Top takeaways: May/June 2024 Journal of The Missouri Bar

In celebration of The Missouri Bar’s 80th anniversary, we’ve compiled photos over the years showing how lawyers have worked together to improve the legal profession, the administration of justice, and the law on behalf of the public. View the photos here. Missouri Bar Executive Director Mischa Buford Epps and 2023-24 Missouri Bar President Megan Phillips also describe the dedication lawyers have shown over the last eight decades in their “Executive summary” and “President’s Page” columns.

A court may reduce a sentence if it finds that “extraordinary and compelling reasons warrant such a reduction” and the decision is consistent with policy statements from the Sentencing Commission, but what happens when the Sentencing Commission’s authority comes into question? Andrew Graeve analyzes the controversy and confusion surrounding the Sentencing Commission's authority to define what is “extraordinary and compelling” to warrant reducing federal sentences.

There are numerous actions, and in some cases inactions, which violate the Rules of Professional Conduct and can lead to an admonition. In the latest “Ethics” article, Cecilia Young, with the Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel, describes real-life examples of violations to help lawyers avoid complaints that may result in an admonition. 

With numerous Missouri Bar networking and continuing legal education opportunities this summer, Jeffrey Krause and Jeffrey Schoenberger, with Affinity Consulting Group, outline five travel considerations to help make your conference experience even more successful – and stress-free. 

Erica Mynarich, Christine Novak, and Benjamin Stringer provide insight into how they maintain a well-balanced life in this issue’s “Closing statements.” For the chance to be featured in the next issue of the Journal, let us know what your favorite tips are for networking with fellow lawyers: mobar.wufoo.com/forms/closing-statements.

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 May/June issue here.