The Saint Louis Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL), is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Spirit of Justice Awards.
The Spirit of Justice Award recognizes lawyers, non-lawyers and organizations/programs that have demonstrated accomplishment, leadership and integrity in fostering and maintaining the rule of law, and in facilitating and promoting improvement of the administration of justice.
“The Spirit of Justice Award honors individuals and organizations that represent the best of our legal system and our shared commitment to fairness,” said Morgan Murphy, Esq., president of the Saint Louis Bar Foundation. “We are proud to recognize these four honorees who lead with integrity, strengthen the rule of law, and improve access to justice for their communities.”
There are four Spirit of Justice Award recipients in the 2026 class.
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Bill Bay
During his tenure as president of the American Bar Association, Bay demonstrated exceptional leadership and integrity in fostering and maintaining the rule of law. He is a past president of BAMSL and a past member of The Missouri Bar Board of Governors, where he chaired several committees.
Bay has been selected to co-chair several statewide commissions focused on increasing access and opportunities for women attorneys; achieving equal access to justice for litigants, regardless of race or ethnicity; and exploring the future of the legal profession in Missouri. He currently co-chairs the Supreme Court of Missouri’s Commission on Racial and Ethnic Fairness and is a partner at Thompson Coburn.
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Through its comprehensive, mission-driven programming, the Fathers & Families Support Center demonstrates sustained leadership, integrity, and tangible impact in strengthening families, advancing equity, and improving the administration of justice. FFSC regularly partners with BAMSL to assist with making the annual Motion for Kids holiday party successful. FFSC not only serves families; it strengthens the justice system itself by fostering accountability, healing and opportunity for parents and children alike.
Since 2022, HSSU has played a vital role in assisting BAMSL and the Saint Louis Bar Foundation in hosting the annual Motion for Kids holiday party serving up to 2,000 children currently in foster care or who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. When HSSU learned of the program, they generously offered the Emerson Performance Center without hesitation and at no charge. HSSU also donates event security, complimentary parking, student volunteers and custodial services.
The Migrant and Immigrant Community Action Project has grown to help an incredible number of immigrants and refugees find a new beginning, safety and sense of calm. MICA members work to ensure that the rights of migrants and immigrants are respected. The MICA Project utilizes legal services, organizing, advocacy and education to promote the voice and human dignity of immigrant communities.
The award recipients will be honored on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza in St. Louis.
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