Join us for the Inaugural Illinois Region Legal Leaders Awards on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at The Regency in O’Fallon, Illinois, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Celebrate outstanding members of the legal community as we recognize excellence in justice, advocacy, and mentorship across the region. Awards will be presented in three categories: the Justice Award for exceptional commitment to justice and public service, the Advocate Award for excellence in legal advocacy—particularly in rural or downstate Illinois—and the Mentorship Award honoring attorneys who have guided and inspired the next generation of legal professionals.

Join us on December 3, 2025, for BAMSL’s annual Member Holiday Party, kicking off the legal community’s holiday season in style. Held at the beautiful BAMSL offices in downtown St. Louis, this complimentary celebration offers members an evening of delicious food, beverages, valet parking, and festive camaraderie as we come together to celebrate the season.

MFK 2025

We still need a few more people to help with guest check-in during the morning shift and/or help with the party on Saturday, Dec. 6. The party would not be possible without all of your efforts. We greatly appreciate your time in making the holiday special for children impacted by the justice system.

By BAMSL President, Untress Quinn

In an age when noise often drowns out nuance, and where speed seems to replace substance, professionalism in the legal field can appear almost old-fashioned—like a relic of another era. Nonetheless, professionalism, though quiet, remains one of the most powerful forces in our profession. It is not flashy. It does not trend on social media or create bombshell headlines. Yet, it forms the unseen structure on which the rule of law, the administration of justice, and the integrity of our legal system all depend.

Read more in the November-December issue of the St. Louis Law Journal, out now!

To help offset rising processing costs, a 3% surcharge will be applied to all credit card payments effective December 1, 2025. The surcharge will apply to all credit card payments to BAMSL or the St. Louis Bar Foundation, as approved at the October 2025 Board of Governors Meeting. BAMSL does not profit from this surcharge. This surcharge allows us to recover some of the amount charged by credit card companies and ensures more of your payment supports our mission and events.

This surcharge applies to, but is not limited to, membership dues, event registrations, and St. Louis Bar Foundation contributions.

To avoid the surcharge, you may pay by eCheck on the payment screen of our website or mail a check to the BAMSL Bar Center, 319 N. 4th Street, Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63102.

Thank you for continuing to partner with BAMSL and the St. Louis Bar Foundation. If you have questions, please reach out to Susan McCourt Baltz, Executive Director, at sbaltz@bamsl.org. We appreciate your understanding

To all BAMSL members who are military veterans—thank you for your selfless service and sacrifice. Your contributions have made a lasting impact on both our country and the legal profession.

The first meeting of the new History Committee is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 20 at 12 Noon. It is a hybrid event at the BAMSL Bar Center and on Zoom. Mark Harford is chairing this new committee for those with an interest in BAMSL, St. Louis and general legal history.

Join us on Friday, November 14, from 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at American Legion Post #111 in St. Louis to help veterans and their spouses receive free wills, powers of attorney, and other essential documents. The Missouri Veterans Commission’s Estate Planning for Veterans Initiative still needs three or more attorney volunteers—your time and skills can make a lasting impact.

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