August 29, 2008

Missouri Bar to Release Judicial Performance Evaluations
Joint News Conferences Set for September 4
At four simultaneous news conferences next week, The Missouri Bar along with the BAMSL and the KCMBA will release the results of the first in-depth evaluation of Missouri non-partisan judges by committees of lawyers and nonlawyers.  In addition to evaluation summaries, juror surveys and the bar’s judicial evaluation survey, the committees are releasing their recommendations on whether each of the non-partisan judges standing in retention elections in the upcoming November election should be retained (More) List of judges who will be evaluated.

News for Missouri lawyers
Sixteenth Judicial Commission Announces Panel of Nominees for Judicial Vacancy
The Sixteenth Circuit Judicial Commission on Tuesday interviewed all applicants and nominated a panel of three persons to Governor Matt Blunt to fill the position of circuit judge of the Sixteenth Circuit (Jackson County), created by the retirement of Judge Thomas C. Clark. The nominees are:

• David M. Byrn  
• Nimrod T. Chapel, Jr.
• James M. Tobin

ESQ Soundbyte
Listen to Details and Learn More About Proposed Changes to Lawyer Advertising Rules - Interview with Chair of the Special Committee on Lawyer Advertising,  Mark Levison
(Full Interview Soundbyte - 10.6 MB; 15:31 min.)
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News at the Bar
Do You Advertise on TV, Radio? Committee Wants to Hear Your Comments on Proposed Rule Changes on Lawyer Advertising
The Missouri Bar Special Committee on Lawyer Advertising has extended the comment period for members of the bar to provide input on possible changes to the Rules of Professional Conduct related to lawyer advertising. Comments will now be accepted until October 15. All comments received will be posted and publically accessible online.

• Draft Rule with Proposed Changes (PDF) (Word)
  
• Mail or Email Your Comments
  
• Members of Special Committee on Lawyer Advertising
• View All Comments Received

Fastcase Webinars Teach Lawyers About the "Google of Law"
A Free Member Benefit Available to Missouri Lawyers
Legal research can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. That’s where Fastcase can help. This new legal research tool offers powerful Internet-based technology to help you search and find answers quickly and easily. Best of all, Missouri lawyers can access Fastcase for free. Sign up for a free webinar to learn more. (Webinar Details) (View Fox News Interview on Fastcase)

Judge Byron Luber Selected for Judicial Excellence Award
Award Named in Honor of Judge Theodore McMillian
Judge Byron D. Luber has been selected to receive the Theodore McMillian Judicial Excellence Award. The award was created to recognize jurists who, by virtue of their integrity, leadership and diligence in the pursuit of the efficient administration of justice, inspire other members of the judiciary to similar noble purpose. The award was renamed this year in honor of one of Missouri’s finest jurists, Judge Theodore McMillian.  

HOW DID 2007 ATTENDEES RATE THE ANNUAL MEETING? Tracks 8.5 on scale of 10! • Plenary sessions 8.5 on scale of 10! • Networking Receptions 9 on scale of 10!

Missouri Bar Annual Meeting/Judicial Conference The Faces of Justice: Diverse Views, Voices and Vision, September 17-19, Westin Crown Center, Kansas City

IN LESS THAN 3 WEEKS MISSOURI’S DIVERSE FACES OF JUSTICE WILL GATHER IN KANSAS CITY . . .  AND WE HOPE YOU ARE ONE OF THEM. AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, YOU WON’T FIND YOUR TYPICAL CLE PROGRAM LINE-UP. Instead of speeches, you’ll enjoy, and take part in, plenary panel discussions with national and statewide leaders on some of the important issues currently facing and affecting lawyers and American society. YOU’LL ALSO ENJOY 25 DYNAMIC, RELEVANT AND TIMELY CLE SESSIONS in five substantive track areas, presented by top lawyers and a host of Missouri judges - programs filled with information and insights you can take back and use immediately to improve your practice. EACH EVENING OFFERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BROADEN YOUR CIRCLE of friends and professional associates in Missouri’s legal community at the several casual, fun receptions that are an integral part of the largest fall gathering of lawyers and judges in the state. AND YOU CAN COUNT ON A HOST OF OTHER VALUABLE NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGHOUT the meeting. COMPARE THE COST AND YOU’LL FIND NO GREATER VALUE. Thanks to the generosity and leadership of leading firms, the Annual Meeting registration rate remains very low. WHETHER YOU ARE A GENERAL PRACTITIONER, HAVE A MORE CONCENTRATED PRACTICE, WORK AS CORPORATE COUNSEL, OR APPLY YOUR SKILLS IN THE PUBLIC SECTION, the Annual Meeting offers outstanding CLE and networking value for you and your practice. THERE IS A GOOD REASON THAT 98% OF 2007 ATTENDEES TOLD US in post-meeting evaluations that they would recommend the meeting to their friends and colleagues. TAKE A LOOK, AND JUDGE FOR YOURSELF! View Full Annual Meeting Website Three Plenary Sessions exploring issues important to our profession and our society, Two Trial Practice Tracks,  Family,Probate, Trust & Elder and Business/Corporate Tracks. Unmatched Networking  at the President’s and Chief Justice’s Opening Night Reception, “Best of Missouri” at American Jazz and Negro League museums, YLS evening at Mosaic, Alumni Luncheons, WLA Breakfast, Opening Luncheon and Chief Justice’s Address. . . . Earn 11 MCLE Hours/4.8 Hours of Professionalism/Ethics Hrs. Visit the Annual Meeting website for all the details, including how to register online. The Westin Room block is SOLD OUT and the special conference rate ended on August 25. A link is provided for your convenience listing lodging options in the KC downtown area.

Tax help links

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IRS Practitioner Tax Center IRS Tax Information for Tax Professionals

Equal Justice
Charity Golf Tournament Raises Funds for Volunteer Attorney Project
The 13th Annual “The Bar Plan Foundation Charity Golf Tournament” was held at the Hillcrest Country Club on August 14, 2008. The annual tournament, sponsored by The Bar Plan Foundation, benefits the Volunteer Attorney Project, the pro bono component of Legal Aid of Western Missouri. (More)

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News from law schools
Are You Ready for Some Football? MoBar Discount Days at Mizzou
Missouri Bar Discount Days return at Mizzou this fall. Save $16 on tickets to see the Tigers against Nevada on September 13 and Buffalo on September 20 or get $10 off tickets against K-State in November. (Details/Order Form)

MU: Univ. of MO School of Law
UMKC: Univ. of MO - Kansas City School of Law
Wash U.: Washington University School of Law
SLU: Saint Louis University School of Law