Top takeaways: March/April 2024 Journal of The Missouri Bar

There can be any number of challenges to putting together a successful case of automobile negligence on behalf of an injured plaintiff. But when the defendant involves a government entity or employee, governmental immunity can create additional challenges. Read Scott Templeton’s explanation for why sovereign immunity caps do not apply to motor vehicle negligence claims against individual government employee defendants.

Gratitude. Whether it’s for the judiciary, legislators, or citizens, Chief Justice Mary R. Russell describes why we all have a reason to be grateful in the 2024 State of the Judiciary. But there are also challenges on the horizon that will require collaboration between all branches of government. Read Russell’s full State of the Judiciary speech.

Audits from the Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel can be stressful and nerve wracking. Kelly Dillon, OCDC fraud and investigative examiner, describes real-life cases she has seen over the years and provides tips on lawyer trust accounting in the latest “Ethics” piece.

Hon. Ron Carrier, Mark Blanton, and Carleigh Cavender give shoutouts to their professional mentors in this issue’s “Closing statements.” For the chance to be featured in the next issue of the Journal, let us know how you maintain a work-life balance: mobar.wufoo.com/forms/closing-statements.

Considering texting clients? Click here to read the pros, cons, and other considerations.

The Journal of The Missouri Bar is the official publication of The Missouri Bar. Published six times annually, the Journal carries substantive articles on timely legal issues, as well as regular columns, practice management articles, and features covering cutting-edge topics that are trending in the legal profession. Notices of Supreme Court of Missouri rule changes, upcoming meetings, continuing legal education programs, and more may also be found in each issue. Read the full March/April issue here.