Top takeaways: January/February 2026 Journal of The Missouri Bar

While the Missouri Business Premises Safety Act was meant to codify common law, author Ty Kalleck argues its "peculiar and contradicting language" is leading to confusion among Missouri lawyers. Read more about the act and how Kalleck says it should be clarified.

Have you ever heard a colleague say something is required, or not required, by the Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct and wondered, “Is that right?” Melinda J. Bentley, legal ethics counsel for the Office of Legal Ethics Counsel, breaks down 10 scenarios to help Missouri lawyers separate fact from fiction when complying with the Rules of Professional Conduct. Quiz your knowledge here.

In December, the Supreme Court of Missouri updated redaction requirements. As lawyers review their redaction process, they can follow this step-by-step guide for redacting easily in Adobe Acrobat Pro to continue protecting clients' sensitive information.

In her column, Missouri Bar President Athena Dickson asks Missouri lawyers to consider joining The Missouri Bar's network of lawyer-leaders. This network is made up of individuals willing to help educate Missouri residents about The Missouri Plan and the judicial retention process. Learn more and sign up.

In the latest issue of the Journal, Nicholas Jain, 2025-2026 Chair of the Young Lawyers’ Section, reflects on the evolution of the YLS and the impact it has had on both Missouri lawyers and local communities. Read his thoughts here.