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The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL) offers its members more than 10 interest groups representing both practice areas and demographics, in addition to various committees that are responsible for a wide spectrum of initiatives, programs and day-to-day association operations. Membership in sections and divisions and involvement on committees offers invaluable opportunities for networking, practice development and education.
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Divisions
Divisions within BAMSL are established by BAMSL's bylaws. Divisions are responsible for planning and presenting education programming, spearheading initiatives in both the legal community and beyond, providing resources and information for their members and much more. Divisions are governed by specific bylaws and are managed by an executive committee.
Young Lawyers Division
The Young Lawyers Division (YLD) is a network of BAMSL lawyers interested in career advancement, public service, leadership training, and social interaction with lawyers of all ages. All members of The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis 36 years old or younger or who are within five years of their first bar admission automatically become members of YLD. Law student members also automatically become members of YLD.
Sections
Sections within BAMSL represent a variety of practice areas. Sections are responsible for planning and presenting education programming, spearheading initiatives in both the legal community and beyond, providing resources and information for their section members and much more. All sections are governed by specific bylaws and are managed by an executive committee.
Criminal Law Section
Considers matters of interest concerning criminal law and communicates with the members of the section, Board of Governors and the Association regarding these matters.
Employee Benefits Section
The Employee Benefits Section unites attorneys who work in all aspects of employee benefits — employer advising, multi-employer plans, and litigation — to create a network of like-minded professionals, increase knowledge and stay up-to-date on developments in the law. The Section holds steering committee meetings and hosts CLEs.
Family & Juvenile Law Section
Strives to improve the practice of Domestic/Family law by providing education, resources and updated information on current issues related to the practice through CLEs and small group meetings. This section further strives to improve the trial practice for the lawyers who practice Domestic/Family Law by providing them resources needed in their practice. Lastly, this section works toward continuing relationships between the bench and bar; improving the juvenile justice system, the adoption process and system; and is working to develop better programs to assist the domestic violence court, veterans court, and adult abuse office.
Labor & Employment Law Section
The Labor & Employment Law Section is concerned with developments in the law governing the rights and responsibilities of individual workers and their employers in the workplace and the resolution of disputes between individual employees and employers. The Labor & Employment Law Section is responsible for providing six or more hours of Continuing Legal Education seminars each year, which generally includes presentations on the following areas of labor and employment law: wrongful termination claims, health and disability leaves, emerging statutory rights, class actions, labor disputes, and alternate dispute resolution. Generally, the Labor & Employment Law Section attempts to conduct one seminar per month on a topic of recent interest. The Labor & Employment Law Section also provides networking opportunities to law students and attorneys by hosting two happy hours a year.
Minorities in the Legal Profession Section
The purposes of this Section are: To develop, conduct and disseminate information, programs and recommendations on opportunities and means by which minorities may increase participation in the legal profession and the bar association; to encourage continued inclusion of minorities in sections and committees of the Association, in CLE programs, in the Bench and Bar Conference and in other activities; and to determine issues of particular interest to minorities and to address those issues in cooperation with other committees, sections and associations.
Patent, Trademark & Copyright Section
Offers programs and opportunities for Intellectual Property practitioners to stay abreast of new developments in the practice of patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights. The Section Steering Committee meets over lunch bi-monthly (second Tuesday of each odd-numbered month). The Steering Committee welcomes and encourages interested practitioners to join or reach out with any new ideas to promote mutual enlightenment in the practice of IP law in our St. Louis legal community.
Probate & Trust Law Section
The Probate & Trust Law Section provides a forum for lawyers who practice in the area to share knowledge, experience and ideas. The section sponsors regular CLE opportunities for members and non-members: an annual Trust & Estate Planning Institute; an annual Fiduciary Litigation Seminar; and an ABCs of Estate Planning series.
Securities Law Section
The Section provides a forum for securities lawyers to exchange ideas, address common concerns and work toward improving the practice of law.
Solo & Small Firm Practitioners Section
The Solo and Small Firm Section of BAMSL promotes the common interests and objectives of solo and small firm attorneys with a focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by this group of entrepreneurial practitioners.
We do this by:
- Facilitating activities and events to sharpen our legal and business skills
- Increasing engagement with other solo and small firm practitioners
- Promoting continuing legal education focused on the concerns and goals of small firms and solo practitioners
- Providing a forum to share experiences, ideas, resources and solutions to problems for solo and small firm.
Taxation Section
The mission of the Taxation Section is to help members gain a basic understanding of important tax issues that arise in their practice, and to provide education about taxes and tax systems. We always welcome suggestions, content and speakers for our programs.
Trial Section
The Trial Section brings together a large cross-section of litigators. The Section meets monthly during the lunch hour to discuss various topics focused on enhancing the lives and careers of trial lawyers. We also plan and offer high quality and entertaining CLE programs aimed at strengthening participants' trial advocacy skills taught by the most well-regarded trial attorneys in the area. Every year, we offer the "Afternoon in Court" series, alternating the hosting Courthouse between the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County. This program is taught by numerous State Court Judges and provides attorneys with an opportunity to learn about the various divisions of the Court and meet the Judges who work in specific areas of law.
Women in the Legal Profession Section
Established in 1980 as a committee, the mission of WILP is to promote and enhance women in the legal field professionally, personally and within their community. WILP provides members with the opportunity to connect and interact with other female legal professionals, thus offering support, growth and synergy.
Meeting the second Tuesday of every quarter (January/April/July/October) we welcome all to attend, and discuss CLE topics and ideas as well as community service projects.
We also host an annual New Admittee Reception each November, welcoming all newly admitted women attorneys and new women judges.
Committees
BAMSL Committees take on important business and initiatives on behalf of the association. These groups vary in size of members, length of volunteer commitment and nature of work, but all offer volunteers a meaningful way to contribute their efforts for the betterment of the bar and the overall St. Louis legal community.
Admiralty Law Committee
The Admiralty Law Committee is comprised of a relatively small group of St. Louis lawyers who devote a significant amount of their practice to maritime matters. These lawyers share their knowledge and insights with other lawyers who occasionally encounter maritime issues in their practices.
The most significant activity for the Admiralty Law Committee is what has become the annual Maritime Law Seminar, an all-day seminar/CLE program featuring members of the St. Louis admiralty bar along with other marine industry professionals. The seminar covers a wide range of topics and is unique in that it receives significant attendance from non-lawyers, including vessel owners and operators, marine insurance professionals and others with an interest in marine transportation issues.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Committee
The ADR Committee provides information to the bar, judiciary and public on appropriate methods of dispute resolution. The Committee provides educational and training programs for those interested in learning and enhancing their ADR skill set. The committee is working to expand experiential opportunities for those interested in serving as mediators. The committee is searching for the right combination of dates and times to meet the needs and availability of BAMSL members.
Appellate Practice Committee
Encourages an open exchange between appellate attorneys and judges regarding appellate practice.
Attorneys Against Hunger Committee
1 in every 6 individuals lives in poverty and struggles with hunger in the greater St. Louis region, including more than 173,000 children. St. Louis Attorneys Against Hunger, an initiative of The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis with support from the Saint Louis Bar Foundation, unites lawyers and other legal professionals with the St. Louis community to fight against homelessness and hunger in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Bankruptcy Law Committee
Provides a forum for bankruptcy law practitioners to exchange ideas, address common concerns and work toward improving the practice of law. Coordinates the St. Louis Bankruptcy Pro Se Assistance Program.
Bench & Bar Conference Planning Committee
Plans and conducts the annual Bench and Bar Conference, which provides lawyers and judges the opportunity to discuss their mutual problems and consider practical solutions. In a more relaxed atmosphere at the Lake of the Ozarks, conference attendees can discuss and collaborate without the normal day-to-day distractions.
Cannabis Law Committee
Formerly known as the "Marijuana Law Committee," the Cannabis Law Committee develops programs, events, and CLE seminars geared toward attorneys working in the cannabis industry and cannabis regulations.
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee works to inform members about all BAMSL activities, benefits and career and community service opportunities. It also works to develop and enhance Association communications vehicles and methods that make messages more effective. The goal is to build cohesiveness and camaraderie between members; attract new members; and educate the general public about the rule of law, the administration of justice and the professionalism of lawyers and their value to the community.
Construction Law Committee
Provides a forum for construction law practitioners to exchange ideas, address common concerns and work toward improving the practice of law. Provides relevant CLE programs about the law to the Bar and practical advice to the construction industry at large. We welcome new members and ideas for upcoming CLE programs.
Elder Law Committee
Determines numerous means by which BAMSL can be of better service to its elder members and to the elders of the community and serve as a forum to address elder law issues.
Environmental & Conservation Law Committee
Examines the existing federal, state and local laws relating to environmental and conservation laws and recommends changes and amendments. Provides a forum for environmental law practitioners to exchange ideas, address common concerns and work toward improving the practice of law.
Golf Outing Committee
Plans and conducts the annual golf outing, held each summer at a local golf course.
Government/Public Sector Lawyers Committee
Develops programs/events geared toward attorneys working in government and the public sector. Develops recommendations for the BAMSL Board of Governors and staff on how to better serve this constituency.
Immigration Committee
Provides a forum for immigration law practitioners to exchange ideas, address common concerns and work toward improving the practice of law.
Innovation & Technology in the Legal Profession Committee
Formerly known as the "eDiscovery Committee," the Innovation and Technology in the Legal Profession Committee leads legal professionals in serving their clients more effectively and efficiently. The Committee is a forum for the exchange and exploration of innovative approaches to providing legal services, not only though new technologies but also through fresh approaches to marketing and business structures.
Lawyers for City Neighborhoods Committee
A partnership with Legal Services of Eastern Missouri's Family Property Project. Lawyers in this committee work with Legal Services to assist low-income clients with fixing fractured land title problems (heirs' property) and drafting beneficiary deeds (transfer-on-death deeds). These interventions are critical in preventing displacement of clients from inherited homes, assisting families in protecting and preserving intergenerational wealth, and stabilizing neighborhoods and communities.
Legal Support Committee
The BAMSL Legal Support Committee is comprised of, and supports, Paralegals, Legal Secretaries, Legal Assistants, Law Librarians and other legal support personnel by providing access to information as well as continuing legal education (CLE) programs, seminars and workshops, in an effort to promote the advancement of legal professionals in the St. Louis area.
Our purpose is to provide resources and programs relevant to all members of the committee and support BAMSL volunteer opportunities.
The committee schedules meetings three to four times per year, typically in the evening to accommodate the work schedules of the members, with two to three CLE programs, also in the evening.
LGBTQ+ Committee
The BAMSL LGBTQ+ Committee provides programming and events related to the LGBTQIA+ community. The committee welcomes both members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. We host several networking happy hours throughout the year.
Mass Torts Committee
Provides a forum for mass torts practitioners to exchange ideas, address common concerns and work toward improving the practice of law. Provides relevant CLE programs. We welcome new members and ideas for upcoming CLE programs.
Membership Committee
Strategically plans for future growth of membership in BAMSL. Pursues membership initiatives and programs as well as partnerships with other service organizations. Strategizes how to provide a better experience for BAMSL members; recruit and retain members; and explore and expand member benefits.
Mock Trial Committee
The Missouri High School Mock Trial Competition was founded by The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL) in 1979 and is BAMSL's longest-running program. The competition is financially supported by the Saint Louis Bar Foundation and the Missouri Lawyer Trust Account Foundation with program support from the Lawyers Association of Kansas City Young Lawyers Section and the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association.
The mock trials are structured like real courtroom trials and follow similar rules and procedures. Students learn first-hand how the legal system works and what role judges, lawyers, juries, and witnesses play in the court system. This increased understanding helps students develop a deeper appreciation for our justice system and the administration of justice. The competition also helps students develop and improve their public speaking and critical thinking skills.
As BAMSL's only statewide Law-Related Education program, the Missouri High School Mock Trial Competition annually serves more than 500 students from more than 40 schools throughout Missouri and is supported by up to 400 attorneys who volunteer as coaches, judges, and evaluators. The school that wins the Missouri State Championship has the opportunity to represent the State of Missouri at the National High School Mock Trial Competition.
Motion for Kids Committee
For more than 30 years, Motion for Kids has provided gifts for up to 2,000 St. Louis area children in the foster care system or children whose lives have been severely impacted by the criminal justice system.
Motion for Kids partners with local support organizations to identify the children invited to participate. Those children are matched up with sponsors from the St. Louis legal community (lawyers, judges, paralegals, office administrators, law students, legal secretaries, and their families). Each sponsor is asked to purchase and wrap two gifts (totaling $30) chosen from the child's wish list. Gifts are distributed at an event to which the children and their families are invited.
Since 2022, the holiday event has been held at Harris-Stowe State University's Emerson Performance Center. Motion for Kids is hosted by The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis and the Saint Louis Bar Foundation with generous support from Harris-Stowe State University, the St. Louis Cardinals, the St. Louis Blues, and many others.
Personal Injury Law Committee
Provides a forum for personal injury law practitioners to exchange ideas, address common concerns and work toward improving the practice of law. Provides relevant CLE programs. We welcome new members and ideas for upcoming CLE programs.
Pro Bono Committee
Promotes pro bono opportunities for BAMSL members. Coordinates the St. Louis Pro Bono Challenge. Plans and conducts the annual Pro Bono Celebration in conjunction with the ABA's Pro Bono Celebration.
Real Property & Development Committee
Provides a forum for real property lawyers and other professionals to exchange ideas, address common concerns and work toward improving the practice of real property law in St. Louis. Join the group for monthly presentations on the third Tuesday of the month providing an ideal opportunity to network with other attorneys and professionals while gaining insight on various areas of real estate law.
Senior Lawyers Committee
Provides opportunities for greater fellowship and interaction among the more senior members of the profession.
Social Security Law Committee
The Social Security Committee is an active group of those focusing on claims before the Social Security Administration and related appeals to federal court. We meet every other month over lunch to discuss updates and share tips. If there is a new case, regulation, policy, or form, we will discuss it. If there is a new judge with particular preferences, this Committee is the place to learn about it. Our group includes the most experienced Social Security lawyers in the region, as well as those just getting started. Above all, we offer a place to ask questions and share and learn from others who are dealing with Social Security every day at all levels.
Veterans Committee
The Veterans Committee provides a place for BAMSL members who are active duty, veterans, reservists, or those interested in veterans law.
Well-Being Committee
Promotes the well-being of legal professionals and law students by providing education and resources in the areas of mental health, stress management, addiction, physical health, work/life balance, and other quality of life and quality of career issues.
Workers’ Compensation Committee
The Workers’ Compensation Committee is comprised of claimant’s attorneys, insurance defense attorneys, and Administrative Law Judges with a primary goal of keeping members of the bar updated on developments in the area of workers’ compensation. The committee organizes CLEs that address case law and legislative updates, ethics and medical issues that are commonly encountered in the practice. The committee also organizes happy hours, which gives attorneys and judges an opportunity to socialize outside of the courtroom.
