Access to Justice / Pro Bono

Nuts and Bolts of Orders of Protection 

Ample opportunities exist for pro bono attorneys to assist survivors of domestic violence with orders of protection. This program is designed to equip attorneys with a basic understanding of how to handle an order of protection for a petitioner, from start to finish. This practical training is geared toward both litigators and non-litigators alike.

Thursday, October 18
2:10 – 3 p.m.
1.0 MCLE Hour

Presenters: 
Jason D. Dodson, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc., St. Louis
Kelly H. Martinez, Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, Jefferson City

Emulating Atticus: Putting Pro Bono Service into Your Practice, Our Profession

Although the modern portrayal of attorneys – on TV and in the movies – often reinforces the stereotypes that underly an endless litany of “lawyer jokes” and the negative perception of the legal profession, most “real” lawyers share a passion and courage to use their intellect and skills to support and fight for a fair and just society, including standing up for the defenseless, the oppressed, and the unpopular cause. This session focuses on these “real” lawyers, offering details on the wide range of practice opportunities, resources, training and support available within the state to make it easier for new and experienced attorneys to apply the integral professional tenet in their practices.

Thursday, October 18
3:10 – 4 p.m.
1.0 MCLE Hour, including 1.0 Ethics hour

Moderator:
Genevieve M. Frank, St. Louis County Clerk, Clayton

Presenters:
Deanna K. Scott, Legal Services of Southern Missouri, Springfield
James H. Guest, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc., St. Louis
Joan Kelly Horn, St. Louis County Department of Human Services, Clayton
Thomas Harvey, Arch City Defenders, St. Louis
Daniel J. Gralike, Office of Missouri State Public Defender, Columbia

Consumer Issues: Representing Victims of Illegal Used Car Sales Practices  
  

Thursday, October 18
4:10 – 5 p.m.
1.0 MCLE Hour

Presenters: 
Robert L. Swearingen, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc., St. Louis

Guardianship of Adults with Mental Illness

This session focuses on the unique challenges that attorneys may face when representing a client seeking guardianship over a proposed ward with mental health issues. The presenters will explore the scope of limited guardianships and when they are appropriate. How the guardianship process relates to mental health civil commitment proceedings will also be discussed.

Friday, October 19
8:30 – 9:20 a.m. 
1.0 MCLE Hour

Presenters:
Misty A. Watson, Danna McKittrick, P.C., St. Louis
Commissioner Patrick Connaghan, Probate Commissioner, 22nd Judicial Circuit, St. Louis

Community Economic Development Cases, Pro Bono for the Transactional Attorney 
 

Friday, October 19
9:30 – 10:20 a.m.  
1.0 MCLE Hour

Presenters:
Michael Duffy, Legal Aid of Western Missouri, Kansas City
Laurie J. Hauber, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc., St. Louis