Top takeaways: March/April 2026 Journal of The Missouri Bar

The Supreme Court of Missouri recently issued new rules restructuring the disciplinary system, consolidating all complaint investigations within the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel starting in 2027. Here's what Missouri lawyers need to know about the restructure.

In contemporary legal practice, Missouri lawyers across a wide range of disciplines increasingly encounter transactions, planning matters, and disputes that implicate § 1031 deferral rules and Delaware Statutory Trust investment structures. In the latest Journal, author Benjamin Newhouse explains the basics of § 1031 exchanges, the structure and advantages of DSTs, important legal considerations, and best practices for advising clients.

For the last 85 years, Missouri’s Non-Partisan Court Plan has continued its tradition of attracting high-quality judges in the least political way, ultimately giving the people the final say. Commonly known as The Missouri Plan, it aims to select judges based on merit, not politics or popularity, and keep the selection process transparent and open to the public. Learn more about the plan's history, how it works, and why it continues to be right for Missouri in this article.

AI is powerful, but it is not magical. Like any other tool in your firm, AI can help or hurt depending on how — and where — Missouri lawyers use it. Learn how you can leverage AI effectively in certain situations, with minimal risks and maximum results, so you can even better serve your clients.

A quick, specific “thank you” can do more than brighten someone’s day. It can strengthen Missouri lawyers’ sense of purpose and motivate them to continue practicing at their best. Read more about the power of gratitude in the legal profession and download a gratitude gram .

Download and read the full Journal here.