The pace of legal innovation has accelerated exponentially in the past three years and constantly provides new opportunities for us to think differently about how we practice law. The Innovation and Technology in the Legal Profession Committee strives to provide a forum to explore these issues.

The John C. Shepherd Professionalism Award is given annually at the Law Day Luncheon to a BAMSL young lawyer (a member who is 36 years of age or younger or licensed to practice for five years or less) who exemplifies the BAMSL Tenets of Professionalism in the tradition of John C. Shepherd. John C. Shepherd was a member who served as BAMSL president from 1963-64 and president of the American Bar Association from 1984-85, and who exemplified the word professionalism in his demeanor and his practice.

Following the interview process and vetting of candidates, the Nominating Committee is pleased to submit the following slate of officers for the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, 2023 – 2024 Bar Year:

• President – President-Elect Hon. Kendra Howard will assume Presidency on May 1, 2023
• President-Elect – Kevin Gunn
• Vice President – Untress Quinn
• Treasurer – Amy Rebecca Johnson
• Secretary – Graham Dobbs
• ABA Delegate – Lynn Ann Vogel

Board and YLD election petition filing period opened at 8:30 a.m. on January 10 and ends at 5 p.m. on January 31. Sample petition and deadlines available here.

BAMSL is once again partnering with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis for a large food and PPE distribution on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 16) at the Urban League's headquarters (1408 N. Kingshighway). Volunteers and monetary donations are needed to make the event successful.

Effective December 16, 2022, Hon. Stephen R. Clark assumed the role of Chief U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri for a seven-year term. He succeeds Hon. Rodney W. Sippel in that role. The Chief Judge serves as the chief executive of the District Court and all three of its Court units: the Clerk's Office, Probation Services, and Pretrial Services, and is responsible for ensuring local Court coordination with local federal agencies, the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts, the Eighth Circuit, and Judicial Conference of the United States.

BAMSL is looking for talented and motivated individuals with a gift for customer service to join our team. Referrals appreciated. Contact Danny Barnett-Foster for additional information.

• Administrative Assistant
• Communications Specialist

The 2022 Motion for Kids Holiday Celebration was held on Saturday, December 3, at Harris-Stowe State University's Emerson Performance Center. The celebration featured visits with Santa Claus, games with prizes, books, craft packets, sandwiches, and gifts purchased specifically for each child. Thank you to everyone who made the party a success by volunteering their time, donating gifts, or donating funds. With your support we were able to invite almost 2,200 children and their caregivers.

Congratulations to Mavis Thompson and Keith Williamson on being named as the 2023 Legal Pioneers by the Minorities in the Legal Profession (MILP) Section!

The Missouri Childrens Division (CD) is in a crisis. CD employs an insufficient number of case managers to handle abuse and neglect cases involving the children and the families of our community. Those who continue to work for CD are overworked and underpaid.

I want to extend my congratulations to each and every one of you on behalf of the Women in the Legal Profession (WILP) Section. I am so proud of you. I am elated to share this profession with you. I am so excited to see you begin your careers with such enthusiasm and unique perspectives. What an absolute honor and privilege it is to practice law.