Nominee for The Missouri Bar Board of Governors from the Southern District Court of Appeals Counties

Deanna K. Scott

I believe I possess the unique experience, knowledge and qualifications to represent diverse elements of the bar. Prior to serving as Director of Litigation for Legal Services of Southern Missouri, I was in private practice with the firm now known as Twibell, Johnson, Johnson, and Yocum, in Springfield. Having experience in both types of practice provides me with knowledge as to the rewards, benefits, and challenges faced both by attorneys working with non-profit organizations and attorneys in private practice. This experience has also enlightened me as to various types of civil litigation and some criminal litigation in a number of areas of practice.

In my position as Director of Litigation with Legal Services of Southern Missouri, not only do I oversee litigation and assist staff attorneys with cases, I personally carry a case load. An unfortunate number of low income and elderly clients I serve not only face various legal issues such as dealing with divorce, domestic violence, and guardianships, they also face challenges concerning very basic needs. This experience has provided me knowledge to understand some of the issues facing attorneys who serve such clients and how those issues may vary somewhat from clients served in private practice, as attorneys serving those clients must also be aware of their clients' overall needs and circumstances as well.

Having attended law school as a single parent in my late thirties, I previously gained the experience of a number of years in the work force as a legal secretary, and as office manager for a forensic psychologist, among other positions. The insight from such experience will be beneficial to me in better understanding any special needs or concerns of newer Southern District attorneys who took a nontraditional path to the practice of law.

My law practice in more recent years has also provided me with a better understanding of the differences and similarities between practicing law in urban vs. rural settings. Legal Services of Southern Missouri currently maintains six offices serving 43 counties, with 19 of those counties being served by the Springfield office. While my position relates to all 43 counties, I assist clients with litigation in much of our local 19 county area. This has afforded me the opportunity to become well acquainted and work with a good number of attorneys in our more rural county courts. This experience has reminded me of the importance and necessity of professional courtesies, particularly in the rural legal communities. Although an urban setting may sometimes afford more options and resources for practicing attorneys, I have found that rural solo and small firm practitioners have proven to be extremely resourceful and able to work effectively with colleagues and the Courts to well represent their clients.

Again, I believe the above experiences, knowledge and qualifications will permit me to properly represent diverse elements of the bar. Since I am cognizant of various types of practice and diverse clients, and of issues facing attorneys in both urban and rural settings, I feel I could be an asset to the Board of Governors and to attorneys in the Southern District. With this in mind, I appreciate the Board's consideration of me.