by Jennifer Gille Bacon

Today we stand on the brink of a new millennium. And we end this millennium with what I think is fairly called the "American Century." In the 1900s, it is clearly our United States of America that has dominated the world stage, militarily, politically, economically and technologically. As we look back over this remarkable period in history, many will point to our most significant achievements being those of science and industry - penicillin, microchips, nuclear bombs and space exploration, to name a few. These are appropriate observations, but I believe the real triumph of America is the tremendous change in the social fabric of our country, and in increasing measure, our world. At the beginning of this century, many in society were excluded in many ways - women could not even vote, African-Americans and other racial minorities were denied meaningful property ownership, membership organizations, employment, etc. Even the much-vaunted religious freedoms upon which this country was founded were truly available to only Christians (and Protestants at that). As we turn the page of history to the next century, dramatic differences are apparent. Women have achieved parity with their male counterparts in many respects (pay remains an issue). Racial and religious minorities have opportunities and advancement as never before (but more is needed). An American progress in these areas is being emulated around the world.

Lawyers made this happen. The law made this possible. In every instance of these great social changes, lawyers have been at the forefront. Our courts have been the catalyst for much of this change, encouraged to decision by lawyers determined to bring all of our citizens into the mainstream. Lawyers today continue to advance social change, and lawyers promulgate, protect and defend the rights of all Americans.

The next century is likely to be another "American" century, too. Our military might, political stability, economic strength and technological "know-how" remain unparalleled. But it is American social ideals, as much as anything else, that the world strives to duplicate. And America, while far from perfect in its social structure, greatly outpaces other cultures and societies in its commitment to fairness and equal opportunity. Lawyers have created this American ideal, and have in many ways been responsible for this past American century. Lawyers will be the vanguard of the next, at least in America. Here in Missouri, we sum up what a lawyer, and our legal system is all about in two simple words - Justice First.

I've been pleased to serve as President of The Missouri Bar for the last ten months, and I'm looking forward to the next two. I'll be happy for the rest and relaxation that follows, but I'll miss being president in lots of ways. I've said it many times - meeting, greeting, eating, drinking, travel, lobbying, public speaking - there can't be a better job. But mostly I'll miss lawyers - the most interesting, thoughtful, committed profession in the world. Fortunately, being retired as president doesn't mean leaving the law, but it does mean a focus closer to home. Of course, The Missouri Bar is a great organization, dependent not at all on its leadership, but on its dynamic and energetic members - dependent on you! And in the next years, you'll be blessed as well with great leadership, too - Mike Gunn of St. Louis and John Briscoe of Hannibal will be outstanding presidents. They'll be great, and I'm lucky - the luckiest person in the world to have held this position, to have a wonderful husband and daughter, and to have been born in America - where, thanks in great part to lawyers, all this is possible.

Remember Justice First.