Full Report - the Missouri Bar

President’s Message
“May you live in interesting times.”
This phrase, often incorrectly quoted as being both
ancient and Chinese (it is neither), is actually a curse.
Meant in an ironic way, it carries the clear implication that
uninteresting times – that is, times of peace and tranquility
– are more life-enhancing than interesting ones.
That being said, it is clear that we do, indeed, live in
interesting times. The challenges we face as a profession
and as individual practitioners have never been greater.
From a barrage of pertinent court decisions and legislative
actions to questions that test the ethical boundaries of modern
technology, the law is changing and evolving at a far
greater pace than ever before. Layer onto that the undeniable
impact of the lingering economic downtown, and it is
easy to see why many of our members find the practice of
law to be less and less enjoyable.
Still, we must stay ever-vigilant in meeting that most
basic obligation of our profession – maintaining our own
competence and level of professionalism in order to serve,
to the best of our abilities, those who entrust in us their
fortunes, their well-beings, and sometimes their very lives.
Fortunately for all of us, help is available from The Missouri
Bar. From continuing legal education programming
designed to help us stay abreast of the latest developments
to office practice/business advice, The Missouri Bar has
always been there to help lawyers perform their duties with
dignity, competence and a sense of personal and professional
satisfaction.
More recently, the state bar has responded to the situation
currently facing our profession by developing resources
to help those of us who are struggling financially
or who have limited opportunities for employment within
the profession. This is just one of multiple examples of
how The Missouri Bar remains responsive to the evolving
needs of its members.
At the same time, The Missouri Bar is leading the way
in efforts to help the citizens of Missouri – our real and
potential clients – gain a clearer understanding of the
often-confusing justice system as well as their rights and
responsibilities within that
system.
As with any organization,
however, there is
always room for improvement.
Your voice is eagerly
sought and appreciated
– whether through involvement
in bar activities or the
more informal option of
simply letting us know what
is on your mind. It is only
by remaining responsive to
the needs of individual lawyers that The Missouri Bar may
continue to serve all of its members.
On behalf of the officers and Board of Governors of The
Missouri Bar, I sincerely hope that you enjoy reading this
review of the activities of your state bar during the past
year. We look forward to working with you throughout the
next year on the important issues facing you, our noble
profession, and the justice system as a whole.
Sincerely,
Patrick B. Starke
President
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