Robert Tomaso
Office Managing Partner, Husch Blackwell LLP
BAMSL President, 2021-22
Originally published in the July 2021 issue of the St. Louis Lawyer magazine. Download PDF.
Who is ready to finally get the chance to head to the Lake of the Ozarks for a fun-filled BAMSL Bench & Bar Conference? Given what we have seen so far as we return to in-person events, I think that BAMSL members are excited and ready to get out and network and socialize with their colleagues.
I can assure you that the 2021 Judge Kintz Memorial Bench & Bar Conference is going to be in person this year, with a virtual option for anyone who is unable to attend in person.
The rescheduled dates for this year's conference are Wed., Aug. 18-Fri., Aug. 20 and will be held at Camden on the Lake Resort at the Lake of the Ozarks (2359 Bittersweet Road, Lake Ozark, MO 65049).
I chose this year's theme to be "BAMSL Dancing with the Stars." But the real credit for all of the work for this year's event goes to the entire Bench & Bar Committee, including my dear friend Lynn Ann Vogel, who agreed to take charge and organize this year's activities.
And let me tell you, you do not want to miss out on all the great programming and fun social events they have planned.
We are pleased to welcome back our colleagues serving on the federal judiciary, with a session featuring our federal judges from the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, with Jeffery B. Jensen, the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District, serving as moderator. We should have an entertaining and informative session discussing Media and the Law.
There also are amazing tracks catered specifically for the trial attorneys, young lawyers and family law practitioners. But I encourage everyone to check the topics and sessions because you might learn something as well. I know I plan to attend the young lawyer track in which BAMSL Past-President Sara Neill moderates a discussion between Chief Judge Beth Phillips of the U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri, and Chief Judge Rodney Sippel of the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri.
You also do not want to miss the highly informative presentation from Hon. Willie Epps, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court, Western Missouri- Central Division. He has an incredible presentation about "Black Lawyers of Missouri – 150 Years of Progress and Promise." (Bonus: You can receive 1 hour of your Missouri Elimination of Bias requirement.)
The social events include the usual opening reception for BAMSL's Sustaining Partners, Sustaining Members, Ambassadors and First-Timers; poolside entertainment from band favorite Disco Dick and the Mirrorballs; and a special dinner at Porta Cima.
Because lawyer health and wellbeing is so important to me, we also are mindful of presenting activities that are good for the body and soul. Play in the golf outing with your friends to get moving; participate in the fun run; take advantage of not one but two yoga sessions. And, for a special treat, join us with some salsa dancers for our very own "Dancing with the (BAMSL) Stars." Rumor has it there is a video of me wearing a pink tutu in preparation for a previous Dancing with the Stars charity event. So stay tuned to see if I can fit into my leg warmers and tutu for a repeat, one-night only appearance.
Early Bird registration for BAMSL members is $325. Members of the judiciary receive complimentary registration (but make sure to make a hotel reservation). Non-members are $515 for the early bird rate. Add-ons for spouse/guest meals are also available.
For more details and to register, please visit www.bamsl.org/BenchBar2021.
For hotel reservations, contact Camden on the Lake directly (www.camdenonthelake.com/hotel/accommodations or call 573-365-5620 – the hotel code is BAML0821, with the special rate ending July 18). Complimentary parking is available in the hotel's parking lot.
REMEMBER: You must register separately for the conference and for your hotel reservation.
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