Next week, you may see some new faces and hear some new voices at the front desk. We are saying farewell to two veteran BAMSL staff members and welcoming two new ones. Brenda Bauman and Linda Haley are going to enjoy retirement at the end of this month (although we will still see them from time to time).

Mega Emeje and Renee Hilyard are joining the BAMSL staff. Renee will be working Mondays and Wednesdays and Mega will be working Tuesdays and Thursdays. We look forward to working with them.

The Midwest Region of the National Black Law Students Association is in critical need of approximately 20 additional volunteer judges for our Regional Mock Trial Competition this week.

Rounds on Wednesday-Thursday, February 18-19, are from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and will be held at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch. On Friday, February 20, rounds will be held at the Eastern District of Missouri Federal Courthouse from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

BAMSL’s Young Lawyers Division is gearing up for another year of Read Across America. In celebration of Read Across America Week (March 2-6), the YLD is organizing volunteers to visit local St. Louis elementary schools and read to children in support of literacy and a love of reading.

If you are available to volunteer to spend approximately one hour reading to a local classroom, register here: Volunteer Registration - Read Across America 2026

By Ryan Krupp

At my last trial, I purposely didn’t depose two of the Defendant’s witnesses before trial.

My opposing counsel surely thought it was an oversight and that they would have an advantage, but it was no mistake. I wanted the witness to live with no prep or previous exposure to my cross-examination.

We built our new website with our members in mind — now we’d like to hear from you. Complete our brief survey and help us continue improving your online experience.

Join us on April 30 from 4:00–5:00 p.m. on Zoom for a special CLE program featuring Hon. Heather Cunningham, Hon. Jeff McPherson, and Melissa Price Smith. This one-hour Missouri MCLE credit program is offered at no cost to Mock Trial Competition volunteers, judges, court staff, and mock trial team members, coaches, and sponsors in appreciation of their support of the 2026 competition. 

By David Oetting and Paige Tungate

In the legal profession, judges and lawyers frequently communicate with each other in court or the judge’s chambers, and even through remote means like Zoom and e-mail. However, judges and lawyers must be mindful of their respective ethical rules and not run afoul of the rules against prohibited communications.  

Read more in the Fall 2022 issue of the St. Louis Bar Journal!

Clio Ad February 2026

The United States Trustee accepts resumes from persons wishing to be considered for appointment to the panel of trustees for the Eastern District of Missouri who administer cases filed under chapter 7 of title 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The minimum qualifications for appointment as a panel trustee are set forth in 28 C.F.R. § 58.3. Applicants must possess strong administrative, financial, and interpersonal skills. Fiduciary and bankruptcy experience is desirable but not mandatory. Forward resumes to: USTP.Region13TrusteeApplicants@usdoj.gov

The Missouri Court of Appeals is seeking to fill two law clerk positions for incoming Judge Kathleen Hamilton to start immediately. The successful candidate for each position should be a graduate of an accredited law school and must have excellent research and writing skills. Previous law clerk experience is a plus. Those interested should send a resume and cover letter to eapjobs@courts.mo.gov.