Rising 2L, Joe Langworthy, and recent Mizzou Law graduates Allyson Brown, Jesse Craig, Shawna Quast, Yve Solbrekken, and Aaron Wynhausen attended the Missouri Bar Solo and Small Firm Conference from June 6 through June 8 with Jennifer McGarr from the Career Development Office.
The students were able to attend through generous alumni sponsorships from Chris Dandurand (’11), Ellen Morgan (’84), Vivek Puri (’02), David Ransin (’82), David Stout (’87), and James Tweedy (’89).
The conference provided students with ample opportunity to network with Missouri lawyers and attend practical CLE courses such as “#MeToo: Sexual Discrimination Issues Involving Small Town Clients” and “The 10 Commandments of Killer Cross-Examination.”
Professor David English presented “Guardianship & Supported Decision-Making: What It Is, What It Isn’t & When to Use What.” The focus of the presentation was on the 2018 reforms of Missouri guardianship law. His co-presenter was Martha Brown of St. Louis.
The Missouri Bar offered events designed specifically for the students in attendance from Mizzou, SLU and UMKC, including a panel presentation on professionalism by Judges Laura Stith and Paul Wilson of the Missouri Supreme Court, Sabrina Barrett, Executive Director of the Missouri Bar, and the current Missouri Bar President, Ray Williams.
On Thursday evening, the students enjoyed an opportunity to meet some of their sponsors at the Cocktail Reception co-sponsored by David Ransin and Mizzou Law.
The Friday evening Trivia Night sponsored by Lear Werts began in triumph when the Mizzou Law team, led by reigning champ Jesse Craig, scored the most points in each round. The night ended on a tragic note, however, when Team Mizzou lost on the technicality of not having correctly written their table number on one of their answer sheets. With the weather cooperating (for the most part), another highlight of the conference was a sunset cruise on the lake, which the students enjoyed through complimentary tickets provided by MOLAP.
Overall, the conference was a success, and we look forward to next year’s conference (and trivia rematch).
