Lawyers Association of Kansas City News

Volunteers needed for 2026 MO High School Mock Trial Competition

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 20:17:50 GMT

We Need Volunteers!

The Lawyers Association of Kansas City YLS is hosting the Missouri High School Mock Trial Regional Competition January 27 and 29 (preliminary rounds) and February 24 and 26 (regional rounds). We anticipate the rounds will be held at the Eastern Jackson County Courthouse in Independence, MO; however, due to security procedures, the location is subject to change.

This is a great event and it's really inspiring to see how hard the high school students prepare for the mock trial and their enthusiasm for the law.

We are seeking volunteers to serve as presiding and scoring judges on each night of the competition. Judges are asked to arrive to the courthouse by 5:30 p.m. We will have a short orientation, then proceed with rounds. Rounds start at approximately 6:00 p.m. and last approximately 2-2.5 hours. We will provide food and drink during orientation.

Presiding judges will preside over the trial, ruling on objections and keeping the trial flowing smoothly. Presiding judges do not score individual segments of the trial but do give an overall verdict at the end of the trial. Presiding judges must have a law degree, and some litigation experience is helpful for ruling on objections.

Scoring judges will evaluate each segment of the trial (opening, direct #1, cross #1, etc) on its own merits resulting in an overall score for the trial that reflects the team that was technically better without regard to the team that would have won the verdict. Scoring judges will not be asked to rule on objections or maintain courtroom order but will instead observe the trial from the jury box. Scoring judges must have a bachelor’s degree but do not have to have any formal legal training or a law degree.

2026 Kansas City High School Mock Trial Judges

90 Years of Service, Leadership, and Community

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 17:43:42 GMT

On December 18, 1935, in the midst of the rough-and-tumble days of the 1930s, 189 lawyers gathered at the Hotel Kansas Citian to form what would become the Lawyers Association of Kansas City. From that first meeting—led by President Henry A. Bundschu, Vice President John B. Gage, Treasurer Edgar Shook, and Secretary Frank H. Terrell—LAKC was built on a shared commitment to the profession and the community it serves.

Ninety years later, our values remain the same.

Fittingly, as we commemorate this milestone, our Young Lawyers Section just completed its holiday service project, delivering boxes of gifts to patients at Children’s Mercy Hospital Kansas City. It’s a reminder that while much has changed since 1935, service has always been at the heart of who we are.

As we look ahead to an exciting year, LAKC remains committed to promoting exceptional jurisprudence, transforming lawyers into balanced professionals, and developing leaders who serve our community with purpose and integrity.

Here’s to 90 years—and to the work still ahead.

LAKC and LAKC-YLS annual meeting virtual votes accepted until September 2nd

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 15:43:03 GMT

The Lawyers Association of Kansas City Board of Directors and Young Lawyers Section Board of Directors present their slates of officers and board candidates for voting. Young Lawyers Section (YLS) members (36 years of age or under or less than 5 years of practice) may vote for YLS members. Voting will close at 5pm on September 2nd. Thank you for your vote!

Vote online until 5pm on September 2nd at https://forms.gle/jjrS9xG2RJDoKpG89

LAKC Board, YLS Board accepting applications for 2025-26 Boards

Wed, 28 May 2025 14:44:43 GMT

The senior board and Young Lawyers Section boards are accepting applications and nominations to their respective 2025-26 boards.

The Lawyers Association of Kansas City (LAKC) was founded in 1935 to promote and advance the following objectives that are just as relevant today: the welfare of the public in the greater Kansas City Community; the administration of justice; the science of jurisprudence; and the cordial and professional relations among the members of the greater Kansas City Bar.

The Young Lawyers Section of LAKC is comprised of members under 35 or who have graduated from law school within the past five years and maintain “service of public interest by advancing the role of the legal profession in serving the public” as a value.

To indicate your interest in serving on the YLS board, complete the form at https://forms.gle/pwabcjdMTHmrSCow9.

The deadline has been extended to June 10th. The annual meeting and election virtual meeting date will be announced shortly.

Members with an interest in serving on the LAKC Board of Directors should send an email indicating their interest to info@lakc.net.

Volunteer heroes needed for this weekend's MO High School State Mock Trial Competition!

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 13:58:29 GMT

We Need Volunteers for the Missouri High School State Mock Trial Competition! Please use this link to sign up!

The Missouri High School Mock Trial Competition is March 28, 29, and 30. We will hold the rounds at the Eastern Jackson County Courthouse in Independence, MO. This is a great event and it's really inspiring to see how hard the high school students prepare for the mock trial and their enthusiasm for the law. Additionally, volunteers will be able to attend a free CLE on April 3^rd by registering here: Mock Trial FREE CLE: Advice for Success (in the Legal Profession and in Life) - Calendar

We are using Tabroom to organize the volunteers for this competition. You MUST register here: https://momocktrial.tabroom.com. We are seeking volunteers to serve as presiding and scoring judges on each round of the competition. We will have a short orientation, then proceed with rounds. Rounds last approximately 2-2.5 hours. We will provide food and drink during orientation.

Please complete the sign up at this link.

Human Trafficking Institute (HTI) CLE offered March 7th

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 17:36:45 GMT

Madeline Mann, a member of LAKC-YLS, a 3L at UMKC School of Law, and a current Douglass Fellow with the Human Trafficking Institute (HTI) has organized and will be presenting at a CLE hosted at UMKC School of Law on March 7th, 2025.

The CLE is approved for 7.1 hours in Missouri. Approval for Kansas and Nebraska CLE credit is pending. A copy of the agenda is provided at the link below and additional information may be found here: https://calendar.umkc.edu/law/event/44802-a-multidisciplinary-approach-to-human-trafficking-mar-

CLE Final Agenda.pdf

LAKC-YLS hosts Skippy & Skivvies Drive October 21-27, 2024

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 14:54:53 GMT

For more information and to participate, visit 2024 Skippy & Skivvies (operationbreakthrough.org).

Voting opens for LAKC-YLS 24-25 Board

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 19:46:06 GMT

The Lawyers Association of Kansas City-Young Lawyers Section presents the following officers for election to the 2024-25 YLS Board of Directors:

Jordan May, President
Sierra Faler, President-Elect
Tori Matternas, Secretary
Bryce Slaughter, Treasurer
Paige Hawkins, Public Service Officer

Members in good standing may vote for the slate of officers at the following link from June 13 - June 19 at 5:00pm:

https://forms.gle/tDFkZdPfT2D1oBsNA

LAKC and LAKC-YLS Boards now accepting applications and nominations for 2024-25 boards

Fri, 17 May 2024 18:35:45 GMT

The senior board and Young Lawyers Section boards are accepting applications and nominations to their respective 2024-25 boards.

To indicate your interest in serving on the YLS board, complete the form at https://forms.gle/JKDcb7djyBL1VFvR6.

The deadline has been extended to June 10th. The annual meeting and election virtual meeting date will be announced shortly.

Members with an interest in serving on the LAKC Board of Directors should send an email indicating their interest to info@lakc.net.

LAKC-YLS serves Operation Breakthrough families through Santa's Snow Ball

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 17:42:06 GMT

On December 14, the Young Lawyers Section of Lawyers Association of Kansas City (LAKC-YLS) again hosted their annual Santa’s Snowball holiday event at and for Operation Breakthrough, which serves low-income families in Kansas City. With help from funding from The Missouri Bar YLS as well as sponsors McCrummen Immigration Law Group LLC and Seigfreid Bingham, LAKC-YLS was able to serve more than 400 children and family members. The event included a holiday meal, gifts, balloon twisters, and time with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

LAKC has hosted this event with local area housing shelters for many years and recently started serving Operation Breakthrough the last few years. Many young lawyers volunteered with us to serve meals, pour drinks, and wrap and hand out gifts to the families. It is always a moving experience to watch the space fill up with excited children.

2023 marks another year of giving back to the Kansas City community and spreading holiday cheer. We look forward to our 2024 Santa’s Snowball partnership with Operation Breakthrough.

Volunteers needed for 2024 MO High School Mock Trial Competition

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 17:23:21 GMT

We Need Volunteers!

The Lawyers Association of Kansas City YLS is hosting the Missouri High School Mock Trial Regional Competition January 30 and February 1 (preliminary rounds) and February 20 and February 22 (regional rounds). We anticipate the rounds will be held at the Jackson County Courthouse in Independence, MO; however, due to security procedures, the location is subject to change.

This is a great event and it's really inspiring to see how hard the high school students prepare for the mock trial and their enthusiasm for the law.

We are seeking volunteers to serve as presiding and scoring judges on each night of the competition. Judges are asked to arrive to the courthouse by 5:30 p.m. We will have a short orientation, then proceed with rounds. Rounds start at approximately 6:00 p.m. and last approximately 2-2.5 hours. We will provide food and drink during orientation.

Presiding judges will preside over the trial, ruling on objections and keeping the trial flowing smoothly. Presiding judges do not score individual segments of the trial but do give an overall verdict at the end of the trial. Presiding judges must have a law degree, and some litigation experience is helpful for ruling on objections.

Scoring judges will evaluate each segment of the trial (opening, direct #1, cross #1, etc) on its own merits resulting in an overall score for the trial that reflects the team that was technically better without regard to the team that would have won the verdict. Scoring judges will not be asked to rule on objections or maintain courtroom order but will instead observe the trial from the jury box. Scoring judges must have a bachelor’s degree but do not have to have any formal legal training or a law degree.

Washburn University School of Law offers IP panel discussion CLE as part of Intellectual Property and Technology Center launch

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 12:42:25 GMT

Washburn University School of Law invites you to join us to celebrate the launch of our new Intellectual Property and Technology Center with a panel discussion, "Intellectual Property Practice in the Age of Emerging Technologies." During this discussion, experts from various fields and backgrounds will explore cutting edge issues in IP and innovation. You are welcome to attend this event in person at our new home for Washburn Law, Robert J. Dole Hall, or virtually via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to guests by Nov. 14.

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023
Robert J. Dole Hall | Washburn University School of Law
4:00 p.m. Panel Discussion
5:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception

Join our presenters, faculty, students, and alumni at a reception following the panel.

RSVP by Monday, Nov. 13, 2023 at wualumni.org/LawPanel

This event is eligible for one hour of CLE credit. Registration for CLE will be available in your confirmation email when you sign up for the event. For questions, contact Donna Vilander, Washburn Law Continuing Legal Education Coordinator, at donna.vilander@washburn.edu or 785.670.1105.

This is the inaugural event for the Intellectual Property and Technology Center, the newest Center for Excellence at Washburn Law. The Center will bring together a cross-section of the intellectual property community, including IP scholars, law firm practitioners, in-house counsel, and policy makers.

LAKC Virtual Annual Meeting: Vote for 23-24 Boards by Friday, May 19th

Tue, 16 May 2023 22:22:45 GMT

The ballots for the LAKC board and LAKC-YLS boards are now active. Members may place their votes until 5pm on Friday, May 19th via the following link:

https://forms.gle/922Vy4WA77F8pHqs5

2023-24 Board of Directors Nominations

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 11:52:36 GMT

The senior board and Young Lawyers Section boards are accepting applications and nominations to their respective 2023-24 boards.

To indicate your interest in serving on the YLS board, complete the form at https://forms.gle/HMrLqq1VGGy1S21aA.

The annual meeting and election will be held on May 16, 2023 from 5-7pm at Nonprofit Village, 31 W. 31st ST KCMO.

Members with an interest in serving on the LAKC Board of Directors should send an email indicating their interest to info@lakc.net.

Volunteers needed for State Finals rounds of MO High School Mock Trial Competition

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 13:23:38 GMT

Volunteers are needed to serve as judges for the State Final rounds of the Missouri High School Mock Trial Competition the weekend of March 31 - April 2nd. Volunteers are needed for the following rounds:

Friday, March 31 at 5:30 p.m. (16 teams/32 judges)
Saturday, April 1 at 8:30 a.m. (16 teams/32 judges)
Saturday, April 1 at 1:00 p.m. (8 teams/16 judges)
Sunday April 2 at 8:30 a.m. (4 teams/8 judges)
Sunday, April 2 at 1:00 p.m. (2 teams/ 4 judges)

Presiding judges will preside over the trial, ruling on objections and keeping the trial flowing smoothly. Presiding judges do not score individual segments of the trial but do give an overall verdict at the end of the trial. Presiding judges must have a law degree, and some litigation experience is helpful for ruling on objections.

Scoring judges will evaluate each segment of the trial (opening, direct #1, cross #1, etc.) on its own merits resulting in an overall score for the trial that reflects the team that was technically better without regard to the team that would have won the verdict. Scoring judges will not be asked to rule on objections or maintain courtroom order but will instead observe the trial from the jury box. Scoring judges must have a bachelor’s degree but do not have to have any formal legal training or a law degree.

To sign up, visit https://forms.gle/o29EjVeTap7EA1kv9

MO High School Mock Trial Volunteers Needed

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 13:37:45 GMT

We Need Volunteers!

The Lawyers Association of Kansas City YLS is hosting the Missouri High School Mock Trial Regional Competition January 24 and January 26 (preliminary rounds) and February 21 and February 23 (regional rounds). The rounds will be held at the Jackson County Courthouse in Independence, MO.

This is a great event and it's really inspiring to see how hard the high school students prepare for the mock trial and their enthusiasm for the law.

We are seeking volunteers to serve as presiding and scoring judges on each night of the competition. Judges are asked to arrive to the courthouse by 5:30 p.m. We will have a short orientation, then proceed with rounds. Rounds start at approximately 6:00 p.m. and last approximately 2-2.5 hours. We will provide food and drink during orientation.

Presiding judges will preside over the trial, ruling on objections and keeping the trial flowing smoothly. Presiding judges do not score individual segments of the trial but do give an overall verdict at the end of the trial. Presiding judges must have a law degree, and some litigation experience is helpful for ruling on objections.

Scoring judges will evaluate each segment of the trial (opening, direct #1, cross #1, etc.) on its own merits resulting in an overall score for the trial that reflects the team that was technically better without regard to the team that would have won the verdict. Scoring judges will not be asked to rule on objections or maintain courtroom order but will instead observe the trial from the jury box. Scoring judges must have a bachelor’s degree but do not have to have any formal legal training or a law degree.

**We will be hosting State Finals at the same courthouse from Friday 3/31/23-4/2/23. We will be needing volunteers to judge the finals. We will have better information closer to the date on times**”

YOU CAN SIGN UP HERE: https://forms.gle/skGuMwL2yY9P49cZ9

LAKC members elect 22-23 Boards

Thu, 26 May 2022 13:40:32 GMT

LAKC members gathered May 26th at The Nonprofit Village to elect the 2022-23 Board of Directors and Young Lawyers Section Board of Directors. Congratulations to the following members of our 2022-23 Boards, and our sincere thanks to outgoing President Kaitee Brown and YLS President Phil Raine for their dedicated leadership.

2022-23 Board of Directors

Amber Simon, President

Allison Greenfield, President-Elect

Ethan Lange, Secretary/Treasurer

Kaitee Brown, Past President

Patrick Allegri

Sheena Foye

Allison Greenfield

Sam Hofmeier

Nate Jones

Jessica McKinney

Julie Parisi

Phillip Raine

2022-23 Young Lawyers Section Officers

President: Ross Weimer

VP/President Elect: Danielle Atchison

Treasurer: Jordan May

Secretary: Nicci Gudmens

Public Service Officer: Cody Weyhofen

The following YLS members were also elected on May 26th:

John Doyle
Sierra Faler
Andrew Serrone
Bryce Slaughter
Karly Weigel

Senior and YLS Boards accepting applications for 22-23 Boards

Wed, 11 May 2022 16:36:31 GMT

The senior board and Young Lawyers Section boards are accepting applications and nominations to their respective 2022-23 boards.

The annual meeting and election will be held at Char Bar on May 25th. Applications are due by 5pm on May 20, 2021.

Members with an interest in serving on the LAKC Board of Directors should send an email indicating their interest to info@lakc.net by 5pm on May 20th.

To apply to the Young Lawyers Section Board of Directors, complete the following form: https://forms.gle/eu8PzHtebNzzU8GT9

LAKC-YLS Accepting applications for annual scholarship

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 13:59:21 GMT

The Young Lawyers Section of the Lawyers Association of Kansas City (LAKC-YLS) is pleased to announce that it is offering one $500 scholarship to be awarded for the 2021-2022 school year. The scholarship application is available below. In order to be eligible for consideration, applications must be scanned and emailed no later than May 2, 2022.

LAKC Scholarship Application 2021-2022 final.docx

LAKC Scholarship Verification Form.docx

Volunteers Needed for MO High School Mock Trial Competition (virtual and in-person)

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 16:43:28 GMT

We Need Volunteers!

The Lawyers Association of Kansas City is hosting the Missouri High School Mock Trial Regional Competition January 25 and January 27 (preliminary rounds) and February 15 and February 17 (regional rounds). The preliminary rounds will be held virtually via Zoom and the regional round location is TBD (We are hoping we can hold them at the Eastern Jackson County Courthouse in Independence.)

This is a great event and it's really inspiring to see how hard the high school students prepare for the mock trial and their enthusiasm for the law.

We are seeking volunteers to serve as presiding and scoring judges on each night of the competition. Judges are asked to log in by 5:45 p.m. We will have a short orientation, then proceed with rounds. Rounds start at approximately 6:00 p.m. and last approximately 2-2.5 hours.

Presiding judges will preside over the trial, ruling on objections and keeping the trial flowing smoothly. Presiding judges do not score individual segments of the trial, but do give an overall verdict at the end of the trial. Presiding judges must have a law degree, and some litigation experience is helpful for ruling on objections.

Scoring judges will evaluate each segment of the trial (opening, direct #1, cross #1, etc) on its own merits resulting in an overall score for the trial that reflects the team that was technically better without regard to the team that would have won the verdict. Scoring judges will not be asked to rule on objections or maintain courtroom order but will instead observe the trial from the jury box. Scoring judges must have a bachelor’s degree but do not have to have any formal legal training or a law degree.”

Sign up to volunteer at https://forms.gle/3CnbrTebF34dLTN7A

LAKC Virtual Annual Meeting

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 18:24:59 GMT

To ensure the safety of our members, we have decided to hold our Annual Meeting virtually this year. Below is the slate for the 2021-22 Board of Directors as well as the candidates running for the Young Lawyers Section Board. All LAKC members may vote for the 2021-22 Board of Directors. Young Lawyers Section (YLS) members (age 36 or younger or less than five years in practice) may vote for the 2021-22 slate of YLS officers and 3 YLS board candidates. The deadline to submit your vote is Friday, July 23rd at 5:00pm.

To submit your vote, visit https://forms.gle/4qLoACzLaUN1pKPf7

Please contact info@lakc.net with any questions. Thank you for your vote!

Young Lawyers Section and Senior Board of Directors accepting applications through July 20th

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 13:16:28 GMT

The senior board and Young Lawyers Section boards are accepting applications and nominations to their respective 2021-22 boards.

A virtual election will be held July 21, 2021. Applications are due by 5pm on July 20, 2021.

Members with an interest in serving on the LAKC Board of Directors should send an email indicating their interest to info@lakc.net by 5pm on July 20th.

To apply to the Young Lawyers Section Board of Directors, complete the following form:
https://forms.gle/BiNuFX25zUDXjcMZ8

YLS Seeks Volunteers For Virtual MO High School Mock Trial Competition

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 13:24:48 GMT

Lawyers Association of Kansas City YLS is supporting the Missouri High School Mock Trial Competition again this year. It will be a virtual competition based out of St. Louis for all rounds. More information is below and here.

REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS!! LAKC YLS is looking for any volunteer judges/jurors to help out with any of the dates below! If you are interested,

Please sign up here https://signup.com/go/vnxjGnb for whichever date/time you prefer!

Tuesday, January 26, 2021: Combined Preliminary Round 1 (via Zoom) from 6-9pm
Thursday, January 28, 2021: Combined Preliminary Round 1 (via Zoom) from 6-9pm
Tuesday, February 23, 2021 Combined Preliminary Round 2 (via Zoom) from 6-9pm
Thursday, February 25, 2021: Combined Preliminary Round 2 (via Zoom) from 6-9pm
April 9-11, 2021: State Championship (via Zoom) for various time slots

This is a great opportunity to see how enthusiastic these high school students are about the law, and can reenergize and remind us why we love what we do!

Please let Danielle Atchison (datchison@uslegalimmigration.com) or Phillip Raine (Raine@knightcastro.com) know if you have any questions. Thanks!

LAKC-YLS Hosts Santa's Virtual Snow Ball For Homeless Families

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 03:25:00 GMT

To donate online, click here.

16th Circuit Commission seeks applicants for Castle associate circuit judge vacancy in Jackson County

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 13:32:31 GMT

The Sixteenth Circuit Judicial Commission is accepting applications for the position of associate circuit judge, Division 27 of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit (Jackson County), beginning October 21, 2020. This position is created by the October 20, 2020, appointment of Judge Sarah A. Castle to the position of circuit Judge, Division 1.

Article V, section 21 of the Missouri Constitution requires that an associate circuit judge be at least 25 years old, licensed to practice law in Missouri, a qualified voter in Missouri, and a resident of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit.

Citizens are encouraged to nominate well-qualified candidates for the commission’s consideration. Nominations should be submitted to the contact person listed below.

Public Nomination Form: Microsoft Word PDF

For those interested in applying, the application and instructions are available below:

Application: Microsoft Word PDF

Instructions: Microsoft Word PDF

Guidelines for References: Microsoft Word PDF

The commission must receive all completed applications for this vacancy by 4 p.m. Tuesday, November 17, 2020.

The commission expects to meet Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District, 1300 Oak Street, Kansas City, Missouri, to conduct public interviews of the applicants and to select a panel of three nominees for the vacancy. Further details regarding the interviews, including the manner in which applicants and the public will participate, will be announced at a later date. Upon receipt of the nominations, the governor of the State of Missouri will have 60 days to appoint one of the three nominees as associate circuit judge in Division 27 of the Jackson County circuit court.

Members of the commission are Cynthia L. Martin, chief judge of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District; attorneys Phyllis Norman and Kirk Presley; and lay members Connie Cierpiot and Damon Daniel.

Governor Parson Appoints Honorable Sarah A. Castle As Circuit Judge For The 16th Judicial Circuit

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 13:30:37 GMT

Governor Mike Parson appointed the Honorable Sarah A. Castle as Circuit Judge for the 16th Judicial Circuit. She will fill the Circuit Judge vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Sandra C. Midkiff.

Judge Castle, of Kansas City, currently serves as an Associate Circuit Judge for the 16th Judicial Circuit. She holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and sciences and a master’s degree in political science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.

LAKC-YLS Hosts Skippy & Skivvies Drive October 21st - October 30th

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 13:15:15 GMT

Donate securely online at www.operationbreakthrough.org/skippy-skivvies

LAKC's Run for Justice 5K Is Going Virtual This Year!

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 14:07:18 GMT

We're going virtual this year! Join us for our 16th year as we raise funds for Legal Aid of Western Missouri through a virtual Run for Justice 5K event.

Registrants may run or walk a 5K on a course of their choosing anytime between October 15th and November 15th. Log your miles with us after you've completed your run/walk, and we'll send you a great long sleeve shirt and finisher's medal!

While we cannot gather in person this year, we'll continue with our team award and spirit award, and invite you to join us in the celebration on social media! The team with the most participants will win the team trophy and prize, and the team with the most "spirit" will be recognized as well.

Tag us on social media using #runforjustice5K. We're on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Thank you for your support of our virtual run to support Legal Aid of Western Missouri!

Resumption of jury trials at the downtown courthouse delayed

Sat, 26 Sep 2020 02:30:00 GMT

The 16th Judicial Circuit Court was planning to resume jury trials at the Kansas City Courthouse on Monday, October 5. That date has now been postponed pursuant to Administrative Order 2020-166 as required by Missouri Supreme Court Operational Directives. A court employee has recently tested positive for COVID-19. The Court has in place and has implemented protocols and procedures to mitigate against spread. Court operations at the Kansas City Courthouse have been moved back to Phase 1 under Missouri Supreme Court Operational Directives. Phase 1 limits the number of people gathered in a courtroom or other areas within the courthouse to 10. Courts are required to stay at each operational phase for a minimum of two weeks before moving to the next phase. This change does not affect operations at other courthouses. The Eastern Jackson County Courthouse in Independence started summoning jurors on September 21. That courthouse is still operating at Phase 3 and jury trials will continue as scheduled. The Court and the courthouses have never been closed during the pandemic, but operations have been modified in order to address health concerns.

Admin Order 2020-166 Updated Court Operations - Sept 25. 2020 KC to Phase 1.pdf

LAKC Annual Meeting Goes Virtual - Votes Due by 7/15 at 5pm

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 19:32:56 GMT

To ensure the safety of our members, we have decided to hold our Annual Meeting virtually this year. Below is the slate for the 2020-21 Board of Directors as well as the candidates running for the Young Lawyers Section Board. All LAKC members may vote for the 2020-21 Board of Directors. Young Lawyers Section (YLS) members (age 36 or younger or less than five years in practice) may vote for the 2020-21 slate of YLS officers and 6 YLS board candidates. The deadline to submit your vote is Wednesday, July 15th at 5:00pm.

Please contact info@lakc.net with any questions. Thank you for your vote!

Vote online at https://forms.gle/gZdXAmtaeymmDDrE6.

LAKC-YLS Accepting Applications for 2020-21 Board

Tue, 12 May 2020 14:46:08 GMT

The Young Lawyers Section of the Lawyers Association of Kansas City is now accepting applications for the 2020-21 Board of Directors. Interested candidates should complete the attached application and return on or before May 21st to info@lakc.net.

YLS 20-21 Board Application.pdf

Notice re: Upcoming Events

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 13:04:10 GMT

LAKC Members:
Due to recent events and growing concerns over the spread of COVID-19, LAKC has decided to cancel all events through April and will resume events as soon as it is safe to do so. Please stay tuned to www.lakc.net and our social media channels for more information.

Annual Skippy & Skivvies Drive for Operation Breakthrough

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 16:11:46 GMT

The Young Lawyers Section will once again host its Skippy & Skivvies Drive for Operation Breakthrough August 20th - 30th. Drop off of donations will be held from 11:30am - 1:00pm on Friday, August 30th.

The Skippy & Skivvies Drive is an annual effort to collect underwear, diapers, wipes, socks, and peanut butter for Operation Breakthrough. Their biggest needs at the moment are for sizes 4, 5, and 6 in diapers, underwear sizes 2T - size 8 (boys and girls), wipes and peanut butter.

LAKC will tally all donations received and delivered per firm and announce results after the drive. The firm collecting the most donations will receive our new coveted Skippy & Skivvies trophy!

On behalf of Operation Breakthrough, thank you for your support!

LAKC Annual Meeting: Wednesday, May 8th

Wed, 08 May 2019 13:46:02 GMT

The Annual Meeting of the Lawyers Association of Kansas City will be held Wednesday, May 8th from 5-7pm at Chicken N Pickle, North Kansas City. There is no cost to attend and reservations are not required. The 2019-20 slate of officers and directors are provided below as is the ballot for the Young Lawyers Section Board.

2019-20 Proposed Board of Directors

Lindsay Todd Perkins, President

Rick Shearer, President-Elect

Kaitee Brown, Secretary/Treasurer

Tim West, Past-President

Anne Baggott

Anna Berman

Ben Carr

Anne Hershewe

Sam Hofmeier

Nate Jones

Michael Judy

Molly Walsh-Keppler

Derek MacKay

Travis McCallon

Tyler Scott

Amber Simon

The ballot of the Young Lawyers Section Board of Directors may be returned at the annual meeting or by email to info@lakc.net.

LAKC YLS 5.2019 ballot.pdf

YLS Now Accepting Applications for 19-20 Board of Directors

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 16:42:51 GMT

The Young Lawyers Section of the Lawyers Association of Kansas City is now accepting applications for the 2018-19 Board of Directors. Interested candidates should complete the attached application and return on or before April 30, 2019 to Ashlee Crowl, ashlee.crowl@gmail.com.

Elections will be held Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at 5:00pm @ Chicken & Pickle, 1761 Burlington, North Kansas City MO 64116.

LAKC-YLS 2019-20 Director Application.pdf

YLS Seeks Volunteers for State Mock Trial Competition

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 10:37:49 GMT

LAKC-YLS is hosting the Missouri High School Mock Trial state competition the weekend of March 29-31st at the Eastern Jackson County Courthouse and is in need of volunteer judges for the following time slots:

Friday, March 29th from 5:30pm - 9:00pm

Saturday, March 30th from 8:00am - 11:30am

Meals are provided for judges and up to 6 hours self study CLE credit can be claimed in MO.

This is a great opportunity to see how enthusiastic these high school students are about the law, and can reenergize and remind us why we love what we do!

Sign up as a volunteer using the link below:

http://signup.com/go/BKKHpyu

Publication of Revised Rules - Jackson County

Fri, 15 Mar 2019 02:08:57 GMT

New Jackson County Rule In Effect March 15th:

Rule 52 - Selection of Jury

Rule 52.1 - Revised - Effective Date 03/15/19 - Jury List and Questionnaires

1. All prospective jurors shall complete the online informational questionnaire available to them through eJuror as directed by their summons. The prospective jurors forming a petit jury panel in any case shall have the bioforms resulting from their completed questionnaires compiled by court personnel, who shall print three copies of the panel's bioforms. The Court shall retain one copy and give one copy to the attorney representing the plaintiff and one copy to the attorney representing the defendant. The prospective jurors forming a grand jury panel shall have the bioforms resulting from their completed questionnaires compiled by court personnel, who shall print two or three copies of the panel's bioforms. The Court shall retain one copy and give one or two copies to the attorney(s) representing the state.

2. Upon conclusion of the trial, the Court's original jury panel list shall be placed in the court file and the Court's copy of the jury bioforms for the entire panel shall be placed in a sealed envelope, that is labeled with the case name, case number, division and dates of trial and shall be returned to the Jury Room for retention. Upon the selection of the grand jury, the originals of the jury bioforms for the entire panel shall be placed in a sealed envelope and returned to the Jury Room for retention. All jury bioforms shall be maintained as a closed record and shall not be disclosed to anyone except upon order of the court and for just cause.

3. Upon the selection of a petit jury, the copies of the jury bioforms provided to the attorneys shall be returned to court personnel and shall be destroyed. Upon the selection of a grand jury, the copies of the jury bioforms provided to the attorney(s) for the state shall be returned to court personnel and shall be destroyed.

4. The Presiding Judge is authorized to enter an order, pursuant to Supreme Court Operating Rule 8, ordering destruction of juror bioforms delivered to the Jury Room for retention as closed records, upon the expiration of ten years after the trial date or grand jury selection, without further order of the Court.

LAKC-YLS Accepting Applications for Annual Scholarship

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 19:54:47 GMT

Each year, the LAKC-YLS board awards a one-time scholarship to provide college financial assistance to an outstanding graduating senior who has expressed or demonstrated a sincere interest in pursuing a law-related career. The scholarship amount this year is $1,000.

Applications are due no later than April 9, 2019. Please see the attached application for additional details.

LAKC-YLS_Scholarship_Application_2018_19.docx

Family Court Offers Free 3-Hour CLE on Protective Custody Hearings

Wed, 31 Oct 2018 16:35:16 GMT

Youngs letter Family Court 10.18.pdf

Missouri Bill to Effect Pleading Standards Regarding Punitive Damages

Fri, 11 May 2018 13:09:34 GMT

Earlier this year the House passed HB2119, then some amendments to the bill and now the Senate has passed the perfected bill. Presuming this makes its way into law, I want to address what it does, in part. There is too much from the bill for one post.

510.259.10: This takes effect on August 28, 2018 and applies to pending cases. Certainly there will be litigation over that. The legislature does not address how the pleading standards above would apply to cases already on file where punitive damages were pled initially.

510.259.5: This section establishes a system similar to that in Kansas where an initial pleading cannot claim entitlement to punitive damages and punitive damages can only be plead if permitted by the Court. To obtain leave to assert punitive damages, movant must file a motion with evidence demonstrating a reasonable basis for punitive damages at least 120 days before the final pretrial conference. The rule requires that the Court rule on the motion within 45 days after hearing or, if no hearing, within 45 days after the opposition brief was filed.

Tim West, President, Board of Directors
MO Legislative Chair

LAKC-YLS 2018-19 Board of Directors Election

Wed, 09 May 2018 12:07:53 GMT

The Young Lawyers Section of the Lawyers Association of Kansas City will hold its board elections Wednesday, May 9th from 5-7pm at Char Bar, 4050 Pennsylvania, Kansas City MO 64111. The slate of officers and directors up for election are provided in the ballot below. Members are encouraged to cast their votes during the annual meeting event at Char Bar.

Ballots may also be submitted to JR Montgomery by e-mail to james.montgomery@stinson.com or by U.S. mail to ATTN: JR Montgomery, Stinson Leonard Street LLP, 1201 Walnut St., Ste. 2400, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Ballots, whether sent by e-mail or U.S. mail should be received prior to 5p.m. on May 9, 2018, to be counted.

LAKC - YLS 2018 BALLOT[40274].pdf

LAKC-YLS Accepting Applications for 2018-19 Board of Directors

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 21:49:09 GMT

Elections will be held Wednesday, May 9, 2018, 5:00pm @ Char Bar, 4050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kansas City MO.

LAKC-YLS 2018-19 Director Application.pdf

Bills Currently in the Judiciary Committee (Missouri House of Representatives)

Tue, 13 Feb 2018 13:36:13 GMT

Here is a very short summary of some of what is in the Judiciary Committee right now:

* Those 75 years and older can be excused from jury duty if they ask (HB2063).

* Registered sexual offenders are not permitted to partake in any Halloween related activities with children on October 31. This common sense bill filed by Rep. Ellebracht removes the October 31 qualifier (HB1306).

* Allowing courts to approve settlements involving minors on the basis of affidavits. The law currently requires an evidentiary hearing. Under this bill the court could still hold a hearing in its discretion. (HB1405). This was presented last year also as HB 592.

* Removal of the statute of limitations on prosecution of unlawful sexual offenses. (HB1590 and 2185). The law currently provides a 30 year statute of limitations. Public hearings were held last week. This is the same as HB1120 from last year.

* Allowing municipal convictions, guilty pleas and nolo contendere pleas to be used as evidence relevant to witness credibility (HB1681). In order words, there would be no exception for municipal court findings and pleas. A public hearing was held last week on this bill, which is the same as HB735 from last year.

Tim West, LAKC Board of Directors MO Legislative Monitor

LAKC-YLS Accepting Applications for Scholarship

Thu, 11 Jan 2018 03:09:55 GMT

Please note that to be considered, applications must be postmarked or scanned and e-mailed to the address or e-mail address listed in the application instructions no later than April 10, 2018.

Link to application (Word doc):
LAKC-YLS Scholarship Application 2017-18.docx

Volunteer Judges Needed for MO Mock Trial Competition

Fri, 29 Dec 2017 18:09:28 GMT

It is time again for the Kansas City division of the high school Missouri Mock Trial Competition. The first round of competition takes place on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 and Thursday, January 18, 2018. The second round takes place on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 and Thursday, February 22, 2018.

The Lawyers Association of Kansas City - Young Lawyers Section is looking for attorneys and law students to serve as judges for the competition, which will take place downtown at the Jackson County Courthouse. The competition begins at 5:30pm each night and will wrap up by 9pm (dinner will be provided). Judges are asked to arrive at the courthouse by 5:30pm.

This is a great opportunity to see how enthusiastic these high school students are about the law, and can reenergize and remind us why we love what we do!

If you are interested in judging and would like to participate, please contact Martin Rice (martin.rice@dentons.com) or Cassandra Robinson (crocx@allstate.com).

CLE CREDIT: Missouri will offer self-study CLE credit for judging at the Mock Trial Competition. Attorneys may claim up to 6 hours of self-study CLE/year. LAKC can provide a letter for your records if desired.

Santa's Hotline

Wed, 13 Dec 2017 16:03:31 GMT

Civil Jury Project Luncheon

Wed, 11 Oct 2017 12:39:23 GMT

The American Board of Trial Advocates, KCMBA's Trial Academy, KCMBA's Federal Court Advocate Section, MODL, WDMO/DKAN Federal Bar Association, LAKC, and the Civil Jury Project are sponsoring the first Kansas City Jury Improvement Lunch on Wednesday, November 1 at noon at the Charles Evans Whittaker Courthouse, 400 9th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106. This lunch will be hosted by the following law firms: Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice, Bartimus Frickleton Robertson, Berkowitz Oliver, German May, Gorny Law Firm, Littler Mendelson, Shaffer Lombardo Shurin, and White Graham Buckley & Carr. Others may join as sponsors or hosts. The purpose of the lunch is to honor the jurors and to learn from them about what can be done to improve civil trials.

We are asking practicing lawyers to pay $19 for their own lunches. The cost of the lunches for the judges and jurors will be shared by the host law firms. We are in the process of arranging for the lawyers who attend to receive credit for their continuing legal education requirements. Anyone interested in improving their trial skills will not want to miss this lunch. It was the overwhelming consensus of those lawyers and judges who attended our previous lunch that it was informative and should be repeated at regular intervals. Because we assign tables (to make sure the lawyers from the same firms, the judges and the jurors are divided) and have limited space, we ask that you make a reservation in advance if you want to attend. You can do so by using this link: http://civiljuryproject.law.nyu.edu/jury-improvement-lunch-registration/.

LAKC Presents Legacy Award to Kent Erickson

Wed, 28 Jun 2017 13:00:54 GMT

LAKC presented its Legacy Award to Kent R. Erickson during its annual Judicial Reception on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at the Kill Devil Club. In 2007, the LAKC Board of Directors established the Legacy Award to recognize an individual for his or her significant and enduring contributions to the LAKC and its mission. Prior recipients include Sylvan Siegler, Stanley P. Weiner and B. John Readey III. The meaningful and lasting service Kent has provided to the LAKC clearly meets this key criterion.

Kent R. Erickson practices in the field of intellectual property law, focusing primarily on the acquisition, registration, maintenance and enforcement of patents, trademarks and copyrights for his clients, with particular emphasis on U.S. and foreign patent prosecution in the mechanical and chemical arts. Mr. Erickson is a registered patent attorney and is licensed to practice in Missouri and Kansas.

Mr. Erickson graduated cum laude in 1986 with his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla and received his law degree from the University of Kansas in 1990. He has taken an active role in the legal community, serving as President for the Lawyers Association of Kansas City from 2007-08. In addition, Mr. Erickson founded and continues to organize LAKC's annual IP CLE program. Mr. Erickson was also one of the founding organizers of LAKC's Run for Justice 5K, which raises funds annually for Legal Aid of Western Missouri. Mr. Erickson has previously served as the Chair of the Patent, Trademark & Copyright Committee for both the Missouri Bar and for the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, as a member of The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers Council, as a director and as President of the Young Lawyers Section of the Lawyers Association of Kansas City and as Vice Chair of the Ethics and Professionalism Committee of the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyer Division.

Pictured L to R: Catherine Bell, LAKC President-Elect; Mike Hargens, LAKC President; Kent Erickson, LAKC Legacy Award Recipient; Gregg Lombardi, LAKC member; Anne Baggott, LAKC Board of Directors.

LAKC to Present Legacy Award to Kent R. Erickson

Thu, 08 Jun 2017 12:44:15 GMT

The Lawyers Association of Kansas City will present its Legacy Award to Kent R. Erickson on June 27, 2017 during the association's annual Judicial Reception.

In 2007, the LAKC Board of Directors established the Legacy Award to recognize an individual for his or her significant and enduring contributions to the LAKC and its mission. Prior recipients include Sylvan Siegler, Stanley P. Weiner and B. John Readey III. The meaningful and lasting service Kent has provided to the LAKC clearly meets this key criterion.

The LAKC Legacy Award will be presented to Kent during LAKC's annual Judicial Reception on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at the Kill Devil Club, 31 East 14th Street in the Power & Light District. The reception will be held from 5 to 7pm and the award presentation will take place at approximately 6:00 pm.

LAKC 2017-18 Slate of Officers and Directors

Mon, 08 May 2017 15:45:36 GMT

The following slate of officers and directors will be presented for a vote at the LAKC Annual Meeting on May 9, 2017 at Tom's Town:

2017-18 Board of Directors

President: Mike Hargens
President-Elect: Catherine Bell
Secretary/Treasurer: Tim West

Anne Baggott
Anna Berman
Anna Louise Hawes
Ty Hudson
Mark Iba
Mike Judy
Derek MacKay
Travis McCallon
Dan McClain
Chris Mirakian
Casey Murray
Jennifer Oldvader
Rick Shearer
Lindsay Todd Perkins
Jennifer Wieman Earles

Past-President: Brian Baggott

All LAKC members are welcome and encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting and Happy Hour. No RSVP required; no cost to attend.

LAKC-YLS 2017-18 Board of Directors Election

Mon, 01 May 2017 12:47:26 GMT

The Lawyers Association of Kansas City-Young Lawyers Section elections for the 2017-18 Board of Directors will be held May 9, 2017 from 4:30pm - 6:30pm at Tom's Town, 1701 Main ST, Kansas City, MO. LAKC-YLS members are invited to vote for up to three (3) candidates on the ballot by mail, email or in person on May 9th. A link to the ballot is provided below.

INSTRUCTIONS:

You must be a member of LAKC-YLS to vote. One ballot per YLS member.

Please vote for up to three (3) of the following candidates for the LAKC-YLS Board of Directors by marking the box next to the candidate's name.

Please return this ballot to Tyler Scott by e-mail to tyler.scott@huschblackwell.com or by U.S. mail to Tyler Scott, Husch Blackwell LLP, 4801 Main Street, Suite 1000, Kansas City, Missouri 64112. Ballots, whether sent by e-mail or U.S. mail, must be received prior to 5 p.m. on May 9, 2017, to be counted. If you prefer to vote in person, you may do so at the LAKC-YLS Elections on May 9, 2017, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Tom’s Town, 1701 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri.

LAKC-YLS 17-18 Ballot.pdf

LAKC-YLS Accepting Nominations for 2017-18 Board of Directors

Tue, 04 Apr 2017 12:01:38 GMT

The Young Lawyers Section of the Lawyers Association of Kansas City is now accepting applications for the 2017-18 YLS Board of Directors. Interested candidates should complete the application provided and submit to Tyler Scott at tyler.scott@huschblackwell.com on or before April 27, 2017.

Elections will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 @ Tom's Town Distilling Co., 1701 Main ST, Kansas City MO.

LAKC YLS Application Board of Directors 4.17.pdf

Proposed Bylaws Change - YLS Board of Directors

Tue, 04 Apr 2017 11:59:35 GMT

The following changes to the YLS Bylaws have been recommended for approval at the YLS Board of Directors in April 2017.

LAKC-YLS proposed bylaws changes 4.2017.pdf

Missouri Legislation Seeking to End Non-Compete Agreements

Wed, 01 Mar 2017 13:50:27 GMT

Representative Keith Frederick (R – Phelps/Pulaski counties), who sits on the Special Committee on Employment Security introduced a bill that seeks to modify RSMo 431.202 in such a way that non-compete agreements between employers and employees entered into after August 28, 2017 would not be enforceable. Obviously, this type of legislation would be popular with employees subject to these type of post-employment restrictions and not with employers.

I believe the bill was pre-filed. It was introduced and had its first reading on January 5, 2017 and read a second time on January 9, 2017. It was referred to Workforce Development on January 25 and had a public hearing on February 1. Action was postponed on the bill on February 8, 2017 and now it sits. I don’t believe this bill is going anywhere this session.

Tim West, MO Legislative Monitor
LAKC Board of Directors

Missouri Legislature to Amend the Missouri Human Rights Act

Wed, 22 Feb 2017 00:12:23 GMT

There are several bills currently pending in the legislature designed to modify the Missouri Human Rights Act. I’m going to make a sketch of these here understanding that these modifications are complex and deserve much deeper treatment than afforded by this format.

HB 550 – This bill was introduced by Judiciary Committee Chairman Joe Don McGaugh (R – Chariton, Carroll and Ray). Rep. McGaugh also served on the Special Committee on Litigation Reform, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and the Joint Committee on Justice System. This bill had a public hearing before the Special Committee on Litigation Reform on February 13 along with many other bills comprising a general tort reform package.

This bill seeks to change the causation standard under the MHRA by changing the definition of “because” or “because of” to mean the motivating factor. In other words, it would be a defense to a discrimination claim that firing a person was not the motivating factor, but was still a factor. This would put the Missouri standard closer to the federal standard for employment discrimination claims.

Along with that change, the bill would require that juries be instructed on the business judgment rule in discrimination cases with the express intent of abrogating McBryde v. Ritenour Sch. Dist., 207 S.W.3d 162 (Mo. App. E.D. 2006) and its progeny. The business judgment rule creates a rebuttable presumption in favor of management that it acted for a proper business purpose and that judgment should not be second-guessed. In other words, management mistakes, even if very stupid, are not actionable. It must be more than a mistake or bad call to create liability for the business.

In line with the causation change, the bill would require courts to rely heavily on federal precedent from Title VII, age discrimination, and disability discrimination cases in applying the MHRA. In accord with this, the bill recommends an analysis for courts to apply in determining summary judgment motions that would likely result in summary judgment being granted more in Missouri state court.

The bill also includes significant damages caps that limit recovery to actual back pay plus interest and then other damages tiered based on the number of employees the business has. For instances, if a business has less than 100 employees than other damages are limited to $50,000. If a business has more than 500 employees these other damages would be limited to $300,000. Based on reported verdicts and settlements, this would have a dramatic effect.

Finally, the bill includes a Whistleblower’s Protection Act which essentially codifies the common law exception to the at will employment doctrine as to whistleblowers. The bill defines whistleblower as a person who has reported to the proper authorities an unlawful act or serious misconduct of the employer that violates a clear mandate of public policy. The bill limits the potential damages available to a whistleblower, including a prohibition of punitive damages.

HB 552 is nearly identical. It was introduced by Assistant Majority Floor Leader Kevin Austin (R-Greene County). This bill was also subject of a public hearing on February 13.

HB 676 is also nearly identical. It was introduced by Rep. Dean Plocher (R – St. Louis) and was also the subject of a public hearing on February 13.

SB 43 goes even further in establishing a “but for” causation standard for MHRA actions. That is to say that the employee would have to prove that the employer would have not fired her or taken an adverse employment action but for the protected status. The bill also has the same abrogation of McBryde v. Ritenour Sch. Dist., 207 S.W.3d 162 (Mo. App. E.D. 2006) concerning the business judgment rule. The bill would expressly abrogate all existing Missouri approved jury instructions concerning the MHRA. This bill has the same damages limitations as found in the House bill. Finally, the Senate version includes a Whistleblower section similar to the House version.

SB 43 was initially filed by Senator Romine (R – Iron, Reynolds, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Washington and Jefferson counties). It has been through the Small Business and Industry Committee and that version is now on the Senate’s formal calendar Bills for Perfection.

Tim West, MO Legislative Monitor
LAKC Board of Directors

Missouri Legislation Seeking to Change Venue Rules

Mon, 20 Feb 2017 14:42:52 GMT

My last post focused on bills seeking to change the joinder rules, but those bills also address venue so I want to update that post here and talk about a few other bills.

HB 461 essentially requires that venue be established as to each defendant in any petition alleging a tort. This was voted Do Pass (10-2) by the Special Committee on Litigation Reform and is set for hearing with the Legislative Oversight Committee on February 20 at 2pm.

SB 261 and SB 262 are the same and are set on the Senate’s Formal Calendar Bills for Perfection on February 20. Those bills would make changes to Missouri Supreme Court Rules 52.05 and 52.06.

SB 259 and HB 462 seek to make changes to Missouri Supreme Court Rules 52.12. 52.12 concerns the concept of joinder. Specially, these bills seek to add a subsection that states: “Venue. No person shall be allowed to intervene in any action in which a tort is alleged if that person could not independently establish jurisdiction and venue.” These bills were introduced by the same Representative and Senator that introduced HB 461 and SB 261 and SB 262.

These bills are on the same track meaning that HB 462 is set for hearing with the Legislative Oversight Committee on February 20 at 2pm and SB 259 is on the Senate’s Formal Calendar Bills for Perfection that same day.

SB 260 and HB 463 seek to amend Supreme Court Rule 51.01 to incorporate the changes in Rules 52.05, 52.06 and 52.12. This appears to be bootstrapping to ensure that 51.01 does not create an ambiguity. These bills are on the same path as those discussed above.

These bills are all attempting to do the same thing: make it harder to bring a lawsuit in Missouri. With that I guess it is not surprising who testified in favor and against the bills.

Testifying in favor were Representative Kolkmeyer; National Federation of Independent Business; Missouri Retailers Association; Missouri Grocers Association; Associated Industries of Missouri; Johnson & Johnson; Monsanto; The Doctors Company; Missouri Trucking Association; Missouri State Medical Association; Jay Atkins, KC Southern Railway; Missouri Petroleum Council; Washington University; Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Missouri Railroad Association; Phil Goldberg, American Tort Reform Association; Missouri Insurance Coalition; Kansas City Power & Light; and Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers.

Testifying against were Jeff Bauer, Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys and Jack Garvey.

Tim West, MO Legislative Monitor
LAKC Board of Directors

Missouri Legislation Concerning Joinder Rules – Republicans Move on Greitens Tort Reform

Fri, 10 Feb 2017 18:30:40 GMT

House Bill 461 seeks to change the joinder rules found in Supreme Court Rule 52.05 and 52.06. This legislation proposed by Majority Caucus Chair Glen Kolkmeyer (R – Jackson/Johnson/Lafayette) appears to be in response to Governor Greitens call for tort reform from his State of the State address in which he claimed there was a massive amount of lawsuits being filed in Missouri by non-Missourians because Missouri is a “judicial hell hole.”

The bill would add this subjection to Rule 52.05:

(c) Independent Establishment of Venue. In addition to the requirements of subdivision (a), in any civil action in which there is a count alleging a tort, two or more plaintiffs may be joined in a single action only if each plaintiff could have separately filed an action in that venue, independent of the claims of any other plaintiff. Any plaintiff that cannot establish proper venue independent of the claims of any other plaintiff shall be deemed misjoined. If the plaintiff was first injured outside of the state of Missouri, two or more defendants may be joined in a single action if the plaintiff can establish proper venue against each defendant individually. If proper venue cannot be established against a defendant individually, that defendant shall be deemed misjoined.

The bill would also add this language to the end of Rule 52.06:

If a plaintiff or defendant is deemed misjoined under supreme court rule 52.05(c), such plaintiff or defendant shall be severed from the action, and the claims shall be transferred to a county in which venue exists. If there is no county in Missouri in which venue exists, the claims shall be dismissed.

Senate Bills 261 and 262, sponsored by Majority Caucus Whip Brian Munzlinger (R – District 18, which is generally northcentral and northeastern Missouri) are identical and have been passed by the Government Reform Committee

HB 461 is set for hearing on Monday, Feb. 13 at 1pm in front of the Special Committee on Litigation Reform so don’t delay in reaching out to your representative if you have a position on this proposed legislation.

Tim West, MO Legislative Monitor
LAKC Board of Directors

Criminal Sentencing Bills Referred to the House Judiciary Committee

Thu, 02 Feb 2017 16:03:29 GMT

In two earlier posts we discussed various bills that were referred to the Judiciary Committee. Since that time there have been quite a few new bills referred to Judiciary so let’s take a look at a few of those now that relate to criminal sentencing.

HB 38 – Galen Higdon (R – Platte/Buchanan) has introduced this bill, which seeks to make two significant changes regarding criminal sentencing. Those changes would effect RSMo 558.019 in that the language requiring an offender to serve a certain portion of his/her sentence would now be discretionary instead of mandatory (“may be required to” instead of “shall be”). This bill also proposes to add the following section:

(1) Any person, except for a person who was found guilty of first degree murder or of any sex offense under chapter 566, meeting the following qualifications shall be eligible for a parole hearing:

(a) There was no heinous motive involved in the crime;

(b) The person is capable of rehabilitation;

(d) The crime did not involve physical harm or the threat of violence to another person; and

(e) The crime did not involve a firearm.

(2) For purposes of this subsection, "heinous" means any crime that is hateful or shockingly evil.

I doubt there is much interest on pushing a bill that gives a “soft on crime” impression.

HB 171 (same as HB 1622 last year) seeks to add five words (“at the time of adjudication”) to RSMo 589.405. Mike Kelley (R – Dade/Barton/Jasper/Cedar) wants to place a requirement on judges to tell sex offenders “at the time of adjudication” that they must register as sex offenders. The statute already requires that these offenders be told of the registration requirement at the time prior to their release and discharge.

I’ll admit that I do not understand why we would seek to add a requirement that can later be used by a sex offender to avoid responsibility for not registering on the sex offender list. Give Rep. Kelley a call and ask him why sex offenders must be told twice of their registration requirements.

Tim West, MO Legislative Monitor
LAKC Board of Directors

Missouri Senate Bills Concerning Expert Witnesses and the Death Penalty

Thu, 26 Jan 2017 18:36:12 GMT

My first few posts concerning the 2017 Missouri legislative session have focused on the House Judiciary Committee. In this post let’s take a look at two interesting bills in the Senate.

SB200 – This is the same as SB591, which we looked at in the 2016 legislative session before it went through some modifications. This bill changes the standards applicable to expert witnesses in Missouri pursuant to RSMo 490.065. Jessi Baker’s official Senate summary on this is good so I’m going to copy it here:

"This act provides that current standards for admitting expert testimony in a civil action shall apply to legal actions adjudicated in probate court, juvenile court, family courts, or in actions involving divorce, marriage, adoption, child support orders, or protective orders.

In all other legal actions an expert witness may testify in a court proceeding if the expert has specialized knowledge that will help the trier of fact understand the evidence, the testimony is based on sufficient facts and the product of reliable principles, and if the expert has reliably applied such principles to the facts of the case.

An expert may base an opinion on facts in the case that the expert has been made aware of or personally observed. If experts in the particular field would reasonably rely on those kinds of facts in forming an opinion, the facts need not be admissible for the opinion to be admitted. If the facts would otherwise be inadmissible, the proponent may disclose them to the jury only if their probative value outweighs their prejudicial effect.

An expert witness shall not testify on the defendant's mental state which constitutes an element of the crime. An expert witness may state an opinion without first testifying to the underlying facts, but may be required to do so on cross-examination.

A real property owner is competent to testify as to the reasonable market value of his or her land, in accordance with certain case law listed in the act."

SB 277 – Senator Paul Wieland (R-Jefferson County) seeks to have the death penalty removed as a potential punishment for first-degree murder. This would cause repeal to numerous sections is Chapters 546 and 565 of Missouri’s Revised Statutes. This bill was tried the last few years in the Senate and for several recent years in the House. Any chance it will pass this time? If it did, would Greitens sign it? I can’t recall from the campaign his stance on the death penalty, if any. He did campaign on being tougher on violent crimes though, which would certainly include first-degree murder.

Tim West, MO Legislative Monitor
LAKC Board of Directors

More Missouri Bills Referred to the Judiciary Committee

Wed, 25 Jan 2017 02:31:52 GMT

First an update on bills discussed in the first post on this series of bills referred to the Judiciary Committee: HB 35 and HB 50 were voted do pass on the 19th after a hearing on the 17th. HB 34 was referred to Legislative Oversight.

Also voted do pass on the 19th was HB 285. This bill sponsored by Nathan Beard (R - Pettis/Johnson) creates a requirement that a responsive pleading be filed in response to a motion to modify child support or maintenance. The bill would add the following sentence to RSMo 452.370.1: "A responsive pleading shall be filed in response to any motion to modify a child support or maintenance judgment." Further, the bill would add a similar sentence in RSMo 454.500 and change the word "may" to "shall" in reference to filing a responsive pleading in RSMo 425.747.

So what else does the Judiciary have to consider?

HB 72 would change the rules concerning the method of determining compensation in condemnation cases related to high voltage power lines. The bill, among other things, provides property owners with the opportunity to get treble damages and an award of attorney fees in litigation. I'll need to look at this more because it is not readily apparent to me how this bill is philosophically consistent with the Governor's message on the need for tort reform. Rep. Joe McGaugh (R - Chariton/Carroll/Ray) can tell you more about this if you are interested.

Committee Vice Chair Corlew (R - Platte/Clay) has sponsored HB 152 which seeks to establish the "Armed Offender Docket Pilot Project" in Jackson County Circuit Court. Even if the bill passed, it would be up to the Circuit Court to determine if they wanted to implement the docket as it comes with no money but rather authorizes the Circuit Court to charge a surcharge in an effort to pay for the docket, which would have a dedicated judge. I haven't spoken to any of the Jackson County judges about this bill to determine if this would be beneficial so let me know if you have any insights.

I'll provide another update after the Committee's next hearing on the 24th.

Tim West, MO Legislative Monitor
LAKC Board of Directors

Missouri Bills Referred to the Judiciary Committee

Wed, 18 Jan 2017 12:14:45 GMT

We are still early in the 1st Regular Session of the 99th General Assembly, but let's take a look at a few of the bills that have been referred to the Judiciary Committee.

HB 32 - This seeks to add a paragraph to RSMo 621.035 to allow Enrolled Agents and CPAs to represent individuals and businesses before the administrative hearing commission on matters "relating to the assessment or reassessment of taxes or any other tax-related matter." I have no idea what "other tax-related matter" means but you can ask the bill's sponsor, Gary Cross (R - Lee's Summit).

HB 34 - This bill seeks to update Article's 1 and 7 of Missouri's Commercial Code to match the current version of the UCC. That seems like a sensible proposal by Representative Dean Plocher (R - Town and Country).

HB 35 - This bill seeks to create a rule of evidence regarding the admission of breath analyzer results for those allegedly intoxicated. The bills seeks to abrogate the holdings of Stiers v. Director of Revenue, 477 S.W.3d 611 (Mo. 2016). This was introduced by Rep. Plocher.

HB 50 - This bill, introduced by Rep. Rebecca Roeber (R - Lee's Summit / Greenowood), seeks to eliminate the division assignments between Kansas City and Independence that exists in the 16th Judicial Circuit. RSMo 478.463 and 478.464 designate where each division resides. Ms. Roeber's bill would strike those designations leaving the statutes to state only that there would be 19 circuit judges and 10 associate circuit judges. I have not inquired or heard of the motivation behind this bill or what, if any reaction, it has received from Jackson County judges. If you have any insight on this, I would love to hear about it.

I'll be back in a few days with a few more bills that our judiciary committee is likely to address this session.

Tim West, MO Legislative Monitor
LAKC Board of Directors

Missouri's 2017 Legislative Session Opens

Wed, 04 Jan 2017 23:45:33 GMT

What's at the top of the GOP-controlled House's agenda?

Right to work. Governor Greitens campaigned on a promise to pass a bill that prohibits Unions from mandating dues, legislators pre-filed bills and today, in his Opening Day address, House Speaker Todd Richardson said he would refer a bill to the Economic Development Committee tomorrow (1/5/17) and asked that the Committee get the bill to the House floor ASAP.

Ethics Reform. Speaker Richardson said: "A gift ban will be the first bill out of this House." Now whether this bill will have any teeth and actually have a reforming effect is anyone's guess, but the GOP, starting at the top with President Trump, is at least attempting to get reform soundbites.

Charter Schools. Speaker Richardson today spoke about the need to expand access to charter schools. A review of the currently filed bills suggests that this is an idea without a plan, but time will tell. Keep an eye on HB189, offered by Kathryn Swan, which would establish a savings plan for K-12 educational expense and fits hand-in-glove with expanding charter schools. Charter schools are likely to be the subject of renewed discussion in light of Trump's selection of Betsy DeVos, an advocate for charter school expansion, to be the Department of Education Secretary.

Tim West, LAKC MO Legislative Monitor
LAKC Board of Directors

2017 Missouri Legislative Session

Mon, 28 Nov 2016 15:48:34 GMT

With a Republican super majority in the legislature and Republican Eric Greitens replacing Democrat Jay Nixon as holder of the veto stamp, there could be a lot of legislation passed and signed into law that has had the legs the past few years. For those of us in Kansas City area, that means concern or joy (depending on your perspective) over the prospect of another bill to repeal the 1% earnings tax.

For those of you that view a repeal bill as negative, including the 77% that voted in favor of the 1% tax the last time it was on the ballot, you have good reason to believe that a repeal bill will not be part of the 2017 agenda. First, Senator Kurt Schaefer, the big proponent of the repeal bill was term limited out of office. Second, Speaker Pro Tem Elijah Haahr, who sponsored a repeal bill last session recently said that he does not intend to sponsor a similar bill this session.

So, what will be at the top of the Republican legislative agenda for 2017? Let me know what you think should or shouldn't be the legislature's focus?

Missouri's Veto Session Starts with a Bang

Thu, 15 Sep 2016 22:28:27 GMT

Missouri's veto session began on Wednesday, September 14. By the end of the day, 13 of Governor Nixon's 20 vetoes had been overridden. I'll address the impact of other bills in future posts, but the bill getting all the attention is that which allows concealed carry without a permit and expands the so-called stand your ground law. This is the bill that lead KC Mayor Sly James to fear that the legislature would "double down on stupid." As Mayor James said earlier today (Thursday the 15th), this result was not surprising. The Kansas City Star had made an overly optimistic pitch about how the veto might not be overridden now that some Republicans had begun to express concerns over citizens carrying weapons without a permit and without the benefit of training classes. That was never a realistic possibility as this was always going to be a party line vote. The NRA was heavily supportive of this bill that makes Missouri the 10th state where concealed carry is permissible without a permit. The law takes effect January 1, 2017.

Tim West
MO Legislative Monitor
LAKC Board of Directors

Legal Aid Seeks Nominations For Hon. H. Michael Coburn Community Service Award

Thu, 08 Sep 2016 23:51:04 GMT

The selection committee for the Coburn Award is seeking nominations for Legal Aid of Western Missouri’s Honorable H. Michael Coburn Community Service Award. This award was created in 1995. The Committee will select an award winner whose noble work and honorable efforts in service to the community will serve as an inspiration to others in the legal profession.

Qualifications:

Current member of the Missouri Bar practicing in the Jackson County area.
Demonstrated, in the spirit of Legal Aid, outstanding service to advancing the administration of justice on behalf of low-income people in the Jackson County area.
Outstanding service to the community with a particular emphasis on volunteer activity and leadership, other than work directly for bar associations (pro bono case work on behalf of low-income people that is done through a bar association may be considered).

The Procedure:

The nomination form, along with appropriate supporting materials. Applications must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 by The Coburn Community Service Award Committee, c/o Legal Aid of Western Missouri, 1125 Grand Avenue, Suite 1900, Kansas City, Missouri, 64106. Applications may also be submitted on-line to glombardi@lawmo.org. Any questions should be directed by e-mail to Gregg Lombardi at glombardi@lawmo.org.

Deadline for nominations to be received by Legal Aid is 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2016.

Download a nomination form.

Past Coburn Award Recipients Include:

2015 Pat Stueve
201 Suzy Block
2013 Steve Chinn
2012 Dale Irwin
2011 Denise Henning
2010 Janeen deVries
2009 Charley German
2008 James Heeter
2007 Matthew J. O’Connor
2006 Richard W. Miller
2005 Lisa Gentleman
2004 Honorable Jon Gray
2003 Courtney Koger
2002 Honorable Justine Del Muro
2001 C. Patrick McLarney
2000 John Kurtz
1999 John Johnston
1998 Honorable Christine Sill-Rogers
1997 Elaine Drodge Koch
1996 Honorable Hal Lowenstein
1995 Bronwyn Werner

Missouri Legislation: What Will Get Passed in the Veto Session?

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 15:35:53 GMT

Governor Nixon vetoed 22 bills in the 2016 regular session. The veto session in which the General Assembly will consider only those bills returned by Governor Nixon convenes on September 14. SB 586, relating to charter schools, has already been overridden. Here is a short summary of some the bills vetoed by the Governor this last session:

* HB1414 [SCS HB 1414] - This bill would have allowed for a voluntary reporting of agricultural information that is now mandatory. Governor Nixon vetoed the bill arguing the public has the right to know the information.

* HB1432 [SS#2 SCS HCB HB 1432] - This bill requires a hearing within 60 days of an employee being placed on administrative leave. Governor Nixon vetoed the bill arguing that it would make it harder for employers to punish employees and would give procedural rights to employees not currently entitled to such protections.

* HB 1631 [SC#2 SCS HCS HB 1631] - This is Missouri's take on a voter ID bill, requiring government-issued photo ID to vote. This is similar to a bill that Nixon vetoed in 2011. We'll see if there are votes to override the veto this session.

* SB 591 [SCS SB 591] - This bill would modify Missouri's statute regarding expert testimony to essentially put in place the Daubert standard used in federal courts and many other states. The bill had a fair number of Republicans vote against it on its initial passage so it is doubtful there will be the votes to override the veto.

* SB 847 [SS#2 SB 847] - This bill would have ramifications for the collateral source rule and damages evidence in personal injury cases. If passed, parties could introduce evidence of the actual cost, rather than the value, of the medical care or treatment to the plaintiff. The bill would also repeal a provision of law which provides that there is a rebuttable presumption that the value of the medical treatment provided is represented by the dollar amount necessary to satisfy the financial obligation to the health care provider. The bill would provide that the actual cost of the medical care or treatment shall not exceed the dollar amounts paid by or on behalf of a patient whose care is at issue plus any remaining amount necessary to satisfy the financial obligation for medical care by a health care provided after adjustment for any contractual discounts, or price reduction.

Tim West, MO Legislative Monitor
LAKC Board of Directors

Missouri expands expungement rules for criminal records

Tue, 19 Jul 2016 17:26:55 GMT

Let's say an applicant just so happened to be convicted of a felony or misdemeanor crime in the past and he'd like to have that removed from his criminal record as it is proving a hindrance to gaining employment. As of January 1, 2018, it will be much easier. This legislative session SB588 was passed and recently signed by Governor Nixon. The bill expands the type of crimes that are eligible for expungement, removes the limitation of one expungement per Circuit Court and shortens the time before expungement can be sought. Previously one would have to wait 10 years for a misdemeanor and 20 years for a felony. Now, just 3 years and 7 years respectively. Keep in mind there are still a lot of crimes that are not eligible to be expunged.

If a conviction is expunged, the applicant is no longer required to disclose the conviction in most circumstances. The bill expressly says that after expungement, an application may answer no to the conviction question on an application. Convictions must still be disclosed when seeking certain licenses (including professional licenses) and for certain jobs where employers are prohibited from hiring individuals with certain convictions. The bill puts the burden on the employer to inform the applicant of this.

While Governor Nixon stated that this bill balances the interest of those previously convicted of certain crimes with the interest of employers, this will create new challenges for employers.

Tim West, LAKC Board of Directors
MO Legislative Monitor

Missouri Continues Efforts at Municipal Court Reform

Thu, 14 Jul 2016 13:35:35 GMT

Following up on Senate Bill 5 from last year, which reacted to the DOJ's critical report of the Ferguson Municipal Court system, this year Senate Bill 572 was passed and has been signed by the Governor.

The Governor's staff prepared the following statement for him to proclaim: "The purpose of municipal courts is to protect our communities, not profit from them," said Gov. Nixon. "This bill builds on the landmark reform legislation I called for and signed last year, and will help ensure all our municipal courts operate with fairness, openness and accountability."

So, what does SB572 really do? First, understand that it has a lot of provisions and is not a focused bill. It requires municipalities in St. Louis County to review their construction codes by 2018, but not to adopt any particular updates. So, just not sure what that will accomplish or why the Missouri Senate needed to tell municipalities in St. Louis County to do that.

But the meat of the SB and what Gov. Nixon was talking about is that the act changes the definition of court costs to exclude any certified costs, and to include fines added to the annual real estate tax bill or a special tax bill of a property owner for the cost of nuisance abatement and removal. The definition of minor traffic violation is modified to include traffic ordinance violations for which no points are assessed to a driver's driving record and amended charges for any minor traffic violation and adds a definition for municipal ordinance violations.

The maximum allowable fine for minor traffic violations has been lowered from three hundred dollars to two hundred twenty-five dollars. For municipal ordinance violations committed within a twelve month period beginning with the first violation: the maximum allowable fine is two hundred dollars for the first offense, two hundred seventy-five dollars for the second offense, three hundred fifty dollars for the third offense, and four hundred fifty dollars for the fourth and subsequent offenses. No court costs shall be charged to defendants found to be indigent. Municipal courts are also required to not charge defendants for costs associated with community service alternatives.

Municipal ordinance violations and amended charges for municipal ordinance violations are added to the calculation limiting the percentage of annual general operating revenue that can come from fines and court costs for minor violations and to provisions regarding fines, imprisonment, and court costs in municipal court cases. Municipal ordinance violations are also added to municipal disincorporation provisions if a municipality fails to remit excess annual general operating revenue to the Department of Revenue for the county school fund and the disincorporation threshold has been lowered from sixty percent to a majority of participating voters.
This act also specifies that the state is not liable for the debts of a municipality that is financially insolvent. So, Missouri has effectively limited the amount of proceeds that municipalities can generate through policing and the Courts, which will put many municipalities into financial jeopardy so the State needed to clarify they weren't going to be responsible for those messes.

While SB572 does impose a limit on the number of municipalities one can be a judge in - 5 (remember we are talking about a lot of small communities here where muni court is once or twice a month at night), it does nothing to address the requirement for being a municipal court judge. That's right, if you are between the ages of 21-75 and live in the State of Missouri, you can be a municipal judge. A law degree is not needed - maybe that would be a good place to start on reforming our municipal court system.

Tim West, LAKC Board of Directors
MO Legislative Monitor

YLS Board Elections to be held June 23rd @ Char Bar

Wed, 22 Jun 2016 17:22:22 GMT

The LAKC-YLS will hold elections for the 2016-17 YLS Board of Directors on Thursday, June 23rd at Char Bar.

Members may vote by ballot (link below) by 5pm on June 23rd. Please return this ballot to Molly Keppler by e-mail to molly.keppler@stinson.com, or by U.S. mail to Molly Keppler, Stinson Leonard Street LLP, 1201 Walnut St., Suite 2900, Kansas City, MO 64106. Ballots, whether sent by e-mail or U.S. mail, must be received prior to 5 p.m. on June 23, 2016, to be counted.

If you prefer to vote in person, you may do so at the LAKC-YLS Elections on June 23, 2016, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Char Bar, 4050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri. There is no cost to attend and reservations are not required. Link to event listing: LAKC-YLS Annual Elections

LAKC-YLS 2016-17 YLS BOD Ballot.pdf

2016-17 Officers and Directors To Be Elected at 5/25 Annual Meeting

Tue, 24 May 2016 13:19:21 GMT

LAKC's Annual Meeting will be held Wednesday, May 25th from 5:30-7pm at Amigoni Urban Winery. The meeting portion of this happy hour event will begin at 6pm; all members are welcome and encouraged to attend.

There is no cost to attend; registration is not required.

LAKC 2016-17 Slate of Officers and Directors.pdf

Job Posting: Jackson County Circuit Court (Coordinator/Attorney)

Fri, 29 Apr 2016 15:50:33 GMT

Circuit Court of Jackson County Job Posting # 043 - Coordinator/Attorney

043_CoordAttorney job posting 4.16.pdf

Missouri Senate Proposes New Private Cause of Action by Those Injured by Police and Limitations on Use of Force

Sun, 17 Apr 2016 14:41:57 GMT

Missouri Senate Bill 661 has been perfected and is on the Senate's formal calendar for third reading today. This bill is proposed by Senator Bob Dixon (R) of Greene County. The bill would create a private cause of action for those persons injured by "[any] person who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of the state of Missouri or any political subdivision thereof, subjects, or causes to be subjected, ... to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Missouri Constitution and laws of this state...." The bill also adds significant language to the existing law concerning an officer's use of force. Specifically, it adds language stating that the use of physical force in making an arrest is not justified unless "the amount of physical force used was objectively reasonable in light of the totality of the particular facts and circumstances confronting the officer on the scene, without regard to the officer's underlying intent or motivation." The bill also proposes important limitations on deadly force. For instance, the where the statute currently permits deadly force when effecting arrest if the suspect has "committed or attempted to commit a felony" the words "offense involving the infliction of threatened infliction of serious physical injury" has been added.

Tim West, LAKC Board of Directors
MO Legislative Monitor

Missouri Senate Attempting to Modify Innocent Seller's Statute

Sun, 17 Apr 2016 14:37:11 GMT

Current RSMo 537.762, often referred to as the Innocent Seller's Statute, provides in part, that an order of dismissal as to a "defendant whose liability is based solely on his status as a seller in the stream of commerce" does not "divest a court of venue or jurisdiction otherwise proper at the time the action was commenced" and that "[a]n order of dismissal under this section shall be interlocutory until final disposition...." These provisions allowing for cases to be heard in Circuits that would not otherwise be appropriate are currently the subject of Senate Bill 792. SB 792 seeks to strike subsections 6 and 7 from RSMo 537.762. The practical effect which would be to allow defendants to remove cases to federal court or seek to transfer venue where "innocent sellers" were added for the purposes of eliminating diversity jurisdiction or establishing venue in a particular county. This bill, proposed by Senator Ron Richard (R), is current on the "for perfection" Senate calendar. It is the same as SB487, which was proposed in 2015.

Tim West, LAKC Board of Directors
MO Legislative Monitor

Circuit Court of Jackson County Job Posting #037 - Staff Attorney

Sun, 17 Apr 2016 14:27:19 GMT

The Circuit of Jackson County announces the following Staff Attorney position: 037_Attorney_04132016 (1).pdf

Missouri Creates New Judicial Circuit

Wed, 09 Mar 2016 16:38:24 GMT

Governor Nixon has signed SB 585, which, as of January 1, 2017, splits the 38th Judicial Circuit into two Circuits, leaving Christian County as the sole county in the 38th Judicial Circuit and moving Taney County to the newly created 46th Judicial Circuit. An election for the single Circuit Court Judge position for the 46th Judicial Circuit will be held later this year. This is a significant development for the greatly overworked 38th Judicial Circuit.

Timothy R. West, Berkowitz Oliver LLP
LAKC Board of Directors MO Legislative Monitor

Volunteer Judges Needed for State Mock Trial Competition

Tue, 08 Mar 2016 12:31:03 GMT

The Young Lawyers Section of the Lawyers Association of Kansas City will be hosting the Missouri State Mock Trial Tournament this year, the weekend of April 1 through April 3. The Lawyers Association of Kansas City is looking for attorneys to serve as judges for the competition, which will take place downtown at the Jackson County Courthouse.

The first round of the tournament will be on Friday, April 1, 2016, beginning at 6:00 pm. The second round and quarterfinal round of the tournament will take place on Saturday, April 2, 2016. The second round will begin Saturday morning at 8:30 am. The quarterfinal round will begin Saturday at 1:00 pm. The semifinal and final round of the tournament will be on Sunday, April 3, 2016. The semifinal will begin Sunday morning at 8:30 am. The final round will begin Sunday at 12:30 pm.

Judges are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes before each round and will be provided breakfast, lunch and/or dinner before each round. Each round is expected to last approximately 2.5 hours or less. This is a great opportunity to see how enthusiastic these high school students are about the law, and can reenergize and remind us why we love what we do!

If, instead, you would like to contribute financially, we would appreciate that as well.

If you are interested and would like to participate, please contact Allison Greenfield at agreenfield@bjpc.com or Tyler Scott at Tyler.Scott@huschblackwell.com.

House Bill Designed to Modify Qualifications to Practice Law and Become a Judge

Wed, 02 Mar 2016 23:50:46 GMT

Missouri House Representative Robert Ross (R - District 142) has introduced a bill that specifies once a person has served two years as a member of the General Assembly, such person is qualified to practice law as an attorney and to serve as an associate or circuit judge in Missouri without further education requirements or other qualifications being met. This bill was read twice on February 24, 2016. As of March 1, 2016, the bill is not currently scheduled for hearing or on the House calendar.

Timothy R. West
Missouri Legislative Monitor
LAKC Board of Directors

LAKC-YLS Call for Volunteers: State Mock Trial Competition

Tue, 16 Feb 2016 18:18:28 GMT

If you are interested and would like to participate, please contact Allison Greenfield at agreenfield@bjpc.com or Tyler Scott at Tyler.Scott@huschblackwell.com.

LAKC-YLS Call for Volunteers: MO Mock Trial

Tue, 05 Jan 2016 15:03:30 GMT

It is time again for the Kansas City division of the high school Missouri Mock Trial Competition. The first round of competition takes place on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 and Thursday, January 21, 2016 . The second round takes place on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 and Thursday, February 18, 2016. The Lawyers Association of Kansas City - Young Lawyers Section is looking for attorneys to serve as judges for the competition, which will take place downtown at the Jackson County Courthouse.

The competition begins at 5:30pm each night and will wrap up by 9pm (dinner will be provided). Judges are asked to arrive at the courthouse by 5:30pm. This is a great opportunity to see how enthusiastic these high school students are about the law, and can reenergize and remind us why we love what we do!

If you are interested and would like to participate, please contact Allison Greenfield at agreenfield@bjpc.com or Tyler Scott at Tyler.Scott@huschblackwell.com

2015 Skippy & Skivvies Drive Results - Thank You!

Fri, 30 Oct 2015 14:45:20 GMT

Thank you to the many firms who participated in this year's Skippy & Skivvies Drive. Your donations are crucial to the children and families Operation Breakthrough serves each day. Congratulations to the Young Lawyers Section for organizing another successful drive!

The FINAL 2015 numbers are as follows

Peanut butter 31,152oz

Diapers 5,978

Wipes 8,952

Underwear 477

Socks 458

Cash $9,741

Family Court Commissioner Molly Merrigan Honored with Judge Goldstein Award

Fri, 31 Jul 2015 00:43:37 GMT

Family Court Commissioner Molly Merrigan was honored with the Judge Goldstein award today at the National Association of Drug Court Professionals in National Harbor, Md. The award is in honor of the very first drug court judge in the United States, and is given annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to the drug court field. It came on the eve of her retirement from the Jackson County Family Court after 16 years of service handling Family Drug Court matters, adoptions, and abuse and neglect cases.

"Having been able to meet Judge Goldstein and observe him in his courtroom, I am incredibly honored to receive this award," Merrigan said.

Merrigan announced her retirement in May and her last day on the bench is July 31. She was appointed in December 1998 by the court en banc. During her tenure, Jackson County’s Family Drug Court was nationally recognized in 2012 by the U.S. Justice Department’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention as one of five Peer Learning Courts in the country. She has received numerous awards that recognize her work in this field including: the Claire McCaskill Award from the Missouri Association of Drug Court Professionals in 2008, and the National Association of Drug Court Professionals Distinguished Board Service Award in 2008.

"It has been my honor and privilege to serve as commissioner," Merrigan said.

Following retirement from the Court, Merrigan will work as a consultant to other drug courts through two national organizations – the National Drug Court Institute, and Children and Family Futures.

Prior to her appointment to the bench, Merrigan was employed with the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office and worked as the lead assistant prosecuting attorney handling Drug Court cases. She is also a certified substance abuse counselor, and had worked at a residential drug and alcohol treatment facility.

Merrigan earned her law degree from the University of Missouri--Kansas City School of Law, and her bachelor’s degree from Rockhurst University.

LAKC Run for Justice 5K Presents 2015 Proceeds to Legal Aid of Western Missouri

Wed, 24 Jun 2015 15:14:30 GMT

LAKC's Annual Judicial Reception was held at the Chesterfield Bar on June 23rd. During the reception, LAKC Run for Justice 5K committee member Kent Erickson presented Legal Aid of Western Missouri Deputy Executive Director Alicia Johnson with a check in the amount of $3,500 from the 2015 Run for Justice. The proceeds from this annual run benefit the programs and services Legal Aid of Western Missouri provides to residents in need in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Two Family Court Commissioners Appointed

Tue, 23 Jun 2015 22:02:01 GMT

Two new Family Court commissioners were appointed today by the judges of the Jackson County Circuit Court at its court en banc meeting. The new commissioners will replace two others who are retiring this summer.

The Court appointed William R. Jackson III to Division 40 and Nancy Alemifar to Division 44. Both individuals have spent the majority of their legal careers working in family law.

"We are pleased to have been able to select two commissioners from a list of five very qualified candidates," said Presiding Judge Justine E. Del Muro. "Ms. Alemifar and Mr. Jackson will be excellent additions to our court. Their experience as attorneys in Family Law will serve them well as they assume their new roles as commissioners."

Jackson is presently serving as the Family Court’s Juvenile Officer and Director of Legal Services. He has served in that position since January 2013. Jackson joined the Family Court in 1987 and has worked as Assistant Director of Legal Services, Manager of Legal Services, and Attorney for the Juvenile Officer. He received a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law in 1982.

"I have enjoyed working with so many wonderful people in my capacity as Juvenile Officer," Jackson said. "I am thankful to have the opportunity, as commissioner, to promote justice, family unity, and safety for children in our community."

Jackson will assume his new position on or about September 1st. He replaces Commissioner Geoffrey Allen who was appointed in 1993. Allen is retiring August 31.

Nancy Alemifar was appointed to Division 44. She is presently with the law firm of Husch Blackwell, where she has been employed since 1995, and serves as Senior Counsel "Pro Bono" attorney. Her experience also includes working as an Attorney for the Juvenile Officer of the Family Court from 1993 – 1995, and as a staff attorney for Legal Aid of Western Missouri from 1991 – 1993. She is a 1991 graduate of the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law.

"I am grateful and honored for the opportunity to serve the families of Jackson County as commissioner and look forward to my new role," Alemifar said.

Alemifar will join the Court on or about August 1st. She replaces Commissioner Molly M. Merrigan who was appointed in 1999. Merrigan is retiring on July 31.

The commissioners will hear matters pertaining to juveniles at the Family Court Division located at 625 E. 26th Street. They were each appointed to a four year term.

LAKC-YLS Seeks Candidates for Board of Directors

Thu, 11 Jun 2015 18:29:14 GMT

LAKC-YLS is now seeking applicants for the 2015-16 YLS Board of Directors. Interested candidates should complete an application (PDF of application in post) and return to Chris Mirakian by email (chris.mirakian@gmail.com) by June 22, 2015. Elections will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2015 at The Jacobson, 2050 Central ST, Kansas City MO 64108. Elections begin at 5:30pm.

The Lawyers Association of Kansas City (LAKC) was founded in 1935 to promote and advance the following objectives that are just as relevant today: the welfare of the public in the greater Kansas City community; the administration of justice; the science of jurisprudence; and the cordial and professional relations among the members of the greater Kansas City Bar.

LAKC-YLS 2015-16 Director Application.pdf

LAKC Annual Meeting and Happy Hour

Tue, 26 May 2015 14:57:48 GMT

Join us for a happy hour to celebrate another successful year and to elect our officers and directors for 2015-16.

Thursday, May 28, 2015
5:30-7:00pm
The Cashew, 2000 Grand Blvd. KCMO 64108

There is no cost to attend and no registration required.

2015-16 Slate of officers/directors:

Clay Norkey, President

Brian Baggott, President-Elect

Amy Luck, Secretary

Dan McClain, Treasurer

Catherine Bell

Cameron Garrison

Mike Hargens

Brandon Henry

Mark Iba

Mike Judy

Kristi Kingston

Anne Linton Pond Hendrickson

Lara Owens

Lindsay Todd Perkins

Eric Vernon

Tim West

Jennifer Wieman Earles

Katie Zogleman

Past-President: Mark Brennan

Supreme Court of Missouri Seeks Suggestions for Municipal Court Practices, Procedures

Thu, 02 Apr 2015 18:45:13 GMT

Recent events have raised concerns about how some municipal court divisions are resolving matters filed in those courts. The Supreme Court of Missouri is reviewing its rules governing certain aspects of municipal court divisions, including educational requirements for municipal judges and alleged conflicts of interest of judges and city prosecutors performing multiple tasks across multiple jurisdictions. Other interested bodies also are looking to improve municipal courts.

The Supreme Court is seeking specific suggestions from members of the bar and others about ways to improve the rules applicable to practice in Missouri’s municipal court divisions. Please send your suggestions to the Clerk of the Supreme Court by Friday, May 1, 2015. Suggestions should be sent to P.O. Box 150, Jefferson City, MO 65102.

Jackson County Circuit Court Notice of Revised Rules

Thu, 02 Apr 2015 18:02:25 GMT

The Circuit Court of Jackson County has adopted the following revised rules effective 4/17/15:

Rule 7.2 Duplicating Policy

Rule 33.5 Motions, How Filed and Considered
Rule 67.1.3 Implementation of Supreme Court Rule 33 Relating to Bail and Sureties

Copies of the revised rule may be obtained from the Department of Civil Records in Kansas City and Independence and on the Court’s web page at www.16thcircuit.org.

Notice Regarding Reappointment of Drug Court Commissioner David J. Fry

Wed, 18 Feb 2015 20:45:46 GMT

Pursuant to the “Reappointment Policy for the Family, Probate and Drug Court Commissioners,” adopted by the Court en banc in 2005, a retention committee has been named to review Commissioner Fry’s judicial performance in order to make a recommendation to the Court en banc regarding reappointment. The committee welcomes any relevant written documentation or information regarding the Commissioner’s performance. The members of the Reappointment Committee will privately review all responses in this matter. Although some responses may be shared with other members of the bench on a need to know basis, anonymity of the respondents will be guarded.

Please e-mail or fax your comments to Jeffrey A. Eisenbeis, Court Administrator, Circuit Court of Jackson County, no later than April 16, 2015. The fax number for Mr. Eisenbeis is 816 881-3164 and his e-mail address is Jeff.Eisenbeis@courts.mo.gov.

LEAP Seeks Volunteers for Reading Buddies Program

Fri, 19 Dec 2014 23:27:06 GMT

Lawyers Encouraging Academic Performance (LEAP) is looking for local volunteer attorneys interested in its Reading Buddies program, which is set to restart this upcoming spring 2015. The attached handout provides a general overview of the program. In short, we are seeking attorneys willing to volunteer periodically at Operation Breakthrough from January 21, 2015 through April 29, 2015. The volunteers will serve with a team of other volunteers, and each team will read with children at Operation Breakthrough for one hour every other week.

LEAP is a local not-for-profit foundation seeking to improve education in Kansas City. LEAP's designated beneficiary is Operation Breakthrough, which serves underprivileged children in the greater Kansas City area. Operation Breakthrough's mission is to help impoverished (and often homeless) children develop to their fullest potential. LEAP is deeply invested with developing volunteer opportunities for attorneys at Operation Breakthrough. If you are interested in volunteering to be a Reading Buddy this spring or have any questions, please contact one of the people listed below.

If you are interested in becoming a Reading Buddy, or would like more information about the Reading Buddies program, please contact: Bryant Ash (bash@theipcenter.com), Matt Sparks (matt.sparks@bryancave.com), Sam Wenger (samantha.wenger@huschblackwell.com), or Judge Sill-Rogers (chrissillandcharlierogers@gmail.com).

LAKC-YLS Hosts 8th Annual Santa’s Snow Ball and Santa’s Hotline!

Mon, 01 Dec 2014 20:17:45 GMT

It’s time again for the LAKC-YLS Santa’s Snow Ball, which will be taking place on Thursday, December 11, 2014! This event provides an evening of fun for families staying in local homeless shelters during the holiday season. At the event, each child under the age of 18 receives a gift, everyone has dinner, and all enjoy many activities, including a visit and photo opportunity with Santa, face painting, craft-making, and story-telling. The law firm of Lathrop & Gage, 2345 Grand Avenue, Kansas City, Mo., has generously agreed to host the event, which will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Guests will attend the event in one of two time slots, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., or from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

LAKC-YLS is seeking volunteers and donations for this event, as detailed below.

VOLUNTEERS

At the event

December 11, 2014: We will need volunteers before, during, and after the event to decorate the venue, do activities with the children, visit with the families, help serve dinner, and then clean up at the end of the evening. The volunteers can sign up for either or both of the following shifts: Shift 1 – 4:30-6:30 p.m.; or Shift 2 – 6:30-8:30 p.m. If volunteers can help decorate during the afternoon, we will begin decorating around 3 p.m. Parking will be available in the parking garage attached to the Lathrop & Gage building. Please bring your parking ticket to the event to receive a parking voucher.

If you are interested in volunteering during the event, please contact Jessie McKinney at jamckinney@shb.com or (816) 559-0352.

Santa’s Hotline

December 15, 2014 – December 18, 2014: In conjunction with Santa’s Snow Ball, LAKC-YLS also conducts Santa’s Hotline. LAKC-YLS seeks volunteers to play Santa or Mrs. Claus to place calls to a child who is expecting a call from Santa or Mrs. Claus. The children are always very excited to hear a jolly ho-ho-ho, and it is sure to make their day! The calls are made from a volunteer’s home or office between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on December 15, 2014, through December 18, 2014.

If you have any further questions regarding volunteering for Santa’s Hotline, or registering a child to receive a phone call from Santa or Mrs. Claus, please contact Anne Baggott at abaggott@littler.com or (816) 627-4410.

DONATIONS

In addition to volunteers, this event requires a substantial amount of resources. Please help us make the holiday season brighter for these children and families. Donations can be paid to the LAKC Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, earmarked for Santa’s Snow Ball. Every donation is appreciated and goes directly to the support to this event (such as dinner for every attendee, presents for the children, and supplies for the activities).

If you would like to make a donation, please contact Nate Jones at njones@wcllp.com or (816) 701-1100.

Amy Luck Joins Fisher, Patterson, Sayler & Smith, LLP

Thu, 09 Oct 2014 11:10:12 GMT

Amy J. Luck has joined the law firm of Fisher, Patterson, Sayler & Smith, L.L.P. as an associate attorney in the firm’s Overland Park office.

Ms. Luck received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 2002. She graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law in 2005. She has been in private practice in the Kansas City area since 2005.

Ms. Luck’s practice is focused on employment law and civil litigation. She is licensed to practice in Kansas and Missouri and in the federal courts in Kansas and the Western District of Missouri.

Seigfreid Bingham Names Steve Kyle CEO

Thu, 09 Oct 2014 11:05:06 GMT

Steve Kyle became Seigfreid Bingham, P.C.’s new CEO effective Oct. 1. He succeeds Joe Hiersteiner, who has served as CEO of the firm since 2006. Hiersteiner will continue his full-time law practice with the firm.

In addition to his real estate and development practice at the firm, Kyle, who joined Seigfreid Bingham in 1990, served as President of the Lawyers Association of Kansas City in 2010-2011, and currently serves as Chairman of the City of Roeland Park, Kansas, Board of Zoning Appeals and on the Board of Trustees of Old Mission United Methodist Church in Fairway, Kansas.

“The firm is very pleased and fortunate that Steve will serve as our CEO,” said Joe Hiersteiner. “He has a deep understanding of the firm’s approach to extraordinary client service and of the internal and external processes necessary to provide that service.”

Kyle said one of his goals as CEO is to continue Seigfreid Bingham’s commitment to its founding principles.

“The firm has been successful because of our culture, which promotes innovative and efficient service to our clients and real caring for one another,” he said. “These principles are just as relevant today as they were when the firm was founded 40 years ago. By caring for our clients, our attorneys, our staff and the quality of our work, we have thrived and grown from a three-attorney firm to a firm of 43 attorneys. We will continue to build on that legacy.”

In addition to the management transition, the firm soon will relocate its offices from 911 Main to the Crown Center area. Renovation of the 30,000-square-foot space on the 10th floor of the 2323 Grand Boulevard office building has been underway for several months, and the firm is scheduled to move during the first week of November.

About Seigfreid Bingham: Founded in 1974, Seigfreid Bingham, P.C. is a full-service law firm based in Kansas City, Missouri. The firm represents a wide range of businesses and individuals from entrepreneurial start-ups to established companies of local, regional, national and international prominence. For more information, visit www.sb-kc.com.

LAKC-YLS Announces 2014-15 Board of Directors

Sun, 01 Jun 2014 15:19:32 GMT

LAKC-YLS is pleased to announce the recent election of ten new Directors. The following attorneys will serve on the YLS Board for a two-year term.

Chris Dandurand, Stueve Siegel Hanson, LLP
John Kemp, Berkowitz Oliver Williams Shaw & Eisenbrandt, LLP
Josh Loevy, Lathrop & Gage LLP
Latrice McDowell, Polsinelli PC
Monique McElwee, Stinson Leonard Street LLP
Uzo Nwonwu, Littler Mendelson, PC
Logan Rutherford, Bryan Cave LLP
Tyler Scott, Husch Blackwell LLP
Rachel Stahle, Franke Schultz & Mullen, P.C.
Chris Stewart, Seigfreid Bingham, PC
Lauren Wolf, Stueve Siegel Hanson, LLP

The newly elected Directors join the following current Directors and Officers of the 2014-2015 YLS Board:

Anne Baggott, Littler Mendelson, PC (President)
Chris Mirakian, Wyrsch Hobbs & Mirakian, P.C. (President-Elect)
Molly Walsh, Stinson Leonard Street LLP (Public Service Officer)
Kellie Mitchell, Copilevitz & Canter, LLC (Treasurer)
Margaret Richards, Lathrop & Gage LLP (Secretary)
Allison Greenfield, Brown & James, P.C.
T.C. DeBacco, Brown & James, P.C.
Nate Jones, Wagstaff & Cartmell
Jessie McKinney, Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.

Congratulations to all newly elected Directors. We look forward to an active and successful year!

Jackson County Law Library Offers CLE Programming

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:08:17 GMT

Guardian ad Litem Training - 3.0 Hour GAL Recertification

Thursday, June 27, 2013 • 1:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location: Jackson County Law Library Parking: 12th & McGee

1125 Grand Blvd., 10th Floor Standard Parking

Kansas City, MO 64106 $4.00 (in by 9 a.m. / out by 6 p.m.)

Registration: 1:15 p.m. • Seminar: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. • Judge Meet & Greet: 4:45 - 6:00 p.m.

Credit: 3.0 CLE Hours including 2.0 CLE Hour of Ethics in Missouri (pending)

** Seminar fees: $75.00

CLE Topics: Ethics & Treatment in Interviewing Children • Resources & Special Considerations in GAL Appointments:

Language Barriers & Other Issues • A View from the Bench

For more info and to register: http://jcll.org/home/news-events/

LAKC-YLS Elects 13-14 Board Officers and Members

Fri, 31 May 2013 02:14:17 GMT

LAKC-YLS elects new board members and officers

On May 29, LAKC-YLS elected seven new Board Members: Artur Bagyants, Alllison Greenfield, Jessica McKinney, Kellie Mitchell, Margaret Richards, Molly Walsh, Amanda Yoder.

The Board also elected new officers for the 2013-2014 year: President, Carly Duvall; Vice President, Anne Baggott; Treasurer, Brian Baggott; Secretary, Chris Mirakian; Public Service Chair, Sarah Ruane.

Kim Sheuerman, Marty Seaton and Neal Woodworth will continue to serve on the Board through July 2014.

If you have any questions about LAKC-YLS, please contact Carly Duval (carly.duvall@dentons.com).

LAKC-YLS Hosts Happy Hour To Elect New Board Members

Tue, 28 May 2013 15:13:35 GMT

LAKC-YLS hosts happy hour to elect new Board Members

Please join the LAKC-YLS for drinks and appetizers as it elects new Board Members at the LAKC-YLS Annual Elections May 29, 5:30 p.m. at Tower Tavern (Martini Corner, 401 E. 31st Street Kansas City, MO 64108). There are seven candidates for membership on the Board:

Artur Bagyants
Allison Greenfield
Jessica McKinney
Kellie Mitchell
Margaret Richards
Molly Walsh
Amanda Yoder

Candidate information and biographies are included on the ballot. You may vote in person at the happy hour or by mail or e-mail. If you choose to vote by e-mail or mail, Carly Duvall must receive your vote by 5:00 p.m. on May 29, 2013.

Carly Duvall

Dentons US LLP

4520 Main Street, Suite 1100

Kansas City, MO 64111

816-460-2582

carly.duvall@dentons.com

LAKC-YLS seeks new Board Members

Wed, 08 May 2013 14:38:30 GMT

The Young Lawyers Section of LAKC is seeking new Board Members. Board Members must be members of LAKC and be younger than 36 or have graduated from law school within the past 5 years. LAKC-YLS Board Members serve the public and bar community interest each year through several events such as the Skippy and Skivvies drive to benefit Operation Breakthrough and Santa Snowball, a holiday event for area homeless families. LAKC-YLS also hosts a variety of happy hours to encourage networking and welcome new attorneys to the practice of law.

New Board Members will be elected at the LAKC-YLS Annual Elections May 29, 5:30 p.m. at Snow & Co. (1815 Wyandotte St Kansas City, MO 64108).

If you are interested in joining the LAKC-YLS Board, please fill out an application and submit it to Carly Duvall (carly.duvall@dentons.com) by May 15, 2013. If you have any questions about the LAKC-YLS Board you may contact Carly at 816-460-2582.

LAKC Seeks Nominees for LAKC Legacy Award

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 19:52:40 GMT

The Lawyers Association of Kansas City is now accepting nominations for the LAKC Legacy Award. Nominations are due by March 30, 2013 and may be submitted by email to info@lakc.net.

Overview

The LAKC Board of Directors established the LAKC Legacy Award to recognize an individual at the LAKC Annual Meeting for his or her significant and enduring contributions to the LAKC and its mission. While many individuals have donated significant time and effort to the LAKC, the Legacy Award is designed to honor contributions that have left an indelible imprint on the association.

Eligibility

All individuals not currently serving on the LAKC Board of Directors are eligible to be considered for the Legacy Award.

Criteria for Selection of Award Recipient

The following criteria will be used to select the 2012 recipient of the Legacy Award:

• Meaningful and lasting contribution to the LAKC and its mission

• Past involvement in LAKC leadership positions

• Past involvement in LAKC events and activities

• Contributions to the public-service mission of LAKC

• Current involvement in and support of LAKC

• General advancement of LAKC founding objectives and mission

LAKC-YLS Seeks Volunteers for Mock Trial Competition

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 23:57:31 GMT

It s time again for the Kansas City division of the high school Missouri Mock Trial Competition. The first round of competition takes place on Tuesday, January 22nd and Thursday, January 24th. The second round takes place on Tuesday, February 19th and Thursday, February 21st. The Lawyers Association of Kansas City - Young Lawyers Section and the KCMBA are looking for attorneys to serve as judges for the competition, which will take place downtown at the Jackson County Courthouse. The competition begins at 6pm each night and will wrap up by 9pm (dinner will be provided). Judges are asked to arrive at the courthouse by 5:30pm. This is a great opportunity to see how enthusiastic these high school students are about the law, and can reenergize and remind us why we love what we do!

If you are interested and would like to participate, please contact Sarah Ruane at sruane@wcllp.com. We can use your help for as few or as many nights as you are available.

LAKC-YLS Offers Santa Hotline

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:54:02 GMT

Surprise your children, brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces by offering them the opportunity to talk to Mr. or Mrs. Claus! The legendary bearded man or his wife will be making calls on December 20-22, 2012 (Thursday-Saturday), between 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Proceeds benefit Santa’s Snow Ball (a free holiday party for area homeless families, sponsored annually by LAKC-YLS).

To register a child, please submit:

1) Registration form + Information form (both attached)

2) Payment of $5 per child (Make checks payable to “LAKC Foundation”)

The Information Form provides Mr. and Mrs. Claus with information to chat with the child. Remember that Santa knows everything, so please complete it thoroughly.

Please send your registration form, information form and payment to:

(PLEASE SEND FORMS BY EMAIL AND PAYMENT BY MAIL)

Kimberly Scheuerman

The Hill Law Firm, P.C.

7300 College Blvd., Ste. 215, Overland Park, Kansas 66210

For questions, call 913-381-1500 or email kim@hilllawfirm.com

(or to the LAKC-YLS representative at your firm)

Don’t Have Kids? Volunteer to Play Santa or Mrs. Claus

Don’t look much like the jolly bearded one or his wife? That’s okay as long as you can impersonate their voices. Make a child’s (and his or her parents’) day by volunteering to call. We are looking for volunteers to make phone calls to children on December 20-22, from 5-8 p.m. All calls can be made from the comfort of your own office or home. An example script will be provided along with information forms on each child.

To volunteer, please contact:

Kimberly Scheuerman

The Hill Law Firm, P.C.

kim@hilllawfirm.com or 913-381-1500

2012 Santa Hotline Information Form.pdf

2012 Santa Hotline Instructions.pdf

2012 Santa Hotline Registration Form.pdf

LEAP's Homework Helpers

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 14:00:44 GMT

LEAP (Lawyers Encouraging Academic Performance) has developed another way we can all support the children of Operation Breakthrough by volunteering our time and our services as "LEAP's Homework Helpers". Unfortunately, for most of us, we have so many demands on our time that it is difficult to make a commitment to volunteer on a regular basis. Therefore, "LEAP's Homework Helpers" is set up to where each of us can volunteer once per year for one hour to participate in the Study Buddies program at Operation Breakthrough from 4:00pm until 5:00pm, either on a Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday.

Please email taral@operationbreakthrough.org with a specific date from September 10, 2012 until December 14, 2012 on either a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday, when you will be able to participate in "LEAP's Homework Helpers" program. As a Homework Helper, you will need to arrive at Operation Breakthrough at 4:00pm for a short training session, and then Tara will place you in a classroom until 5:00pm to help the Operation Breakthrough children with their homework projects.

The mission of Operation Breakthrough is to help children who are living in poverty develop to their fullest potential by providing them a safe, loving and educational environment.

Operation Breakthrough also strives to support and empower the children's families through advocacy, referral services and emergency aid.

Thank you for your support of LEAP and Operation Breakthrough.

Guardian ad Litem Certification

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:54:52 GMT

Guardian ad Litem Certification

Friday, June 1, 2012

8.0 hours MCLE (includes 1.0 hour of Ethics credit)

The Jackson County Law Library is sponsoring a one-day Guardian ad Litem (GAL) certification on June 1, 2012 from 8:45am to 5:00 pm. Attendees will receive GAL certification and 8.0 Missouri CLE hours (including 1.0 hour ethics). The attached flyer includes registration details and additional information.

LAKC-YLS Seeks Volunteers for Mock Trial Competition

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:38:47 GMT

The Lawyers Association of Kansas City Young Lawyers Section is hosting the Missouri State High School Mock Trial Competition March 30, 31 and April 1. The event is co-sponsored by the KCMBA Young Lawyers' Section and the Missouri Bar Association Young Lawyers Section.

We are looking for attorneys to serve as judges for the competition, which will take place downtown at the Jackson County Courthouse (415 E. 12th Street Kansas City, MO). This is a great opportunity to see how enthusiastic these high school students are about the law, and can reenergize and remind us why we love what we do!

We can use your help for as few or as many rounds as you are available. If you can volunteer please contact Carly Duvall at cduvall@lathropgage.com or 816-460-5615.

Round One - Friday (March 30) : Judges and volunteers need to arrive 5:30. Trial starts at 6. [Dinner will be provided]

Round Two - Saturday AM (March 31) : Judges and volunteers need to arrive by 9:00 am. Trial starts at 9:30 am. [Breakfast will be provided]

Quarterfinals - Saturday PM (March 31) : Judges and volunteers need to arrive by 1:00 PM. Trial starts at 1:30. [Lunch will be provided]

Semifinals - Sunday AM (April 1) : Judges and volunteers need to arrive by 9:00 am. Trial starts at 9:30 am. [Breakfast will be provided]

Finals - Sunday PM (April 1) : Judges and volunteers need to arrive by 1:00 PM. Trial starts at 1:30. [Lunch will be provided]

LAKC-YLS will also host a Judges Appreciation Happy Hour at Johnny's Tavern in the Power & Light District (1310 Grand Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64106) on April 4, 2012 at 5:30 PM. All judges are welcome to attend for free drinks and appetizers from LAKC-YLS.

LAKC Accepting Nominations for LAKC Legacy Award

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 05:07:17 GMT

The Lawyers Association of Kansas City is now accepting nominations for the LAKC Legacy Award. Nominations are due by March 30, 2012 and may be submitted by email to info@lakc.net.

Overview

Eligibility

All individuals not currently serving on the LAKC Board of Directors are eligible to be considered for the Legacy Award.

Criteria for Selection of Award Recipient

The following criteria will be used to select the 2012 recipient of the Legacy Award:

• Meaningful and lasting contribution to the LAKC and its mission

• Past involvement in LAKC leadership positions

• Past involvement in LAKC events and activities

• Contributions to the public-service mission of LAKC

• Current involvement in and support of LAKC

• General advancement of LAKC founding objectives and mission

LAKC-YLS Seeks Volunteers for Mock Trial Competition

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:23:15 GMT

It is time again for the Kansas City division of the high school Missouri Mock Trial Competition. The first round of competition takes place on Tuesday, January 17th and Thursday, January 19th. The second round takes place on Tuesday, February 21st and Thursday, February 23rd. The Lawyers Association of Kansas City - Young Lawyers Section and the KCMBA are looking for attorneys to serve as judges for the competition, which will take place downtown at the Jackson County Courthouse. The competition begins at 6pm each night and will wrap up by 9pm (dinner will be provided). Judges are asked to arrive at the courthouse by 5:30pm. This is a great opportunity to see how enthusiastic these high school students are about the law, and can reenergize and remind us why we love what we do!

If you are interested and would like to participate, please contact Amy Luck at aluck@sbg-law.com. We can use your help for as few or as many nights as you are available.

We are proud to be hosting the state competition this year as well, on Friday through Sunday, March 30^th through April 1^st. If you are not able to volunteer for the January or February rounds, we would greatly appreciate your participation in March/April.

Foundation of LAKC and UMKC School of Law CLE Dept. Co-Sponsor 34th Annual Recent Developments in Federal Taxes Seminar

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:02:42 GMT

Saturday, January 28, 2012

New Location!

UMKC School of Education, Room 115

615 E. 52nd St.

(southwest corner of 52nd and Holmes)

Kansas City, Missouri

CHAIR:

H. JOSEPH PRICE JR.

BRYANMARK FINANCIAL GROUP INC.

CLE Credit: 5.2 MO, KS pending

Ethics and Professionalism Credit: 1.0

CPE Credit 4.0 with 1.0 Ethics

http://law.umkc.edu/pdfs/cle-events/rd-fed-tax-2012.pdf

LAKC Members & Sponsors Brave the Cool September Weather at 18th Annual Golf Tournament

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:52:55 GMT

LAKC's 18th Annual Golf Tournament was held at Falcon Lakes Golf Club on Thursday, September 15th. (Prize winners will be posted shortly).

Many thanks to our wonderful sponsors:

Berkowitz Oliver Williams Shaw & Eisenbrandt, LLP
Bryan Cave LLP
Erickson, Kernell, Derusseau & Kleypas, LLC
Husch Blackwell, LLP
Polsineli Shughart, PC
Seigfreid Bingham Levy Selzer & Gee, PC
Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP
Spencer Fane Britt & Browne LLP
Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP
Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP
Wagstaff & Cartmell LLP

Silver Sponsor:
TBC Video

Tee Sponsors:
Iris Data Services, Inc.
Ivize
Jay E. Suddreth & Associates, Inc.
LAK Reporting, Inc.
Metropolitan Court Reporters, Inc.
Midwest Litigation Services
Versadox

LAKC Elects 2011-12 Officers and Directors

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:47:36 GMT

LAKC hosted its annual meeting on July 21st at Tannin Wine Bar. The following officers and directors were elected at the meeting:

2011-12 Officers and Directors

Kristi Kingston - President

Jim Humphrey - Vice-President

Kurt Williams - Secretary

Heather Jones - Treasurer

Rick Bien
Mark Brennan
Kent Erickson

Rich Fritz
Cameron Garrison
Mike Hargens
Steve Kyle
Bryant Lamer
Todd McGuire
Clay Norkey
Renee Parsons
Christen Shepherd
Chris Sobba
Eric Vernon

LAKC-YLS/YPA Host Happy Hour on May 25th

Mon, 23 May 2011 18:00:40 GMT

Please join the LAKC-YLS at Thomas, located at 1815 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO (1/2 block east of State Line Rd), on May 25th for a joint happy hour with Young Professionals Alliance for the University of Kansas Hospital from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M.

The Young Professionals Alliance is a group of professionals with varying backgrounds who support and serve the University of Kansas Medical Center. Please join us to mix and mingle not only with LAKC-YLS attorneys, but with individuals of all professions and backgrounds as well.

Drinks and appetizers are FREE and no RSVP needed. Feel free to forward on to your coworkers and friends as well.

Spring 2011 Mini Law School Registration Now Open

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:26:03 GMT

The spring 2011 session of the Mini Law School for the Public will be held on Wednesdays from 6:30pm - 8:30pm from May 11th - June 1st at the UMKC School of Law. The session is $40 for all four weeks ($28 for parking pass). For more information, visit the Mini Law School page at www.lakc.net.

Scenes from LAKC-YLS Santa's Snow Ball

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 03:02:36 GMT

View scenes from our 2010 Santa's Snow Ball. http://www.flickr.com/photos/25704790@N02/sets/72157625840890496/

Congrats to the YLS on another wonderful event!

Join Us For LAKC's 75th Anniversary Dinner

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 01:39:38 GMT

Please join us for our 75th Anniversary Dinner on Thursday, February 17th at the historic Aladdin Hotel, 1215 Wyandotte. The event begins at 6:00pm with cocktails followed by dinner at 6:30pm. We will present the LAKC Legacy Award and LAKC-YLS Public Service Award.

LAKC-YLS Seeks Volunteers for Mock Trial Competition

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 20:45:31 GMT

It is time again for the Kansas City division of the high school Missouri Mock Trial Competition. The first round of competition takes place on Tuesday, January 25th and Thursday, January 27th. The second round takes place on Tuesday, February 15th and Thursday, February 17th. The Lawyers Association of Kansas City - Young Lawyers Section and the KCMBA are looking for attorneys to serve as judges for the competition, which will take place downtown at the Jackson County Courthouse. The competition begins at 6pm each night and will wrap up by 9pm. Judges are asked to arrive at the courthouse around 5:30pm.

If you are interested and would like to participate, please contact Kellie Garrett at kgarrett@littler.com. We can use your help for as few or as many nights as you are available.

Legal Aid of Western Missouri Seeks Nominations for Honorable H. Michael Coburn Community Service Award

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:22:30 GMT

The selection committee for the Coburn Award is seeking nominations for Legal Aid of Western Missouri’s Honorable H. Michael Coburn Community Service Award. This award was created in 1995. The Committee is hoping to honor an attorney whose noble work and honorable efforts in service to the community will serve as an inspiration to others in the legal profession.

Qualifications

--Current member of the Missouri Bar practicing in the Jackson County area.

--Demonstrated, in the spirit of Legal Aid, outstanding service to advancing the administration of justice on behalf of low-income people in the Jackson County area.

--Outstanding service to the community with a particular emphasis on volunteer activity and leadership, other than work directly for bar associations (pro bono case work on behalf of low-income people that is done through a bar association may be considered).

The Procedure

The nomination form, along with appropriate supporting materials can be found at Legal Aid’s website, which is www.lawmo.org. It can also be obtained from contacting Cynthia Rountree at (816)474-1413 x267. Applications must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 7, 2010 by The Honorable Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr., Chair, The Coburn Community Service Award Committee, c/o Legal Aid of Western Missouri, 1125 Grand Avenue, Suite 1900, Kansas City, Missouri, 64106. Applications may also be submitted on-line to cgonzalez@lawmo.org. Any questions should be directed by e-mail to Cynthia Rountree at cgonzalez@lawmo.org.

Deadline for nominations to be received by Legal Aid is 5:00 p.m. on Thursday October 7, 2010.

Coburn.Award.Application 9.10.pdf

Former LAKC and LAKC Foundation Board Member Sylvan Siegler Remembered

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 14:35:06 GMT

Former LAKC and LAKC Foundation board member, Sylvan Siegler, passed away September 4, 2010 at the age of 85. Sylvan, along with friend Stan Weiner, was instrumental in starting and continuing the annual Tax Seminar hosted in partnership with the UMKC School of Law. A memorial service is planned for Tuesday, September 7th at 10am at Congregation Beth Shalom, 9400 Wornall Road.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kansascity/obituary.aspx?n=sylvan-siegler&pid=145069774

LEAP Back To School Campaign for Operation Breakthrough

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:50:40 GMT

Lawyers Encouraging Academic Performance (“LEAP”) needs your help! In August, Operation Breakthrough, an organization whose mission is to help children who are living in poverty develop to their fullest potential by providing them a safe, loving and educational environment, will be preparing their kids to return to school. As part of that preparation, the kids will need new uniforms and school supplies. LEAP is raising money to support these efforts and, on August 6, 2010, plans to distribute school supplies and gift cards to purchase school uniforms for 375 school age children. Any contribution is welcome and is tax deductible. If you would like to contribute, please make your checks payable to LEAP and send them to Paul Redfearn at Traders on Grand Building, 1125 Grand Boulevard, Suite 1805, Kansas City, MO 64106.

LAKC-YLS Annual Meeting: 6/3 @ Sol Cantina

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:36:19 GMT

Please join us on June 3, 2010 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
at Sol Cantina for LAKC-YLS’s annual meeting.

At the Annual Meeting, we will introduce our new officers and elect our new board of directors. For the 2010-2011 year, we have four open board positions and wonderful candidates. Please come meet the candidates and vote. If you cannot attend, please see the attached ballot, which includes a biography on each candidate and instructions on how to cast your vote by mail or email.

In celebration of all of our successes in 2009-2010, we will have free food and drinks. We hope to see all of you there!

Sol Cantina is located at 408 E. 31^st Street, Kansas City, Missouri.

LAKC-YLS Hosts Court Crawl June 24; Judicial Reception Follows at Maker's Mark

Tue, 25 May 2010 17:05:19 GMT

LAKC-YLS will host the annual Court Crawl on June 24th from 1-5pm. A judicial reception follows at Maker's Mark from 5-7pm. The Court Crawl is $35 for summer associates and clerks and $50 for attorneys interested in CLE credit (3.0 MO, KS pending). To register for the Court Crawl, contact Sarah Lepak, 816-474-6550 or slepak@shb.com. (Reservations are not necessary for the Judicial Reception - members are encouraged to attend.)

LAKC 2010-11 Annual Meeting - Slate of Officers/Directors

Tue, 25 May 2010 14:51:19 GMT

LAKC's Annual Meeting and CLE Luncheon will be held Wednesday, June 9th at 810 Chop House in the Power & Light District. Legal Aid of Western MO's Volunteer Attorney Project will present a one hour ethics CLE on the VAP and attorneys' ethical responsibility to perform pro bono work. (1.0 MO - KS Pending). In addition to the CLE, the 2010-11 Board of Directors will be elected. The slate of officers and directors is as follows:

Steve Kyle - President

Kristi Kingston - Vice-President

Jim Humphrey - Secretary

Heather Jones - Treasurer

Eric Barton

Rick Bien

Mark Brennan

Kent Erickson

Rich Fritz

Mike Hargens

Bryant Lamer

Todd McGuire

Clay Norkey

Renee Parsons

Christen Shepherd

Chris Sobba

Jeffrey Thomas

Eric Vernon

Kurt Williams

Judicial Panel Selections for position of Associate Circuit Judge of the 6th Judicial Court (Platte County)

Thu, 13 May 2010 23:11:58 GMT

The 6th Circuit Judicial Commission interviewed all applicants today and nominated a panel of three persons to Governor Jay Nixon to fill the position of Associate Circuit Judge of the 6th Circuit (Platte County), created by the retirement of Judge Daniel M. Czamanske. Governor Nixon will make the appointment from the panel of nominees within 60 days.

The nominees are Thomas C. Fincham, Roseann A. Ketchmark, and Christopher T. Patterson.

Thomas Fincham is in private practice of law at the firm of Fincham & Salmon in Kansas City, Missouri. He is also a part-time municipal court judge.

Roseann Ketchmark is an Executive Assistant United States Attorney, Western District of Missouri; and

Christopher Patterson is in the private practice of law at the firm of Patterson Law Office LLC in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Judicial Commission, chaired by Chief Judge Thomas H. Newton of the MO Court of Appeals, Western District, is composed of attorneys Scott L. Campbell and James D. Boggs, and lay members Judy Stokes and David B. Barth.

LAKC/UMKC School of Law Present Mini Law School for the Public

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:56:49 GMT

Judges, lawyers and law professors are going to teach the people of Kansas City a thing or two about the law. The Lawyers Association of Kansas City and The University of Missouri Kansas City School of Law, together with assistance from the Missouri Bar and a committee of volunteer attorneys have put together a core program of basic information in this seven-week course for the lay person to help inform the public about the law and the legal system.

For seven consecutive weeks, each Wednesday evening from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., beginning on March 24^th and running until May 5^th, enrollees of the Mini Law School for the Public can learn about the court system, how it works, what to expect when bringing or defending a case, and other valuable information about basic legal topic areas like employment law, criminal law, elder law, family law, real estate and legal ethics. The sessions will be held in the beautifully renovated student courtroom at the UMKC School of Law, at 51^st Street and Oak, where a variety of legal professionals will speak about basic information the public should be aware of when thinking about a legal issue and how to approach it. Up to 150 attendees are expected and the cost is just $40.00 per person for all seven sessions.

Similar presentations of The Mini Law School for the Public received excellent attendance in St. Louis and Columbia over the past two years, and this is the first one to be held in Kansas City.

The organizers welcome the public to attend and learn more about the law. These sessions are intended to inform the public about many of the legal pitfalls, issues, procedures and rules that govern law practice and the courts. The sessions are not aimed at teaching lay persons to represent themselves in court and speakers will not be allowed to address very specific facts about any one person’s case or legal issues. The Mini Law School is a public information service of the Lawyer’s Association of Kansas City, UMKC School of Law, The Missouri Bar, and Missouri judges, attorneys, law professors and legal professionals dedicated to educating the public about the legal system.

For additional information and to register, visit the Mini Law School page at www.lakc.net or call 816-474-6444.

Two Judicial Vacancies - Sixth Judicial Circuit (Platte County)

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:01:23 GMT

The Sixth Circuit Judicial Commission is accepting applications for two associate circuit judge positions of the Sixth Judicial Circuit (Platte County), to fill vacancies created by the impending retirement of the Honorable Daniel M. Czamanske and the appointment of the Honorable Gary D. Witt to the MO Court of Appeals, Western District.

See PDF below for additional information and application instructions.

6th Judicial Court Judicial Vacancies.pdf

LAKC-YLS and KCMBA Seek Volunteers for Mock Trial Competition

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 05:12:47 GMT

It is time again for the Kansas City division of the Missouri Mock Trial Competition. The first round of competition takes place on Tuesday, January 12th and Thursday, January 14th. The second round takes place on Tuesday, February 9th and Thursday, February 11th. The Lawyers Association of Kansas City - Young Lawyers Section and the KCMBA are looking for attorneys to serve as judges for the competition, which will take place downtown at the Jackson County Courthouse. The competition begins at 6pm each night and will wrap up by 9pm. Judges are asked to arrive at the courthouse around 5:30pm.

If you are interested and would like to participate, please contact Lara Owens at lowens@sblsg.com or 816-421-4460. We can use your help for as few or as many nights as you are available.

Thanks in advance for your help!

LAKC-YLS Hosts Santa Snow Ball for KC Homeless Families

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:01:23 GMT

It is time again for LAKC-YLS’ Santa Snow Ball, which will be taking place on Wednesday, December 16, 2009! If you are not familiar with Santa Snow Ball, this event provides an evening of fun for families staying in local homeless shelters during the holiday season. Each child under the age of 18 receives a gift, everyone is provided dinner, and there are countless activities for all to enjoy, including a visit with Santa, face painting, craft-making, and story-telling. The law firm of Lathrop and Gage has generously agreed to host the event, which will run from 5pm until 8pm. LAKC-YLS is seeking volunteers and donations for the event.

Additionally, this year we are offering a Santa Hotline, where, for a small donation, we will arrange to have Santa or Mrs. Claus call your child to discuss their wishes for the holiday season.

VOLUNTEERS

There are a number of different volunteer opportunities associated with this event:

December 15, 2009: We will need volunteers during the lunch hour to help wrap the presents for the children. Last year we provided presents for approximately 150 children, which took a lot of wrapping! We will provide pizza for lunch and begin wrapping at noon.

December 16, 2009: We will need volunteers prior to and during the event to decorate the venue, do activities with the children, visit with the families, help serve dinner and then clean up at the end of the evening. Generally, we have a couple of shifts: Shift 1: 4:30-6:30 Shift 2- 6:30-8:30. If you can help decorate during the afternoon, we will begin decorating around 3pm.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Anne Pond at alpond@vomer.com or (816) 421-0644.

DONATIONS

In addition to volunteers, this event requires a substantial amount of resources. Please help us make the holiday season brighter for these children and families. A donation of only $5.00 supports an entire family's activities for the evening; a donation of $10.00 covers one person's meal; and a donation of $20.00 will buy a gift for a child. Donations can be paid to the LAKC Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, earmarked for Santa Snowball. Every donation is appreciated and goes directly to the support of this event: the dinner for every attendee, the presents for the children, and the supplies for the activities.

If you are interested in making a donation, you may do so securely online or mail check payable to Foundation of LAKC, 118 N. Conistor, Suite B #201, Liberty MO 64068. Questions? Please contact Justin Dean at justin.dean@kc.frb.org or (816) 881-2353.

SANTA HOTLINE

Back by popular demand, LAKC-YLS is excited to again offer the opportunity to register your children (or grandchildren, nieces and nephews) to receive a special call from Mr. or Mrs. Claus. Calls will be made December 14-17, from 5-8 p.m. Sign up each child for only $5 each. All proceeds will benefit Santa’s Snow Ball, a holiday party for local homeless families. For more information, please see the flyer link below. To register, please fill out the registration and child information forms (links below), and send them along with your payment to Stacey Meyer Bowman at the address provided on the forms. Contact Stacey Bowman at stacey.bowman@huschblackwell.com or call (816) 983-8397 if you have any questions.

1) Santa Hotline Flyer

2) Registration form

3) Child Information sheet

SANTA’S HOTLINE VOLUNTEERS

How would you like to play Mr. or Mrs. Claus for an excited child this year? Don’t look much like the jolly bearded one or his wife? That’s okay as long as you can impersonate their voices. A personal call from Santa or Mrs. Claus will be sure to make the child’s day.

The LAKC-YLS is looking for volunteer attorneys to make phone calls to children December 14-17, from 5-8 p.m. All calls can be made from the comfort of your own office or home. An example script (see link below) will be provided along with information forms on each child. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Amy Luck at aluck@sbg-law.com or call 816-410-4657.

Santa Hotline Volunteer Guidelines: PDF