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Each year, The Missouri Bar recognizes individuals who have helped improve the state's justice system. These awards are presented at the bar's Annual Meeting.
The Pro Bono Publico Awards are presented annually to three people one each from the St. Louis, Kansas City and outstate Missouri areas -- who have, within the past year, rendered outstanding pro bono service to indigent or low-income persons in need of legal assistance. Nominations are due July 1.
The President's Awards were established by resolution of the Board of Governors in 1965. They are awarded annually, by choice of the president, to one or more members of the state bar who have contributed significantly during the past year, by way of actual participation in the work of the bar, value to the organization and leadership. Nominations are at the President's discretion
Legislative Awards are presented annually The Missouri Bar to legislators who have played a key role in supporting legislation of interest to the state bar, or who have taken the lead in sponsoring bar-drafted legislation within the Missouri General Assembly.
The Roger P. Krumm Family Law Award. The Family Law Section and The Missouri Bar present an annual award to honor a family law lawyer who has demonstrated an exceptional degree of competence, skill, integrity, commitment, and dedication toward the improvement and advancement of the practice of family law and the children and families involved in family law matters. The section has decided to re-name this award the "Roger P. Krumm Family Law Award" in honor of Roger Krumm, a family law attorney who possessed all of the characteristics, skills and integrity of those who receive this award. Nominations are due July 1.
The Michael R. Roser Excellence in Bankruptcy Practice Award. The Missouri Bar's Commercial Law Committee has established an annual award to be presented each year to honor the memory of Michael R. Roser. The Michael R. Roser Excellence in Bankruptcy Practice Award is presented to an individual who manifests the highest standard of excellence in bankruptcy practice, who has contributed distinctively to development and appreciation of bankruptcy law, and/or who has made an outstanding contribution in the field of bankruptcy administration or practice. Nominations are due August 1.
The Tom Cochran Community Service Award is presented annually by the Young Lawyers' Section of The Missouri Bar to a lawyer whose service and professionalism have significantly enhanced his or her community. Nominations are due July 1.
The Liberty Bell Award is presented annually by the Young Lawyers' Section of the Missouri Bar to a non-lawyer or other non-legal organization that has engaged in public service activities significantly enhancing the local community. Nominations are due May 1.
The YLS Chairperson's Awards are presented by the chair of The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers' Section for meritorious service by a young lawyer. Nominations are due May 1.
The W. Oliver Rasch Award was created by the Editorial Board of the Journal of The Missouri Bar to recognize outstanding substantive articles appearing in the Journal. The award carries with it a cash stipend from the Missouri Bar Foundation. The award is named after the longtime member and former chair of the Editorial Board.The award is voted upon by the members of the Editorial Board from all of the articles appearing in the previous year's issues of the Journal.
The E.A. Richter Award for Excellence in Citizenship Education. This award is given to an educator or team of educators who have significantly contributed to the citizenship education of students. The award, which is bestowed by the bar's Advisory Committee on Citizenship Education, is named in honor of Mr. Richter, director emeritus of information for The Missouri Bar, and a pioneer in the field of law-related education. Nominations are due at the discretion of the Director of Citizenship Education.
Award given periodically
The David J. Dixon Appellate Advocacy Awards were created by the Missouri Bar Foundation to recognize outstanding achievement in appellate practice by young lawyer members of The Missouri Bar. The award is named after the late Judge Dixon, whose tenacity, professionalism and judicial skills epitomize outstanding appellate practice.
The Lon O. Hocker Awardswere established in 1954 by Mary B. Hocker in memory of her late husband, an outstanding St. Louis trial lawyer. The awards are made annually by the Missouri Bar Foundation to young lawyers who have demonstrated unusual proficiency in the art of trial advocacy. Three lawyers are selected each year, one each from St. Louis, Kansas City and outstate Missouri. Nominations are due March 31.
The Spurgeon Smithson Awards were established in 1976 by bequest of the late Mr. Smithson, an outstanding Kansas City lawyer. The awards are made annually by the Missouri Bar Foundation to Missouri judges, teachers of law and/or lawyers deemed "to have rendered outstanding service toward the increase and diffusion of justice among men."
The Wade F. Baker Award was established in grateful appreciation of the long and devoted years of service rendered to the members of the Missouri Bar by former executive director Wade F. Baker. It is presented by the Board of Governors of The Missouri Bar to an individual who has, over the years, rendered distinguished service to the legal profession.
Award giving periodically
The Excellence in Legal Journalism Awards were created by the Board of Governors of The Missouri Bar to recognize outstanding work in covering the legal world by the print and broadcast media of the state. The award, bestowed in print, radio and television categories, goes to news media which have: contributed significantly to public understanding of, and appreciation for the law, the legal system and the role of lawyers within that system; pointed out a problem within the law and, through their efforts, have contributed to solving the problem; and/or have enhanced the administration of justice in Missouri. Nominations are due July 15.
The Defender of Distinction Award, presented by the Missouri State Public Defender Commission, is bestowed upon a public defender who exemplifies the ideal of public defense.