer Attorney Project, providing pro bono legal services for family law matters.  She has also volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. 

No is driven by a desire to provide hope for clients in difficult situations. She is particularly proud of a case where she was able to help a survivor of domestic violence obtain a dissolution of marriage.  

“When we finally began to gain traction in the case, she expressed her relief and how it took a huge burden off her shoulders,” No said. “I will never forget how it felt in that moment to know a difference was being made in her life and well-being.” 

She encourages other lawyers, regardless of where they are in their career, to give back to their communities through pro bono work. 

“I think it can be easy sometimes to forget, especially as you gain years of practice, that legal matters are quite intimidating to most people, and that being an advocate in someone's corner can quite literally change the trajectory of their life,” No said. “Even if you feel that the service you may provide is insubstantial, provide that service. You never know the impact you may have.” 

Spier 

Spier earned her J.D. from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. She is a lawyer at the Cisar Law Firm in Lake Ozark. A certified guardian ad litem, she focuses her career on family law and criminal cases. She is dedicated to advocating for the best interests of children and vulnerable populations.  

“Your greatest opportunities for growth may lie outside your traditional work. Embrace your professional obligation to your community by finding a pro bono cause that fuels your passion,” Spier said. “Taking on a new area of law to serve a critical need will not only make a profound impact on others but also provide invaluable experience that will shape you as a more effective and compassionate advocate.” 

Webb Elfrink 

Webb Elfrink earned her J.D. from the Saint Louis University School of Law. She co-founded the Webb Law Firm with her father and focuses her practice on workers’ compensation. She also provides general legal services and financial counseling to the public pro bono. 

Webb Elfrink is passionate about helping others and volunteers with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul helping provide families and individuals with rent, utility, and food assistance. She said her father taught her that being a lawyer is about serving others. 

“Like my dad, I enjoy showing the next generation that we have an obligation to help others,” Webb Elfrink said. “If we have the ability and resources, we should help.” 

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.    

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

2024 impact  

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

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

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

Total impact 

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

Each year, Missouri lawyers complete thousands of hours of pro bono work to help provide equal access to legal services for all. Every hour of pro bono work makes a difference in clients’ lives and in Missouri communities.  

How can you participate?  

Share your time with organizations: The Missouri Bar maintains a list of pro bono volunteer opportunities, including several with organizations like Mid-Missouri Legal Services, Missouri Seniors’ Legal Helpline, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, the Missouri State Public Defender System, and more. Click here to view the full list.  

Answer questions on Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org: In partnership with the American Bar Association, The Missouri Bar’s free online legal clinic continues to be a vital resource for low-income Missourians. At Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org, Missourians with civil legal concerns can ask questions — and you can sign in and answer them at a time and place that works with your schedule.  

Assist with Disaster Recovery Legal Assistance : When a natural disaster occurs, many of those impacted have legal questions. In response, The Missouri Bar can activate a special toll-free number to support them. Callers are referred to lawyers who offer volunteer telephone consultations, providing free legal advice for disaster-related issues. In recent years, The Missouri Bar has activated the hotline in response to flooding and tornadoes. Learn how you can volunteer with the hotline here.  

Retirees: Waive your enrollment fee through pro bono service: Calling all retirees! Rule 6.01 allows Missouri lawyers to seek waivers of annual enrollment fees in exchange for providing pro bono service and agreeing to not be compensated for any legal work performed during the waiver period. Learn how you can waive your enrollment fee by providing pro bono services here. 

#GetSocial: Follow The Missouri Bar’s social media and blog posts Oct. 19-25 to learn more about the bar’s Pro Bono Awards, pro bono resources, and other ways you can get involved. Feel free to post your own pro bono successes using #CelebrateProBono and #MOLawyersHelp.  

Click here to learn more about how you can get involved with pro bono work in 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.  

“It was through this experience that I truly came to appreciate how important animals can be to family members,” Sansone recalled. “I had not previously seen such dedication and determination to regain possession of an animal using the court system.”

Now committee chair, Sansone is one of 247 lawyers on the bar’s Animal Law Committee.

Animal law has many subdisciplines, including practices focused on companion animals, animals used in research, farmed animals, wildlife, and more. With a wide range of topics, the Animal Law Committee regularly reviews matters related to animals and reports on developments to lawyers.

The Animal Law Committee also partners with other Missouri Bar committees to offer joint CLE presentations during Spring and Fall Committee Meetings, highlighting how animal law can intersect with various practice areas, including estate planning, family law, criminal law, contracts, false advertising, and environmental law.

Earlier this year, the Animal Law Committee partnered with the Veterans and Military Law Committee to host a CLE on the use of animals in the military and regulations regarding animals on military installations. During Fall Committee Meetings, Nov. 17-20, the Animal Law and Criminal Practice & Procedure committees will present a CLE panel covering crimes against animals, highlighting Missouri cases.

Committee Vice-Chair Jamie McLaughlin, whose main practice focus is animal law, cited the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s 2024 “U.S. Animal Protection Laws Rankings,” which placed Missouri 37th out of 50 by state rank.

“I know that Missourians love animals,” McLaughlin said. “Joining the committee and serving as a vice-chair helps bring focused attention to animal law issues through our committee work and can stimulate progress for animals in Missouri.”

Sansone encouraged lawyers to consider joining a Missouri Bar committee as they are great resources for lawyers, particularly for solo and small firm practitioners.

“Committees provide space for attorneys to come together, learn, network, gain practice resources, and make new friends,” McLaughlin added. “Everyone has a unique perspective. A variety of perspectives can lead to unforeseen solutions to tackling legal issues.”

2025 data (Jan. 1-June 30)

1,500 new clients signed up in 2025.

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

Most popular legal questions

Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org impact

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

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

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

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

Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) in St. Louis

The Missouri Bar, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL), Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys (MATA), and Legal Services of Eastern Missouri are working together to staff a central location for legal assistance during the MARC events in St. Louis.

The MARCs will be held at 1 S. Crompton Ave. June 16-18 and June 23-26 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Volunteers will receive more information on the event after completing the sign-up form.

Please contact Jeannie Brandstetter with the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys with any questions at Jeannie@matanet.org.

Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org

Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org is a virtual legal clinic where qualifying users post civil legal questions at no cost to be answered by volunteer lawyers in many different areas of law.

Areas where users may need help include:

-          replacing lost documents,

-          insurance issues,

-          employment issues,

-          landlord/tenant issues, and

-          health and disability issues.

Click here to sign up to help today!

Disaster Legal Assistance Hotline

The Disaster Legal Assistance Hotline is a quick and easy way to give back to your community in times of crisis.

How it works:

-          When the president of the United States signs a disaster declaration, The Missouri Bar opens the Disaster Legal Assistance Hotline – 800-829-4128.

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

-          Volunteer lawyers return the calls and provide no-cost legal help. Lawyers can NOT represent callers or accept them as clients.

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

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

Lawyers are invited to participate in these events to provide guidance for those facing disaster-related legal issues. Topics that may be of immediate concern include landlord/tenant issues, home/property insurance matters, replacement of important documents, custody-related issues, and loan/bill concerns.

There are currently several MARCs scheduled across the state during the week of March 24-28 in Carter County, Franklin County, Jefferson County, Perryville, Poplar Bluff, Ripley County, Rolla, St. Louis County, Wayne County, West Plains, and Wright County.

Click here to view the volunteer signup sheet that includes the most updated list of locations. Additional information may be added in the coming days.

To volunteer for one of these MARCs, fill out the form and email it by Saturday, March 22, to:  Melissa.Friel@sema.dps.mo.gov  and copy Jeannie Brandstetter at jeannie@matanet.org.

“I am driven each day to improve the lives of others and to use my specific skill set and education as a lawyer to make an impact and to be an advocate for others within a system that can oftentimes be overwhelming,” Drake said. “I see our occupations as lawyers as a privilege and take the responsibility that comes alongside that privilege to heart.” 

Edge, founder of Edge Immigration Law, LLC, earned her J.D. from The University of Missouri School of Law. Her practice focuses on family and victim-based immigration challenges. She also maintains a full caseload of Greene County Juvenile Court abuse and neglect cases where she serves as a guardian ad litem and a lawyer to parents. 

She finds great satisfaction in helping people in need and treasures the positive impact she has made on their lives. 

“It's an honor to be recognized for what can sometimes be 'behind the scenes' in a case,” Edge said. “It means that no matter how small of a thing you think you are doing for someone, people are watching and see the work you put in.” 

Kornblum earned her J.D. from Southwestern Law School in California. She began her legal career in California before moving to Missouri in 2005. She currently operates her practice in Springfield. 

Kornblum’s commitment to pro bono work comes from spending her childhood at her grandmother’s law office, where she was constantly giving back to the community.  

“I saw the respect she earned from her community because of her ethics and legal skill,” Kornblum said. “This is the lawyer I strive to be when I wake each day.” 

Krispin, a sole practitioner in St. Louis, earned his J.D. from the University of Missouri School of Law. His pro bono work includes representing defendants in landlord-tenant matters and petitioning in guardianship proceedings. 

Krispin says it is gratifying to help those who might not be able to get assistance elsewhere. 

“Often a very manageable amount of time and effort can have a meaningful impact for the client, handling a matter that isn't a "big" case for the lawyer -- but is a big deal for the client at that time.” 

Yousey is an associate with Armstrong Teasdale in St. Louis. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and her J.D. from Saint Louis University. 

Her commitment to pro bono stems from having colleagues at every step of her career model a commitment to pro bono advocacy. She is passionate about helping her clients through difficult situations both inside and outside the courtroom. 

“The work I do as a lawyer is ultimately about service: it is so important to me to make sure that each of my clients gets their ‘day in court’ no matter the circumstances they might be in,” Yousey said. 

The BCLP International Child Abduction Case Team is comprised of Jennifer Berhorst, Grace Colato Martinez, and Courtney Stout. The team was awarded for their work on helping reunite a parent with a child who was wrongly taken from Mexico to the United States.

“We are very proud to have worked with our client and his family to ensure the prompt return of his child. This case is one of the cases that make you feel that you are truly making a difference in the world as a lawyer," Stout said. "It was an incredibly rewarding experience, and I feel truly honored to have been a part of the team that worked on this case. ”

Atchison is a crucial part of The Missouri Bar’s citizenship education program, which aims to empower students with a strong understanding of government and the law. As a former participant in the bar’s “We the People” program she now serves as a mentor and judge for the Show Me the Constitution competition. Additionally, Atchison coordinates presentations for Constitution Day, connecting teachers with lawyers to inspire students. 

Her involvement with The Missouri Bar’s citizenship education program reflects her belief in the importance of empowering young people to become informed and engaged citizens. By volunteering her time as a speaker and mentor, Atchison inspires students to explore the legal profession and understand their role in shaping society. 

“Civic education has the power to drive the youth into understanding the government that they're working within and voting for,” Atchison said. “Even if they’re not going to be lawyers, it’s important to at least have a connection to government when they approach conversations with their peers or the voting box.” 

Lawyers that are passionate about citizenship education can get involved by signing up to present to classrooms in September for Constitution Day.

Beyond her work in civic education, Atchison is a passionate advocate for access to justice. As an immigration lawyer, she provides pro bono legal services to survivors of domestic violence.  

For more information about The Missouri Bar’s citizenship education program and events, visit MissouriLawyersHelp.org. 

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 has inspired generations of lawyers.

A graduate of the Saint Louis University School of Law, Cason currently serves as president of the Junior Board of the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition of Missouri. He has helped fundraise several hundred thousand dollars that directly supports the coalition’s programs.

“For me, doing this work and seeing the impact on the children that we are working on behalf of – their smiles, renewed hope, and realization that they are cared about and worthy – is powerful,” he said.

Cason is a governmental and litigation associate at Heyl Royster law firm, having previously worked as an assistant city counselor for the City of St. Louis Civil Law Department. Along with serving on The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Council for two terms, Cason is also vice director of civic engagement of the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division. Starting with the 2024-2025 bar year, he will be the division’s director of legal pathway and law student outreach.

As a first-generation college and law school graduate, first-generation lawyer, and foster child, Cason said he finds his commitment to community service rooted in his personal experiences.

Receiving this award not only affirms his hard work, he added, but also “warms my heart.”

Cason praised the lawyers who helped him develop and hone his leadership skills through community service. He said new lawyers should seek service opportunities that are meaningful to them and connect with other leaders who will encourage and facilitate your community service work.

“Being a new lawyer is a dynamic process in itself, so it is vital that the new lawyer consider how much bandwidth they have to contribute to service work,” he added. “After that, it is important that any legal organization you are a part of supports the work you are doing.”

Through community service, Cason said he hopes to inspire other lawyers and members of the public to help those in need.

“For me, my passion grows each time I am able to take time to respond to a stranger on the street who asks, ‘Are you a lawyer,’ and to see them light up at that is humbling,” he said. “To encounter a young Black man who has aspirations to participate in society in a meaningful way but had not seen anyone similarly situated to him until meeting me fuels my passion.”

Cason will receive his award on Sept. 18 in St. Louis during the Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar and 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 2024 award winners here. 

These prestigious programs, known for their selective nature and in-depth government instruction, provided students with a unique opportunity to explore legal careers. Members of The Missouri Bar actively participated in this year's event, leading the law class, hosting a panel discussion with female Supreme Court of Missouri judges, and organizing oral arguments before the Missouri Court of Appeals-Eastern District. 

 The Missouri Bar's involvement with the law course at ALA MGS dates back to 2002, when the bar’s Leadership Academy revamped the course and submitted it for accreditation. This year, the law course attracted over 300 enthusiastic participants from both AL MBS and ALA MGS. 

The class served as a crash course in the court system and core law school subjects like civil and criminal procedure, torts, and the rules of evidence. It included mock trials, a mock bar exam, and a final exam to earn college credit through Lindenwood University.    

“Like so many lawyers, my sense of greater purpose lies at the intersection of mentorship and civic education,” said 2023-2024 Missouri Bar President Megan Phillips. “It was a true privilege to be part of the law school instruction team at The American Legion Missouri Boys State and The American Legion Auxiliary Missouri Girl’s State.” 

In addition to the law class, students heard insights from a distinguished panel of Supreme Court of Missouri judges, moderated by 2023-2024 Missouri Bar President Megan Phillips. They also witnessed firsthand the workings of the Missouri Court of Appeals through an oral arguments session hosted by the court. 

These engaging experiences offered by The Missouri Bar and the Missouri court system provided a springboard for students to consider the vast and rewarding possibilities of a law career. 

Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org

Missouri residents can also submit their storm-related legal questions to Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org, a free virtual legal advice clinic where volunteer Missouri lawyers answer questions from low to moderate income Missourians.

Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org is produced in partnership with The Missouri Bar and the American Bar Association.

Missouri Legal Services Disaster Manual

The Missouri Legal Services Disaster Manual is a free document designed to help both recovery volunteers and those directly impacted by a disaster understand their rights under the law, as well as what assistance programs may be available. This manual includes information on protecting yourself from scams around home repair and debris removal, replacing lost documents, and understanding your rights as a tenant or landlord. Click here to download the manual.

Disaster hotline

Residents in the counties listed above can call 800-829-4128 to leave a message about legal issues arising from damage caused by severe storms, damaging wind, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred May 19-27, 2024. When leaving a message, include your name, phone number, and county of residence. Volunteer Missouri lawyers will return calls as soon as possible.

Lawyers have the training and skills to help navigate disagreements that arise after a disaster. Disaster-related legal assistance may include counseling on:

- Landlord-tenant issues and mortgage foreclosures;

- Replacement of wills and other important legal documents lost or destroyed in the disaster;

- Consumer protection issues like price gouging and avoiding contractor scams during the rebuilding process; and

- Life, medical, and property insurance claims.

Consultations with lawyers are confidential.

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

The disaster hotline went live July 29 following President Joe Biden signing a major disaster declaration Gov. Mike Parson requested regarding multiple severe weather systems that generated tornadoes, high winds, and flooding across southern Missouri from May 19-27, 2024.

This declaration allows residents in Barry, Butler, Carter, Howell, New Madrid, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, and Texas counties to receive assistance from FEMA.

Other disaster recovery resources

Biden’s major disaster declaration for Missouri allows residents in Barry, Butler, Carter, Howell, New Madrid, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, and Texas counties to receive assistance from FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. Eligible residents can seek federal assistance with temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses resulting from flooding.

To apply for assistance, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call FEMA’s toll-free application line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Click here to visit FEMA’s disaster assistance page for this specific disaster declaration.

The state’s recovery website, Recovery.mo.gov, offers several resources to help those impacted by disasters. Assistance includes information about debris removal, fraud detection, stress management, family assistance, and more. It also provides outlets for Missouri residents to report scams and road damage.

Individuals with unmet needs impacted by the severe storms in May can contact United Way by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211helps.org for assistance.

The Missouri Bar is a statewide organization dedicated to improving the legal profession, the law, and the administration of justice for all Missourians. Created in 1944 by order of the Supreme Court of Missouri, it serves all 31,000 of Missouri’s practicing lawyers. The Missouri Bar provides a wide range of services and resources to lawyers, the public, the media, and educators. For lawyer and media resources, visit MoBar.org. For information pertinent to the public and educators, visit MissouriLawyersHelp.org.

The YLS Council held its summer meeting in Branson on July 20, combining business with community service. Prior to their 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. During their meeting, the council welcomed new members and elected a new YLS Council delegate to The Missouri Bar Board of Governors. The council began their meeting with a visit from 2023-2024 Missouri Bar President Megan Phillips, who gave several updates pertaining to the Board of Governors 

 The YLS Council has been active across the state. The “Voices of Columbia” fundraising event, supported by the council, raised over $87,000 for the Heart of Missouri CASA chapter, which benefits children in the foster care system. 

Additionally, the council hosted several diversity networking events in St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield to foster support and connection among young legal professionals. “We had lawyers from all backgrounds and phases of their careers and look forward to another wonderful event in the future,” said YLS Secretary/Treasurer Keegan Tinney.

These initiatives demonstrate the council’s commitment to community service, professional development, and fostering a diverse and inclusive legal community. 

This year’s Snow Ball included a holiday meal, gifts, balloon twisters, and time with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The two YLS groups provided funding for the event and volunteered to serve meals, pour drinks, and wrap and hand out gifts to the families. 

“It is always a moving experience to watch the space fill up with excited children,” Danielle Atchinson, chair-elect for Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Council and LAKC-YLS president, said. “These young lawyers are proud to create a space for these families to be served and experience a little extra holiday cheer!” 

LAKC has hosted this event with local area housing shelters for many years and recently started working with Operation Breakthrough. This year, around 400 children and family members were able to attend – increasing last year’s guest list by 25%.  

“2023 marks another year of giving back to the Kansas City community and spreading holiday cheer,” Kelly Wiegel, committee chair for the event, said. “We look forward to our 2024 Santa’s Snowball partnership with Operation Breakthrough. Giving back is the reason for the holiday season.” 

A 2017 graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, Tinney is a partner at Dryer and Tinney in Joplin. His practice is focused on automobile accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, worker’s compensation, and premises liability cases. He also serves as a special prosecutor in Jasper County.   

Tinney said he is inspired to help others through his practice and community service. 

“I’m driven by the desire to help my clients when they’ve been wronged,” Tinney said. “My clients have often been through a traumatic and sometimes life-changing experience, the last thing they need to deal with is legal matters related to their accident. I want them to focus on themselves and healing.” 

In addition to his practice, Tinney serves as the District 10 representative on The Missouri Bar’s YLS Council and as a delegate for District 22 of the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyer Division. Tinney co-chairs The Missouri Bar YLS Council Disaster Relief Committee, which collaborates with statewide entities to develop and provide resources when disasters occur. This includes Tinney volunteering for the bar's Disaster Recovery Legal Assistance Hotline  where he provides free legal support to Missourians impacted by natural disasterse.  

Tinney also serves on the board of directors for Legal Aid of Western Missouri, is the president of the Jasper County Bar Association, and volunteers with the American Legion Missouri Boys State. 

“Showing up and being in the room where decisions are made allows you to shape those decisions in a way that benefits your clients and the broader community.” Tinney said. “Show up, be present in the room, and don’t throw away your shot to affect change.” 

Click here to learn more about annual awards presented by The Missouri Bar and its Young Lawyers’ Section.  

Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org is a free virtual clinic that allows low- to moderate-income Missourians to ask up to three non-criminal legal questions each year. Missouri lawyers can then voluntarily log into the virtual clinic using a laptop, tablet, or phone whenever and wherever they want to help answer questions.

Cox thought he would play a minor role in Missourians’ lives when he began volunteering for Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org seven years ago. He has since found “a huge sense of fulfillment” in helping residents even better understand their legal rights.

“I quickly learned that simple legal answers that seem second nature and ‘minor’ to us lawyers mean the world to some people who really don’t have access to a lawyer,” he said. “The sincere heartfelt ‘thank you’ replies that I’ve received from some of the users make it all worthwhile. You’re making a difference in their life.”

Cox, with the Law Office of Christopher P. Cox, L.L.C. in Chesterfield, recently answered his 800th question through Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org. Cox focuses on questions regarding estate planning, probate, and trust administration, but has also answers questions related to family law, business, and landlord-tenant issues.

“I’m thrilled that I was able to help that many Missourians who otherwise may not have access to a lawyer, or who, without my advice, may have made some very poor decisions with their legal matter,” Cox said.

Cox said he was impressed by the ease and convenience of Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org for both volunteers and clients.

In today’s digital age, the internet contains thousands of misleading or incorrect legal answers. With Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org, clients know they are receiving legal answers for their exact situations from trusted lawyers.

“It seems that so many people are looking for online answers these days, and Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org allows those people who would otherwise get lost in the system or overlooked to get customized legal advice from a lawyer,” Cox said.

For lawyers who volunteer through Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org, they decide what questions they want to answer and how much time to spend answering questions – whether it’s five minutes or several hours a month. Volunteers can also answer questions from anywhere and at any time. Cox regularly responds to questions through his office computer, tablet, and phone between appointments.

“As strange as it sounds, it’s sort of a relaxing stress-reliever to get on the board and answer a few quick questions,” Cox said. “It is probably one of the easiest pro bono activities out there.”

Cox encouraged lawyers to sign up and devote 10 minutes a week, if they have the time, to answer one legal question on Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org. Once they start, he added, they’ll quickly see how easy it is to help clients.

Click here to sign up to volunteer for Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org.

The Missouri Bar Foundation is a charitable, nonprofit partner to The Missouri Bar that supports lawyers and their families, as well as furthers the law-related education of members and citizens in the state.

Teacher resources

The Missouri Bar Citizenship Education Department received $17,000 total from two foundation grants, each worth $8,500. The grants will help fund an overhaul of The Missouri Bar’s teacher resources webpage on MissouriLawyersHelp.org – including amassing a catalog of lesson plans, presentations, and classroom materials, as well as creating and implementing a marketing strategy to prompt teachers from across Missouri to access the materials.

The Citizenship Education Department already offers several educational events for teachers – like Summer Institute and the Street Law Professional Development Workshop. During these programs, the department shares resources that educators can take back to their classrooms. While many of these materials are already on MissouriLawyersHelp.org, teachers often don’t realize they are available and free to download.

“The teachers who are exposed to materials created by The Missouri Bar use them to achieve extraordinary things in their classrooms,” Dr. Anthony Simones, director of the Citizenship Education Department, states in the grant application. “The problem is that we are reaching only a small percentage of teachers (through Citizenship Education programs) … Our objective is to use the teacher resources webpage to reach a greater number of teachers … across the entirety of Missouri in every setting, from the largest of cities to the most remote of rural locations.”

The department plans to launch the redesigned teacher resources webpage and marketing plan later this year.

Statewide poverty law training

Legal Services of Southern Missouri received a $10,000 grant from The Missouri Bar Foundation on behalf of the state’s four Legal Aid programs – Legal Services of Southern Missouri, Mid-Missouri Legal Services, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, and Legal Aid of Western Missouri – for statewide poverty law training.

The proposed two-day statewide training would focus on landlord-tenant law, domestic violence prevention, elimination of legal barriers to employment, and best practices to assist veterans, among other topics, according to the grant application. These trainings would help about 240 Legal Aid lawyers and staff stay up to date on areas related to poverty law.

“Statewide trainings are a cost-effective way of training large numbers of Legal Aid staff members on changes in the law, particularly those that are uniquely applicable to attorneys representing low-income clients,” the grant application states. “The trainings also facilitate the sharing of information about new best practices that strengthen the programs’ ability to provide high-quality legal representation to all Missourians.”

The Legal Aid programs anticipate conducting the statewide training in fall 2023.

Senior Citizens Handbook

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri received $6,000 from The Missouri Bar Foundation to continue publishing the Senior Citizens Handbook, a legal resource that helps older Missourians understand their legal rights and responsibilities.

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri has partnered with The Missouri Bar since 1977 to produce, publish, and distribute the handbook. The foundation has funded printing services of the handbook since 2011, according to the grant application.

The Senior Citizens Handbook is also available on MissouriLawyersHelp.org.

Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Conference

The Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program received a $1,000 grant from The Missouri Bar Foundation to help with expenses from the 2022 annual Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Conference, which offered educational opportunities for volunteers and committee members who work with MOLAP. Topics at the hybrid event included lawyer wellbeing, mental health, substance recovery, related ethics topics, and more.

The 2022 Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Conference will be rebroadcasted as a webinar from 8 a.m.-12:45 p.m. April 7. Click here to register for the event.

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

“There were a lot of people who helped Joplin through the tornado, so through my legal experience, I want to continue giving back,” said Tinney, who co-founded Dreyer & Tinney Law Firm in Joplin.

March 6-10 was Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Missouri, a time when Missourians are reminded of how to best prepare and protect themselves from natural disasters like tornadoes and flooding. While many residents hope they’ll never need to use these skills or tools, dozens of lawyers – like Tinney – are here to help if disasters do unexpectedly strike.

When disasters occur throughout the state, The Missouri Bar opens its Disaster Recovery Legal Assistance Hotline, a toll-free number – 800-829-4128 – that impacted residents can use to request legal help. Callers leave messages about their legal issues or questions, and volunteer lawyers return the calls within 48 hours to provide free legal support.

The disaster hotline was open from August to December 2022 in response to torrential rain and flash flooding in the St. Louis area in July. It received more than 40 calls, and about 20 clients were referred to lawyers who volunteered to assist with flood-related legal issues and questions. Matters included landlord-tenant issues, insurance, FEMA assistance, and more.

“The disaster hotline is just a really easy, quick way for a lawyer to give back in a minimal capacity from a lawyer standpoint,” Tinney said. “For (a lawyer), it may be 20-30 minutes of work but for that victim, that’s life changing. You’re giving them clear, simple advice that points them in the right direction and helps them get their life back on track after a tragedy strikes.”

Any lawyer can sign up to volunteer with the hotline by clicking here. Volunteers will be asked to specify which areas of law they are willing to help with.

“Regardless of background or their practice, there is a way for a Missouri lawyer to help out,” Tinney said, whether that be by answering specific legal questions or simply explaining how to get new birth certificates and drivers’ licenses.

Along with volunteering for the disaster hotline, Tinney co-chairs The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Council Disaster Relief Committee, which collaborates with statewide entities to develop and provide resources when disasters occur. As the American Bar Association Young Lawyer Division District 22 representative, Tinney is also responsible for coordinating resources and information during times of disaster in Missouri with the ABA, FEMA, State Emergency Management Agency, YLS Council, and others.

“We know that a disaster will strike, and we’ll be ready for it when it does,” Tinney said.

If you would like to volunteer with the disaster hotline or other pro bono activities, click here to view a list of possible opportunities.

Missouri Chief Justice Paul C. Wilson delivers 2023 State of the Judiciary

Missouri Chief Justice Paul C. Wilson focused on the importance of service to Missourians in his State of the Judiciary address to the state legislature earlier this month. He also covered the rule of law, public trust in the judiciary, recognition and competitive compensation for court personnel, technology, and addressing the mental health crisis as it relates to delayed justice.

Click here to read what Wilson had to say during his State of the Judiciary.

Leadership Academy seeks client stories

The Missouri Bar Leadership Academy is working on a project called “My Missouri Lawyer,” which will feature real people who had legal problems that Missouri lawyers helped resolve. These stories will help the public understand the various ways Missouri lawyers work hard to assist people and serve the public.

If you are a member of the public and have a lawyer-success story you want to share, click here. If you are a lawyer who helped a client with their legal needs, click here to share your and your client’s story.

January/February 2023 Journal hits mailboxes

Missouri lawyers received their January/February 2023 copy of the Journal earlier this month, where they could read about three lawyers that met through the profession and fell in love, the “causation question” that centers around murder cases, and more. Missouri Bar Executive Director Mischa Buford Epps also connected with lawyers from across the state to ask what they love most about the legal profession.

Click here to read the full January/February 2023 issue.

“Is It Legal To…?” discusses Black History Month and juvenile law

The Missouri Bar’s “Is It Legal To…?” podcast published two episodes in February highlighting juvenile law, as well as the freedom suits and “The Milly Project.”

In the freedom suits and “The Milly Project” episode, guests Hon. David C. Mason, circuit judge with the 22nd Judicial Circuit, and Christa Moss, civil assistant U.S. attorney, discuss the Freedom Suits Memorial in downtown St. Louis, the award-winning film adaptation “The Milly Project,” and why stories of courageous Black individuals still resonate with the legal profession today. Click here to listen.

In the juvenile law episode, guest Natasha Hastings, chief legal counsel with the St. Charles County Juvenile Office, explores what juvenile law encompasses, how juvenile law differs from other areas of law, and how courts handle crimes involving those under 18 years old. Click here to listen.

Most popular story

As usual, the bar’s most popular articles were January’s In Memoriam, followed by The Missouri Bar’s weekly case summaries. The bar provides links to all hand-downs by the Supreme Court of Missouri and the Missouri Court of Appeals each week online. There are headings and summaries for each case. Summaries are not part of the opinions of the Court. They have been prepared for the convenience of the reader and should not be quoted or cited.

The Missouri Bar makes every effort to provide valuable information and resources through MoBar.org and MissouriLawyersHelp.org. To stay up to date with everything going on, follow The Missouri Bar on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.

The Missouri Bar Leadership Academy is working on a project called “My Missouri Lawyer,” which will feature real people who had real legal problems that Missouri lawyers helped resolve. These stories will help the public understand the various ways Missouri lawyers work hard to assist people and serve the public.

Often when someone discusses a lawyer, the story centers on the their issue and how the justice system handled the problem. But that's just “one side of the coin,” said Brendan Kottenstette, a member of the 2022-23 Leadership Academy class. “My Missouri Lawyer” will spotlight the other side of that coin – how lawyers helped individuals find solutions to legal problems.

“Lawyers (are) … experts at navigating the legal field in a way that defends or upholds their clients’ rights,” Kottenstette added. “Lawyers give a voice to the voiceless, and power to the powerless. These are the stories of Missourians who found solutions to their problems through the help of their Missouri lawyers. How they found a voice. How they found power to. And how this helped them move forward with their lives.”

Have a lawyer-success story you want to share? Click here to share your positive story today.

If you are a lawyer who helped a client with their legal needs, click here to share your and your client’s story.

Each Leadership Academy class contains about a dozen lawyers recently admitted to the bar who have already shown leadership qualities within their communities. Each class is tasked with developing and launching a public service project. “My Missouri Lawyer” is the 2022-23 Leadership Academy class’s public service project.

Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, marks the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Missouri Bar Center will be closed in observance of the holiday.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday in January to honor the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader of the civil rights movement. King was known for his campaign to end racial discrimination in federal and state laws. His work brought about the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and Civil Rights Act of 1964 (access Missouri Bar Citizenship Education lesson plans about the historic legislation here).

Signed into law by President Ronald Reagan 40 years ago in the fall of 1983, the day was designated a National Day of Service by Congress in 1994. Since then, hundreds of organizations have marked the occasion with citizen action and volunteer efforts.

Interested in volunteering but unsure how to get started? Look to local media outlets for events in your community or explore websites like nationalservice.gov and volunteermatch.org to connect you with service opportunities. Missouri lawyers can also volunteer through The Missouri Bar or other organizations to provide pro bono services to Missourians in need. Learn more about pro bono opportunities on the bar's website here. 

1.  Guardian ad Litem Training

Held throughout the year, MoBarCLE’s first 3-hour Guardian ad Litem training in 2023 will be Jan. 20 online. Speakers will discuss issues facing transgender and gender-expansive youth, help lawyers understand the developmental stages of children as a Guardian ad Litem, and review the relationships between childhood trauma and the importance of connections in promoting resiliency in children.

2.  Annual Bankruptcy Institute

The Annual Bankruptcy Institute is an onsite program held March 10 in St. Louis, and March 31 in Kansas City. Designed to give case law updates and discuss current developments in the law, speakers will present on Chapter 13 topics, ethics and bias issues facing lawyers, potential business scenarios, and ethical dilemmas involving fees and disclosures.

3.  Annual Real Estate Institute

The Annual Real Estate Institute will be held April 28 as a half-day online webinar, as well as June 2, and will discuss recent issues related to the practice of real estate law.

4.  Annual Solo & Small Firm Conference

One of the most popular events for solo and small firm lawyers in Missouri, the 2023 Annual Solo & Small Firm Conference will be held June 8-10 at the Margaritaville Resort in Osage Beach. The hybrid conference will feature more than 60 sessions, a plenary by keynote speaker Barron K. Henley on technical and cybersecurity obligations, and breakout sessions on electronic documental and digital security, document automation, and legal technology tips. 

A Boathouse Bash on Thursday will feature a family-friendly event hosted on the JB’s Boathouse patio with BBQ, bowling, and arcade games. On Friday, attendees can attend The Big Game Show, a family-friendly event with a professional-hosted live game show and dinner.

In partnership with the American Bar Association, Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org allows low- to moderate-income Missourians to ask up to three non-criminal legal questions each year. Missouri lawyers can then voluntarily log into the virtual clinic using a laptop, tablet, or phone whenever and wherever to help answer questions.

As of Dec. 19, 2,382 of the 2,680 questions submitted in 2022 have been answered – about 89%. In 2022, lawyers served 2,240 clients through this online service. The three most popular types of questions this past year involved family law, landlord/tenant issues, and debt.

Since launching in 2017, 9,403 clients have been helped and lawyers have answered 10,124 total questions.

Lawyers are not required to devote specific amounts of time to the clinic. You have the flexibility to answer questions whenever and wherever is most convenient for you. In just 15 minutes, you can log into Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org and answer a question, helping a Missourian in need of legal advice. This program improves the public’s access to justice by providing legal answers to individuals who otherwise might not have the ability to get help.

Get into the giving spirit by joining the 280 Missouri lawyers who volunteer for Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org. Click here to sign up to volunteer.

Ben Faber owns Faber Law Firm in his hometown of Columbia and serves as a volunteer criminal defense attorney for the Boone County Veterans Court. Faber has been recognized by The Missouri Bar for his pro bono work by being placed on the 2021 Pro Bono Wall of Fame. A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Law, Faber joined The Missouri Bar in 2013. 

What drives your passion for pro bono?

The outcomes. At Veterans Treatment Court graduation, participants who have successfully completed the program are surrounded by their families, the treatment team, court staff, and other treatment court participants to celebrate the graduates, tell stories of their successes, and give advice to the audience. 

Why do you think lawyers should try to provide pro bono services?

It’s just the right thing to do. There are plenty of people out there who need help and can’t afford it. Missouri lawyers can have a positive impact on someone’s life by donating even a small amount of our time and expertise. It goes a long way not only for the client, but also for the public’s perception of the legal profession.

What do you enjoy most about working with veterans?

Almost all the veterans I represent served post-Vietnam War, so these are all people who made the choice to serve our country. It really is a privilege to be an advocate for individuals with that sense of duty and patriotism. 

What is the best piece of personal advice someone has given you?

Choose friends who you can count on, who are smarter than you, and who have talents that you do not.

If a theme song played every time you entered a courtroom, what song would you choose?

“Wipe the Case Away” by Bobby Shmurda.

Editor’s note: These responses have been edited for clarity and brevity. Do you know someone who should be featured in Meet #MOLawyers? Let us know by emailing nhillen@mobar.org.

We've put together some useful resources below to help you make the most of your membership in the coming year.

Law Practice Management resources

Remember to take advantage of the many law practice management resources available to help you even better serve your clients. Missouri lawyers can schedule free consultations or ask questions of legal experts at Affinity Insight and do online legal research at no cost through Fastcase. In addition, you  have access to LawyerSearch, which is designed to link lawyers with new clients. You can also browse the white papers, checklists, comparison charts, and articles on The Missouri Bar's website, and shop for insurance to protect your business, your family, and your employees.

Member services

There are a variety of resources at your disposal to help you build or manage a practice as a Missouri lawyer. Use partners like Clio, CosmoLex, and LawPay to help your practice operate more efficiently, and use tools such as LexisNexis and MoBarNet. The Missouri Bar has several partnerships to help you save on travel and has recently launched a new initiative aimed at improving lawyer health and wellness. Utilize the free Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program for no-cost, professional, and confidential counseling for yourself or immediate family members. Build relationships with lawyers and clients across Missouri by writing for the Journal, joining a committee, or helping the public understand more about our state's legal system. You can also sign in to your MoBar.org account to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge and resources with Missouri lawyers through online communities based on practice areas and settings. Looking for your next career move? Search for jobs using the member portal.

Stay up to date on the law

There’s a lot to keep track of as a lawyer, so let The Missouri Bar help you stay up to date. Get CLE credit with programs like the Annual Law Update to stay informed on the latest case law, attend a full-day conference to connect with colleagues, or opt for a program designed to help improve your well-being. You can also share your expertise with other lawyers and earn CLE credit by presenting at MoBarCLE events.

Pick up a deskbook or guidebook to use as reference while working on cases or preparing for trial; keep track of bills of interest with the Legislative Digest; and stay informed on bills impacting the legal profession with the Government Relations Department. In the event of a misunderstanding between a lawyer and a client, the no-cost Fee Dispute Resolution Program is available to help you address complaints.

We’d love to hear from you

As the official organization of Missouri lawyers, we'd love to hear thoughts on how we can even better serve you in the coming year. Submit any suggestions you may have using our online form.

If you completed pro bono services between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, let The Missouri Bar know by voluntarily reporting your pro bono hours here. here  

Lawyers who report 40 hours or more of pro bono for the calendar year will receive special recognition, including a spot on the annual Missouri Bar Pro Bono Wall of Fame. Click here to see who you know on the 2021 Pro Bono Wall of Fame. 

Then, using #MOLawyers, help us commemorate this year’s National Celebration of Pro Bono by sharing about your work on social media.  

Sophia Bond, Jennifer Hargis, Kate Nolen, Scott Pierson, and Howard Smotkin were recently honored with The Missouri Bar’s

A lawyer with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7, Bond volunteers as guardian ad litem with the Jackson County CASA Pro Bono Attorney Program, representing the best interest of children who have experienced abuse and neglect in their families. In this role, she visits with each child she represents monthly and advocates for them in court cases.

“When I fulfilled my dream of becoming a lawyer, I happily accepted the responsibility of promoting justice and making justice equally accessible through my commitment to public service and pro bono work,” Bond said. “I encourage others to do the same – if not for themselves, for the sake of the public good.”

Hargis is a lawyer with Rooney McBride & Smith LLC in Springfield. She is also a board member of CASA of Southwest Missouri, striving to ensure children have a voice in court proceedings. As a volunteer with the Missouri Veterans Commission’s Legal Assistance Team, Hargis helps veterans and their spouses receive free legal documents like wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.

Being a lawyer is a “special privilege,” Hargis said, one that comes with responsibilities for not only clients, but the whole community.

“Our ethics rules instruct us to provide pro bono services, in recognition of the special place that lawyers hold in our society and our obligation to our fellow citizens and human beings,” Hargis said. “My pro bono work has provided me with the opportunity to meet and understand different people, and to learn new areas of law. The personal growth and fulfillment that doing pro bono work has given me keeps me motivated to continue.”

Nolen is pro bono counsel at Lathrop GPM and helps coordinate the firm’s pro bono practice across offices nationwide. She has volunteered with Jackson County CASA and helped represent families and children in the 16^th Circuit’s Juvenile Court.

“When I’m coordinating pro bono at the firm or just working on my own pro bono matters with Jackson County CASA, I’m reminded how meaningful pro bono work can be,” she said. “I’m pretty sure we all get more from doing pro bono than we give most of the time – whether that’s learning a new skill or gaining perspective – and it’s a fun way to get out of your comfort zone.”

A partner at Twibell Pierson in Springfield, Pierson has become well-known in Missouri for his experience with expungement law, voluntarily helping hundreds of residents through clinics hosted by the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Foundation, Legal Services of Southern Missouri, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City over the last four years. Pierson also trained dozens of volunteer lawyers on the intricacies of expungement law.

Pierson said he believes expungements should be “available at no cost to people.”

“It has been a pleasure working with great lawyers in order to provide expungement services to the individuals who can benefit the most from a fresh start,” he said. “I am excited about future improvements in the expungement law and continuing to work with Clean Slate Clinic serving the Springfield area. In my practice there is nothing as satisfying as being able to expunge someone's criminal record and remove the stigma attached with old criminal history.” 

Smotkin received this year’s Pro Bono Award posthumously, after dying Aug. 9 following a nine-month battle with cancer. He worked at Stone, Leyton and Gershman and was a pro bono lawyer for Meds & Food for Kids, an organization that addresses malnutrition in Haiti. When the organization was founded, Smotkin voluntarily handled the legal work in setting up the nonprofit, getting its tax-exempt status, overseeing construction contracts, advising on employment issues at both the St. Louis and Haiti facilities, and more.

Smotkin was the “voice of common sense and reason” for Meds & Food for Kids for nearly 20 years and was instrumental in building it from the ground up, said Hon. Michael W. Wolff, who nominated Smotkin for the award. Wolff is a retired Supreme Court of Missouri judge and professor emeritus and former dean of Saint Louis University School of Law.

“This remarkable organization in large part owes its existence and its ability to render its services to Howard Smotkin, who truly has been the organization’s unpaid and essential ‘wise man.’” Wolff said. “He has been for this Meds & Food for Kids organization – as he has for many of his regular clients – a true hero, a great model for the kind of servant-leaders and generous professionals that we want lawyers to be.”

Click here to learn more about annual awards presented by The Missouri Bar, The Missouri Bar Foundation, and other entities. Read about other 2022 award winners here.

Legal Services of Southern Missouri is a nonprofit that provides case representation and advice on civil matters to low-income residents in 43 counties across southern Missouri. Its Board of Directors – which includes lawyers and non-lawyers – helps ensure Legal Services of Southern Missouri is fulfilling its mission of helping clients.

Fuhrman is first assistant prosecuting attorney of the major crimes unit for the Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Office. A graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, Fuhrman was admitted to The Missouri Bar in 2009.

“Access to the courts is a fundamental right which is necessary to safeguard rights of citizens,” Fuhrman said. “I believe the function of Legal Services of Southern Missouri to be of the utmost importance to assist individuals who cannot afford legal services to have access to the court system.”

Hutson is the owner of The Hutson Law Firm, LLC in Lebanon. She also served as associate circuit court judge for Laclede County. A graduate of Washburn University School of Law, Hutson was admitted to The Missouri Bar in 1992.

Hutson was first appointed to the LSSM Board of Directors in 2015.

Stenger is the president and CEO of Springfield Land, L.P., focusing on the development of residential communities in Springfield and Greene County. A graduate of the University of Southern California, Stenger was admitted to The Missouri Bar in 1993.

Stenger was first appointed to the LSSM Board of Directors in 2018.

“Access to justice is a pivotal component in so many other things that impact under resourced individuals and families,” Stenger said in her statement of interest.

Their terms will end August 2028.

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.

In partnership with the American Bar Association, Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org allows low- to moderate-income Missourians to ask up to three non-criminal legal questions each year. Missouri lawyers can then voluntarily log into the virtual clinic using a laptop, tablet, or phone whenever and wherever.

Of the 2,162 questions submitted in 2022, lawyers have answered nearly 90% of them – specifically 1,940 questions. Since Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org launched in 2017, over 9,000 Missourians have been served, with Missouri lawyers answering 9,682 questions.

Help observe National Celebration of Pro Bono this week by signing up to be a volunteer for Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org. And check out other local pro bono opportunities and resources here.

In recognition of National Celebration of Pro Bono this week, below are nearly 100 Missouri lawyers who reported 40 or more hours of pro bono services in 2021. Join The Missouri Bar in celebrating these lawyers who help close the access to justice gap! And don’t forget to report your pro bono hours by June 2023 to earn your spot on the 2022 Pro Bono Wall of Fame.

Omobolanle A. Adeniran

Joseph Paul Barker

Jessica Lynn Barranco

Alexa Brianne Barton

Michael Alan Becker

Daniel Clements Berezoski

Kristy Lynn Borders

Robert James Bowman

Johnda R. Boyce

J. Michael Bridges

Clayton Tyndale Buckner

Mary Patricia Carl

David H. Chervitz

Caroline Grace Chicoine

Jared Micah Cluck

Jacqueline Kiley Coffman

Mackenzie Ann Conway

Nichole Marie Costanzo

Anastassia Andreyvna Dambrouskaya

Maysa Hassan Daoud

Louis C. DeFeo, Jr.

Sarah Michael Donelan

Molly Louise Dugan

Kristen Wagner Durant

Ronald J. Eisenberg

Benjamin Sidney Faber

Eric Richard Fencl

Sandra P. Ferguson

Tara L Ficken

Elizabeth LaFoe Frederick

Kara Renee Fussner

Kyle Louis Garcia

Melissa Ann Glauber

Ginger Kay Gooch

Meredith Ann Hammers

Lauren Hunter Haskins

Michaeli Miracle Hennessy

Catherine Hensler-Dickenson

Caroline Luepke Hermeling

Tamar Elise Hodges

Emily Holtzman

Isaac Abraham Idicula

Karin Marie Jacoby

Jack William James

Tierra Jones

Ani Morbeck Kaufmann Mamisashvili

Susan Kephart

Robert Wade Kerrigan

Amrita Khurana

Andrea Marie Kimball

Christopher Michael Kline

Judith Ann Lawson

Meghan Elizabeth Lewis

Katesha Denise Long

Kayla Micah Loveless

Landon Wade Magnusson

Bruce Conrad Mahr

Diana Rose Mallon

Benjamin Franklin Mann

Brendan McDermott

Megan E. McLean

Larry L. McMullen

Daniel Paul Meany

James Roger Montgomery

Mary Katherine Mullen

Theresa Marie Mullineaux

Nicole Marie Multer

Zaina Afrassiab Niles

William Paul Nulton

John Patrick O'Connor

Cooper Robert Page

Robert Grant Pennell

Cynthia Lee Phillips-Cordes

Bernardo Zito Porto

Jessica Nicole Quintero

Kip Benjamin Randall

Robert Liam Reilly

Nancy Rose Richards

Laura Cathleen Robinson

Aleksandra Ostojic Rushing

Lynn Ryan

Michael Ryan Scott

Nacente Shikira Seabury

Courtney Steelman

Megan Sword

Bryan Tehrani

Sally Herr Townsley

Matthew Brian Vianello

Mary Grace Monaco Warren

Emily Butler Waters

Matthew Garth Wayman

Brock Jordan West

Ryan Landon White

Lucas Allen Whited

Larissa Marie Whittingham

Shari L. Wright

Brendan Robert Zee-Cheng

Sarah Louise Zimmerman

How can you participate?

• Volunteer with organizations: The Missouri Bar maintains a list of pro bono volunteer opportunities, including several with organizations like Mid-Missouri Legal Services Corp, The Missouri Senior Legal Helpline, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Missouri State Public Defender System, and more. Click here to view the full list.
• Help with Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org: The Missouri Bar’s free online legal clinic is a vital resource for low-income Missourians. At Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org, citizens with civil legal concerns can ask questions — and you can sign in and answer them whenever and wherever it is convenient for you.
• Assist with the Disaster Recovery Legal Assistance Hotline: In the event of a natural disaster, The Missouri Bar can activate a special toll-free number to take requests for legal help from impacted Missourians. When appropriate, callers are referred to lawyers who offer volunteer telephone consultations, providing free legal advice for disaster-related issues. The Missouri Bar recently activated the hotline in response to flooding in the St. Louis area. Learn how you can volunteer with the hotline here.
• Waive your enrollment fee through pro bono service: Rule 6.01 allows Missouri lawyers to seek waivers of annual enrollment fees in exchange for providing pro bono service and agreeing to not be compensated for any legal work performed during the waiver period. Click here to learn how you can waive your enrollment fee by providing pro bono services.
• Collaborate with others: From committees and appointments to presenting CLE programs or writing for MissouriLawyersHelp.org, there are many ways lawyers can be involved in The Missouri Bar and come together to help others. Learn more here. The Missouri Bar welcomes your active participation.
• Post on social media - Follow along with The Missouri Bar’s social media and blog posts this week to learn more about our Pro Bono Publico award winners, pro bono resources, and other ways you can get involved. Feel free to post your own pro bono successes using #CelebrateProBono and #MOLawyersHelp.

Click here to learn more about pro bono resources The Missouri Bar and ABA offer.

Hundreds of Missouri lawyers volunteer their time and expertise each year to help individuals who cannot afford to access legal services. This week, we thank all of those who have taken time out of their busy lives to assist others.

Help recognize National Celebration of Pro Bono week this year by finding a way to use your unique skills to benefit your community.

Members can seek a waiver of the annual enrollment fee in exchange for providing pro bono service and agreeing to not be compensated for any legal work performed during the waiver period. Lawyers whose Missouri license is in good standing may file a request for waiver if the lawyer provides or agrees to provide pro bono legal services in Missouri to an approved legal assistance organization. The lawyer must also meet Rule 6.01 requirements.

To apply, complete the Request for Pro Bono Waiver of Annual Enrollment Fee form if you can agree to:  

• Not practice law in Missouri except as a pro bono lawyer and won’t seek or receive any compensation of any kind for legal services provided;
• Participate and comply with any training provided by the legal assistance organization where you are performing pro bono service;
• Comply with all Rule 15 minimum continuing legal education requirements; 
• Confirm you are in good standing in all states, territories, or districts where licensed; 
• Submit a certification form from the approved legal assistance organization indicating the organization’s willingness to accept your pro bono services; 
• Understand that the waiver is only valid for one calendar year; and  
• Notify the clerk within 30 days if participation with the approved legal assistance organization ends. 

Submit the completed form and required materials to: 

Missouri Attorney Enrollment Office
Supreme Court of Missouri
P.O. Box 150
Jefferson City, MO 65102  

Once received, the clerk will determine whether to approve your pro bono waiver based on several factors, including the number of lawyers applying, the needs of the organization you would be assisting, the willingness of the approved legal assistance organization to accept pro bono legal assistance from you, and the overall impact of administering the waiver rule. 

If approved, the waiver is valid through the calendar year. A lawyer with a pro bono waiver may annually seek to renew the waiver by submitting a statement by Nov. 1 each year certifying the following: 

• Continuation of pro bono legal services to an approved legal assistance organization;
• Number of pro bono hours provided in the prior year; and
• ​​​​​​​Commitment to continue to participate in any training required by the approved legal assistance organization.

Any training required by the approved legal assistance organization which qualifies for MCLE credit also counts toward your annual Rule 15 CLE requirements. Approved legal assistance organizations must supply the clerk of the Supreme Court the following to qualify:  

• Names and bar numbers of those coordinating the pro bono services of lawyers who have applied for the waiver; and​​​​​​​
• Certification that the organization has professional liability malpractice insurance and the amount of such insurance which will cover lawyers performing pro bono services via the waiver program.

This pro bono waiver opportunity went into effect January 2020 following the Supreme Court of Missouri revision of Rule 6.01.

During a July 29 event, JVM presented $10,000 to Building Bridges; $5,000 to Lafayette House; $2,500 to The Alliance of Southwest Missouri; and $2,500 to The Children’s Center.

The donations highlight the firm’s commitment to helping individuals in their community have equal access to justice. The firm regularly volunteers with community organizations and is known for its annual donation of cold weather sweatshirts and beanies to elementary school children.

“For 20 years we’ve been standing up for people who need an advocate,” said JVM Partner Roger Johnson. “Whether we’re working for a client or serving the community, the greatest honor we have is creating impact for those who need it.”

The Missouri Bar knows lawyers are committed to helping others through volunteering and pro bono work. Use #MOLawyersHelp to showcase the service of Missouri lawyers, or email nhillen@mobar.org to be featured in The Missouri Bar’s newsroom content.

Picture: Scott Vorhees shakes hands with Jen Black, advisory board member of Building Bridges. Photo credit: Mark N Photography

When disasters occur throughout the state, The Missouri Bar opens a toll-free number – 800-829-4128 – that residents impacted by the disasters can use to request legal help. Callers leave messages about their legal issues or questions, and volunteer lawyers return the calls within 48 hours to provide free legal assistance. Volunteer lawyers cannot represent callers in court or accept callers as paying clients.

The disaster hotline is currently open to residents in the City of St. Louis  along with St. Charles and St. Louis counties who were victims of the July 25-28 flooding.

While any Missouri lawyer can volunteer with the disaster hotline, St. Louis area lawyers are highly encouraged to sign up. Lawyers can assist with various disaster-related legal problems like landlord-tenant issues, replacement of important legal documents, insurance claims, and contractor scams.

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

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

Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org is a free virtual legal advice clinic where low to moderate income Missourians can ask up to three non-criminal legal questions each year, answered by volunteer Missouri lawyers. Produced in partnership with The Missouri Bar and the American Bar Association, Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org launched in January 2017.

Pennell is one of 288 registered volunteers with the program. He became a volunteer in early 2017 because he wants to help Missourians even better improve their lives by answering residents’ legal questions and explaining how the law applies to their situations.

“So many Missourians misunderstand how the law works or have gross misconceptions as to what the law actually provides,” Pennell said. “When I outline things for a Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org client, most are extremely appreciative – even if it isn’t favorable – as they generally want to know where they stand to make the best decision going forward.”

Since January 2017, more than 9,000 client questions have been answered through Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org.

Pennell founded The Law Offices of Robert Grant Pennell, LLC in Manchester, where he has represented companies of all sizes in business, employment, and unemployment legal matters. Because of his background, Pennell gravitates towards questions involving business, landlord-tenant, employment, and basic litigation issues in the virtual clinic.

Prior to volunteering with Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org, Pennell was active on other legal forums. When he heard of the virtual clinic, he said it made sense to extend his expertise to that platform so he could more directly and privately help Missourians with their legal needs.

“Unlike the public forums I had been using, Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org allows me to engage Missourians needing assistance in an almost traditional fashion – not merely providing a quick answer but actually going back and forth to address all concerns,” he said, adding he has offered to speak with clients on the phone in some circumstances.

Of the more than 10,500 questions that have been submitted to Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org since its launch over five years ago, Pennell has answered more than 1,000 of those, helping hundreds of Missourians.

“Quite frankly, I had no idea I had answered that many questions,” he said. “I do it because I enjoy helping folks. It seems like a fairly cool milestone.”

Any licensed Missouri lawyer can volunteer to answer questions on Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org, which provides an opportunity to perform pro bono work in a completely flexible way. Visit Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org and click on “Volunteer Attorney Registration” to volunteer today!

American Legion Missouri Boys and Girls State

Missouri Boys and Girls State are programs founded in 1938 and 1940, respectively, to provide high school students with an appreciation and knowledge of democratic principles. Each year, 1,000 young men and 800 young women attend these week-long programs focusing on democracy, citizenship, and civic engagement.

The programs are held in June at the University of Central Missouri, featuring a total immersion into the democratic process. Students are divided into cities, counties, and political parties and run for governmental and political positions that mirror the real world. The foundation’s grant helped underwrite the cost of law school faculty and print the numerous forms, booklets, manuals, and other instructional materials provided to the participants in these programs.

Legal Aid of Western Missouri

In 2021, for low-income individuals, the rise in COVID-19 related unemployment led to a housing crisis. The home mortgage delinquency rate, historically 1-2%, increased to more than 8% - the highest rate since the Great Recession. Eviction rates also skyrocketed. Between January 1 and July 31, 2021, 128 housing law cases were resolved, with 50 more pending completion. Another 200-225 housing law case applications are anticipated by year's end.

On behalf of all four legal aid organizations in Missouri, Legal Aid of Western Missouri applied for and received two successive grants to identify and provide specific legal assistance to individuals facing homelessness. The four legal aid programs in Missouri continue to partner with other community agencies that serve low-income individuals to identify those at risk of becoming homeless and provide direct legal aid such as letters of counsel and advice, legal consultation and representation, and court filings and appearances.

Missouri Coalition for the Right to Counsel

Missouri Coalition for the Right to Counsel (MCRC) submitted a request for two years of funding to underwrite five fellowships awarded to graduates with a master’s degree in social work who commit to one year of service at Catholic Legal Assistance Ministries (CLAM), an agency of Catholic Charities; and one year of service with the Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) system through the MCRC.

Clients meeting the threshold of a need for a public defender experience a myriad of intersecting issues - poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, mental illness, and more. Social workers have developed and been trained with the skills to identify, engage with, and provide community referrals to individuals with needs beyond legal assistance. By providing these services in conjunction with lawyers, social workers in public defender and legal assistance offices can assist with a client’s immediate needs, provide empathetic communication skills to develop a strong relationship with clients, and gather life history information for mitigation at sentencing.

The Missouri Bar Citizenship Education Department’s Summer Institute

The Summer Institute annually provides education and training to teachers from public, parochial, and private schools across the state on the latest developments in constitutional law, as well as methodologies that promote an interactive learning environment and critical thinking among students.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the institute was held virtually hosting 24 teachers, representing every part of Missouri, from small as well as large schools, with rural and urban student populations benefitting from this teacher-focused training.

Additionally, The Missouri Bar Citizenship Education Department provides training and resources throughout the state to teachers, community groups, and individuals. Funds provided by The Missouri Bar Foundation support the development of programs, the distribution of materials, and the ongoing education of the public in civics.

The Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Foundation’s Student Law Academy

This grant facilitated the creation of a pre-law fellowship that aids scholars of the KCMBA Student Law Academy (SLA) to be admitted to the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law and, ultimately, become licensed Missouri lawyers. The SLA provides under-served high school students with meaningful exposure to careers in the legal profession and a broad overview of the legal system. The fellowship provides funds to graduates of the high school SLA program for LSAT fees and law school application expenses. Participation in the fellowship will also include lawyer mentors, LSAT and 1L preparation courses, application assistance, interview preparation, letters of recommendation, and networking opportunities.

How you can help

Your support is vital to The Missouri Bar Foundation’s ability to serve as a source of financial assistance for essential projects like these. To learn how you can help Missourians through support of the foundation, click here.

The Missouri Bar, through our Lawyers Living Well Special Committee, has been working diligently to develop programs and resources for Missouri lawyers that facilitate our wellness, as well as that of those who surround us. Those of us who are struggling often avoid showing it to the outside world. From small, but unjustified, expressions of anger to concerning substance use or even suicide, the manifestations of our challenges are as different as they are certain. 

Well-Being Week in Law is May 2-6. The Missouri Bar is committed to keeping the interests of our members front and center, including by harnessing the momentum of the national lawyer well-being movement with our own offerings, which include suggested activities and resources tied to physical, spiritual, intellectual, social, and emotional well-being. It is our continuing hope that Missouri lawyers connect with these efforts generally and participate in offerings of interest during Well-Being Week in Law.

Specific information about the programs and resources mentioned above, as well as the overall laudable work of our Lawyers Living Well Special Committee, can be found at MoBar.org or by joining the conversation on its social media platforms using #MOLawyersLivingWell and #WellBeingWeekinLaw.

We care about you and strive to provide content and resources to help whenever and however your personal well-being (or that of those with whom you are surrounded) may require.

 

Does your law firm utilize technology that eases your workload by simplifying processes ranging from client intake to final billing? If not, you’re losing valuable time by relying on systems that are both outdated and unrewarding. 

A robust tech stack, or group of technologies a company uses to build or run a project, will help your law firm run smoothly. The first step in identifying the technology that will be most useful to your firm is to conduct a tech audit.  

We’ve put together a list of the technologies you need to ensure streamlined productivity and business continuity.  

Computer hardware: this includes desktops, laptops, scanners, printers, and other peripherals.  

Client intake forms: online intake forms simplify the process of taking on new clients and make it easy for potential clients to provide contact information via your law firm’s website at any time, day or night.  

Lead management: lead management features centralize data and help your firm streamline intake and tracking processes. Additionally, analytic tools track and provide insight into leads as they’re added and converted.  

VOIP software and virtual receptionists: these tools facilitate communication from any location regardless of the circumstances and ensure your law firm never misses a call.  

Contact management: a contact management system connects all your firm’s contacts to the relevant files in your system, ensuring that client and contact information are readily accessible.  

Legal calendaring: online legal calendaring tools help manage deadlines. By providing oversight features and shared calendar access to all firm members, everyone is on the same page and crucial tasks are never forgotten. 

Document management: legal document management software provides 24/7 access to your law firm’s documents and a built-in organizational system.  

Document automation: document automation makes it easy to create document templates, which can be used to create new documents such as intake forms, retainer agreements, and pleadings.  

E-signature: use E-signature  to get documents signed online by adding a signature template into a document.  

Automated task management and workflows: use task management tools to track projects or create case workflows so you never miss important deadlines. 

Time-tracking tools: record all billable activities by tracking and entering time contemporaneously from any location, at any time of any day.  

Online invoicing: create client invoices quickly and easily, and share them instantaneously with clients. 

Online payment processing: set up online payment processing tools so your clients can easily pay legal bills via ACH (e-check) or credit card payments. 

Client portals: offer clients instant access to information about their cases with client portals so they can quickly and easily find answers to their questions. 

Online Fax: online faxing makes it easy to send and receive documents in a digital format. Documents can be exchanged via email, an online portal, or via a smartphone app. 

Real-time chat: real-time chat allows lawyers to instantly communicate and collaborate with their colleagues. 

Video conferencing: use video conferencing to have secure, encrypted face-to-face video meetings with clients, work colleagues, and co-counsel.  

Law practice management software: law practice management software centralizes law firm data, including contacts, calendars, invoicing, time-tracking, documents, internal and external communications, and financial data.  

Missouri Bar members receive discounted rates on top practice management solutions, including a 10% discount on MyCase.  

Missouri Bar members have access to more than a 100 white papers, comparison charts, and checklists to help identify the tech-related needs of their firm, research and compare solutions, and implement these solutions through Missouri Bar Practice Management. Have legal technology or practice management questions? Members can schedule a no-cost, one-on-one consultation with the experts from Affinity Consulting.  

Reprinted with permission of MyCase. Originally published here. 

The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Council built on-the-go kits in late February for families being served by the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City. YLS members assembled 125 kits that included water and various snacks. 

See what your YLS Council is doing for the community! Most recently, it was building snack kits for families with sick children! Read more here --> https://t.co/qjqIEgIVcP #MOLawyersHelp pic.twitter.com/sAPdzqK0vP

— MOBar YLS (@MOBarYLS) March 24, 2022

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City serves the pediatric hospitals in the Kansas City metro area. It is part of the national Ronald McDonald House Charities, which helps keep families close while their children receive medical care.   

In March, several lawyers with McShane & Brady, LLC sported green t-shirts while passing out candy during the popular Brookside St. Patrick’s Day parade in Kansas City. 

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Brookside St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday. It turned out to be a beautiful day. We are looking forward to the parade next year. #stpatricksdayparade #brooksideparade #championsfortheinjured pic.twitter.com/7ptcO4zACN

— McShane & Brady, LLC (@mcshanebradylaw) March 21, 2022

The Missouri Bar knows lawyers are committed to helping others through volunteering and pro bono work. Use #MOLawyersHelp to showcase the service of Missouri lawyers! 

 The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Council hosted a local community service project Feb. 25 to benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Kansas City. A key part of the section’s mission is to enhance the professional growth and public service of new and recently admitted Missouri lawyers.  

While COVID-19 precautions prevented the council from serving the residents in person, group members came together to build on-the-go kits for the families being served by the local charity. YLS members assembled 125 kits including water and various snack options for the ease and convenience of these families for their trips to and from local hospitals.  

The Ronald McDonald House serves all pediatric hospitals in the Kansas City metro area, keeping families with sick children close to each other and near the care and resources they need. For more information on The Missouri Bar’s Young Lawyers’ Section click here.  

In mid-December, Polsinelli hosted a luncheon for the Black Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City, a not-for-profit corporation that promotes, sustains, and maintains economic progress for Black-owned businesses in the Kansas City area. During the luncheon, the Black Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City launched Stronger Together KC, a two-part economic development initiative.

We were honored to have the opportunity to host and sponsor the @BlackChamberKC and support its mission of assisting, promoting and supporting African Americans in achieving economic prosperity and economic independence.

Read more [subscription required]: https://t.co/DbfuoldILa pic.twitter.com/UeRiUgE3by

— Polsinelli (@Polsinelli) December 13, 2021

The first part, known as Close the Gap, will provide resources to Black-owned businesses in under-resourced communities. The second prong – Cyber to Schools – is a program that provides educational opportunities to K-12 students to compete for technology careers.

“Polsinelli is a proud sponsor and supporter of The Black Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City's mission of assisting, promoting and supporting African Americans in achieving economic prosperity and economic independence,” a January news release stated.

The Missouri Bar knows lawyers are committed to helping others through volunteering and pro bono work. Use #MOLawyersHelp to showcase the community service you or your firm provide throughout the year!

Today we honor the life & achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader of the civil rights movement. On this day of service, consider helping close the access to justice gap with opportunities found at https://t.co/m7jrHZTqaA or https://t.co/NC65PBMyvF. #MOLawyersHelp pic.twitter.com/o6ZUaJugZm

— The Missouri Bar (@mobarnews) January 17, 2022

The Polsinelli law firm partnered with the Jewish Family Services’ Family Empowerment Program to collect and donate money and supplies to create holiday activity baskets for families in the Shawnee Mission School District that were either experiencing or at risk of homelessness.  

The Family Empowerment Project is a partnership between Jewish Family Services of Greater Kansas City and the Shawnee Mission School District developed to identify families at risk of homelessness and help those families find long-term stable housing by connecting them to services like food pantries, employment assistance, and governmental benefit programs, according to a news release from JFS. 

“Homelessness is stressful on every member of a family,” said Greg Kratofil, Polsinelli shareholder and Kansas City office managing partner. “Anything that can be done to provide comfort and support family togetherness during this time is so important.” 

The Missouri Bar knows lawyers are committed to helping others through volunteering and pro bono work. Use #MOLawyersHelp to showcase the service of Missouri lawyers!

In 2020, Missouri lawyers provided more than 12,141 hours of pro bono legal services, which showcases the commitment bar members have to equal access to justice. Click here to learn how you can participate in pro bono work. 

Five lawyers – Will Goldstein, Tamar E. Hodges, Roland B. Miller III, Erica Mynarich, and Patricia D. Perkins – were also recognized for their pro bono services by receiving this year’s Pro Bono Publico Awards. These five lawyers have provided countless hours of free or reduced-fee services.  

Lawyers have “a moral obligation to help those who cannot help themselves” Hodges said. These five lawyers agreed that pro bono work helps drive their passions for law. 

“Pro bono work of all attorneys stems from a desire to do good and to improve at least our little corner of the world through improving the lives of our clients,” Perkins said. “I also find it immensely rewarding personally to be able to provide a service to people that they would not have access to otherwise in an effort to improve their lives and or at least their present circumstances.” 

Click here to read more about the 2021 Pro Bono Publico Award recipients. 

The Missouri Bar knows lawyers are committed to helping others through volunteering and pro bono work. Use #MOLawyersHelp to showcase the service of Missouri lawyers! 

Will Goldstein, Tamar E. Hodges, Roland B. Miller III, Erica Mynarich, & Patricia D. Perkins received the 2021 Pro Bono Publico Awards for providing free or reduced-fee services to residents. Congratulations! 🎉 Learn more about these #MOLawyers ➡️ https://t.co/JiEVL4zzos pic.twitter.com/7FpMAsxzs2

— The Missouri Bar (@mobarnews) October 13, 2021

How can you participate?

• Get involved: From committees and appointments to presenting CLE programs or writing for MissouriLawyersHelp.org, there are many ways to be involved as a member. Learn more here. We welcome your active participation.
• Rule 6.01: The Supreme Court of Missouri has approved revisions to Rule 6.01 that allow members to seek a waiver of annual enrollment fees in exchange for providing pro bono service and agreeing to not be compensated for any legal work performed during the waiver period.
• Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org: Our free online legal clinic is a vital resource for low-income Missourians. At Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org, citizen with civil legal concerns can ask questions—and you can log in and answer them when it is convenient for your schedule, while still helping others.
• Disaster Recovery Legal Assistance Hotline: Another option for volunteer service is The Missouri Bar's Disaster Recovery Legal Assistance Hotline: In the event of a natural disaster, The Missouri Bar can activate a special toll-free number to take requests for legal help from impacted Missouri residents. When appropriate, callers are referred to lawyers who offer a volunteer telephone consultation, providing free legal advice for disaster-related issues.
• Social media - Follow along with The Missouri Bar’s social media and blog posts this week to learn more about our Pro Bono Publico award winners and other ways you can get involved. Feel free to post your own pro bono successes using #CelebrateProBonoWeek and #MissouriLawyersHelp.

Hundreds of Missouri lawyers volunteer their time and expertise each year to help individuals who cannot afford to access legal services. This week, we thank all of those who have taken time out of their busy lives to assist others.

Help celebrate National Pro Bono Week this year by finding a way to use your unique skills to benefit your community.