Missouri Lawyers Urged to Complete Judicial Evaluation Survey by May 31,
Results Provide Useful Information to Voters in November General Election
All Missouri lawyers are being urged to take a few moments to assist with an important voter education initiative – the 2008 Judicial Evaluation Survey. Lawyers are asked to evaluate the non-partisan judges serving in their locale with whom they have “direct and personal knowledge.”

The survey results will provide voters with useful information to help them make informed decisions regarding those non-partisan judges on the ballot at the November general election.

Evaluations must be completed by May 31. ALL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE LAWYERS WHO COMPLETE AN EVALUATION WILL BE KEPT COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL. Click here to complete the electronic evaluation.

Amendment to SB 976 and SB 767 Reduces Six Judges in 22nd Judicial Circuit, One Judge in the 43rd
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News for Missouri lawyers
Wiretaps Up 20 Percent in 2007
The number of intercepted wire, oral or electronic communications — also known as wiretaps — authorized by federal and state courts in 2007 was 20 percent higher than in 2006. As in 2006, no applications for wiretap authorizations were denied by either state or federal courts in 2007. The total number of authorized wiretaps has grown in each of the five past calendar years, beginning in 2003. (More)

ESQ Soundbyte
Settling Lawyer to Lawyer Disputes
Today Judge Gary Lynch tells us about an innovative new program to settle disputes between attorneys. (Full Interview Soundbyte - 12.2 MB; 5:21 min.)  (More Information)  (Give Us Your Soundbyte Suggestions)

News at the Bar
Amendment to SB 976 and SB 767 Reduces Six Judges in 22nd Judicial Circuit, One Judge in the 43rd
The House Judiciary Committee yesterday approved an amendment to SB 976 and SB 767 that would reduce the number of judges in the 22nd Judicial Circuit by six and remove one circuit judge from the 43rd circuit. The reductions would take place as vacancies arise or at the completion of current judicial terms. The amendment also adds judges to five judicial circuits beginning October 1. (Read Amendment)  (More)

Doug Copeland Confirmed for Public Defender Commission
The Missouri Senate on Wednesday confirmed former Missouri Bar President Douglas A. Copeland’s appointment to the Missouri Public Defender Commission. He has led the Missouri Bar Public Defender Task Force since it was established in 2005.

Two Judicial Circuit Commissions Set Meeting Dates to Select
Nominees to Submit to Governor
The Twenty-First Judicial Circuit Commission will meet on May 5 to select three nominees for the current associate circuit judge vacancy in St. Louis County. And the Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit Commission has rescheduled its meeting to select the nominees for the circuit judge vacancy in St. Louis City from May 15 to May 16. (21st Notice)  (22nd Notice)

Spring Committee Meetings Are Next Friday
The Missouri Bar will hold its Spring Committee Meetings next Friday. All members of the Bar are invited to attend. More than half of the committee meetings offer free CLE, two offer ethics credit. Missouri Supreme Court Judge Patricia Brenkenridge will speak at the complimentary luncheon. (View All Committee/Section Agendas)

Sentencing Commission Forms Victims Advisory Group
The U.S. Sentencing Commission earlier this week announced the formation of a standing advisory group to provide insight and advice on the operation of the federal sentencing guidelines from the perspective of victims of federal crime. The group will be composed of six members representing the spectrum of interest groups and organizations interested in victims’ issues at the federal level. (More)

Consumer Rights, Foreclosures, Bankruptcy, Disability, ADA, Workers’ Comp . . . Timely Sessions on the Substance of a Solo & Small Firm Practice Created by solo and small firm lawyers, for solo and small firm lawyers. You don’t have to be lucky to find programs that focus on the core areas and issues affecting your solo or small firm practice! More than 70 CLE sessions, discussion groups and computer labs More than 20 breakouts on substantive areas in the SSF practice Almost a dozen sessions in both Practice Management and Technology Programs beyond the practice to improve your “quality of life” More than seven hours of ethics credit and “CLE at Sunrise” And a new trial college, a “boot camp” on starting and building your practice, and a Bar Plan Risk Management program. (View All Programs) Add Salsa-style fun, a Casino Night, Elvis, world-class golf, lake fun for you and your family, UNMATCHED NETWORKING . . . and a chance to win some of the thousands of dollars in prizes including the 7-day All Inclusive Trip for Two to Puerto Vallarta. Register early and your meals are even included! EARNING A YEAR'S WORTH OF CLE HAS NEVER BEEN SO MUCH FUN OR A BETTER VALUE! (Get All the Details) Outstanding regular registration rate is only available until May 20. (Register NOW!)

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MU: Univ. of MO - Columbia 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