The Judge Kintz Memorial Bench and Bar Conference will be held May 28–30 at Camden on the Lake, offering a unique blend of professional development and lakeside relaxation. Attendees will earn up to 9 MCLE credits, including elimination of bias, while engaging in meaningful discussions and networking with over 50 judges. The event also features exciting social opportunities such as attendance prizes and live band karaoke. Don’t miss this dynamic gathering of Missouri’s legal community in a vibrant and scenic setting.

Join us on May 22 from 12:00–1:00 PM via Zoom for a CLE that explores the critical role of Parenting Coordinators in high-conflict custody cases. This session will guide attorneys through best practices for appointing Parenting Coordinators, communicating the process and implications to clients, advocating effectively during the process, and navigating the confirmation or objection of Parenting Coordinator orders. Learn how this alternative dispute resolution tool can minimize parental conflict, protect children, and promote healthy parent-child relationships. Presented by family law experts Simone Haberstock, JD, LLM, and Jennifer R. Piper, JD.

Join us on May 7 at the Civil Courts Law Library, 10 N. Tucker Blvd, 13th Floor, St. Louis, MO 63101, from 4:00 to 4:50 p.m., as five seasoned judges share valuable insights and best practices for making compelling oral arguments, including how to educate a busy court, focus on key facts, and address both favorable and unfavorable case law. A complimentary happy hour will follow from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., generously provided by Mandel, Mandel, Marsh, Sudekum & Sanger. This program is ideal for attorneys of all experience levels.

Celebrating Juror Appreciation Week, April 27–May 3: Honoring the Citizens Who Uphold Justice Through Service

Join us on June 17, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM CT on Zoom for a must-attend presentation on how to effectively preserve error throughout every phase of litigation. Featuring respected appellate and trial experts Jeff McPherson and Andrew Corkery, this session will provide practical, up-to-date strategies drawn from recent Missouri appellate decisions. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to sharpen your litigation skills—register now to secure your spot!

By Darin Sorrell

What if I told you that there was an organization for lawyers through which I’ve met the greatest female athlete in history, Jackie Joyner Kersee? And also Pro Football Hall of Famer Isaac Bruce? The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL) is that organization.  Both of these individuals have been speakers at past BAMSL events, after which they mingled with the attendees.

Read more in the May-June issue of the St. Louis Law Journal, coming soon!

By Kimberly Norwood

Rocked by state and nationwide protests following the tragic killing of Michael Brown and the subsequent release of the Department of Justice Report on the Ferguson Police Department, the Missouri Supreme Court took decisive action. Among other initiatives, it established the Commission on Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Courts (the "Commission"). The Commission's main objective has been to investigate the unequal treatment of racial and ethnic minorities within the judicial system. Early data indicated some disparities, prompting the Court to delve deeper into their accuracy and underlying circumstances. The Commission was tasked with examining existing practices and making recommendations to ensure fairness, impartiality, equal access, and full participation for racial and ethnic minorities in the judicial process and in the practice of law.

Read more in the May-June issue of the St. Louis Law Journal, coming soon!

By Dale Guariglia, John Kindschuh, Erin Brooks, Tom Lee, and Brittainy Cavender

Emerging no more, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) have arrived and are now the subject of one of the most dynamic areas of regulation in environmental law. State and federal efforts have begun to crystalize in the past several years as agencies and legislatures grappled with how to identify and reduce the presence of PFAS in the supply chain and, ultimately, the environment. This article presents a snapshot of recent federal actions by the Environmental Protection Agency as well as a preview of what regulated industry may expect in light of the recent change in administration.

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

Join us on April 23 from 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM for a CLE on best practices for preservation of error at every stage of litigation, with a focus on recent Missouri appellate decisions. Jeff McPherson (Armstrong Teasdale LLP) and Andrew Corkery (Pitzer Snodgrass) will provide essential insights on preserving issues before, during, and after trial, including Missouri’s unique “points relied on” requirement for appellants. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your appellate strategy and litigation skills!

Join BAMSL’s Young Lawyers Division and the St. Louis Attorneys Against Hunger Committee for an insightful and engaging happy hour focused on addressing hunger in our community. On April 17 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Schlafly Bottleworks Maplewood – The East Room, enjoy networking, refreshments, and compelling discussions from local leaders, including Pastor Andre Alexander of TCDC and Dr. Sarah Miller of RESULTS St. Louis, who will share their expertise on food insecurity and advocacy efforts. Together, we’ll learn, connect, and take action to support vital food security initiatives—don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference!