July 2006

3. Legislation:

Ms. Catherine Barrie reported on various legislative enactments and proposals reflected on the attached summary.

4. ABA Delegates’ Report:

Ms. Doreen Dodson, The Missouri Bar’s senior ABA delegate, reported on a variety of issues that will come before the American Bar Association House of Delegates at their summer meeting. The Board expressed their appreciation to Ms. Dodson and the other delegates appointed by The Missouri Bar for their fine service to the profession and the ABA House.

5. Appointments:

A. Current Appointments:

(1) ABA House of Delegates

Following discussion, the Board of Governors resolved to reappoint Doreen Dodson to an additional term and to appoint Dale Doerhoff and Bill Corrigan to serve the first of two terms. It was noted that The Missouri Bar may receive an additional delegate seat, and there was discussion of the philosophy that might be used in filling that seat. The Board of Governors did resolve to provide the necessary information to the ABA in order to be considered for that additional seat.

(2) Alcohol Intervention Committee

Mr. Jeff Thomsen’s term is expiring and, being eligible for reappointment, the Board of Governors resolved to reappoint him for an additional term.

B. September Appointments

(1) Trustees of The Missouri Bar

It was noted that Mr. Mark Comley’s second term is expiring and that

he is not eligible for reappointment. This matter will be taken up at the

September meeting.

6. Committee Reports:

A. Gender and Justice Committee

Ms. Joyce reported that the Committee continues to develop its follow-up gender and justice study, which will be presented to the Board of Governors when the draft is completed.

B. Unauthorized Practice of Law

Mr. Casey reported that the Committee has met and continues to discuss all ways to appropriately control the unauthorized practice of law in Missouri.

C. Leadership Academy

Ms. Coleman reviewed the purposes of the Leadership Academy and introduced the members of this year’s class present and each of them described the project he/she is working on as part of his/her commitment to the Leadership Academy.

D. Annual Meeting

Mr. Tom Burke reviewed the content of this year’s Annual Meeting, which

promises to be excellent.

E. Loan Repayment Assistance Program

Ms. Doctorian reported on the status of continuing contributions to this project

and particularly noted the outstanding efforts Mr. Hershewe has made to raise

money for this program.

7. Structure of the Judiciary in Missouri:

Mr. Copeland comprehensively reviewed the Executive Committee’s discussion regarding the status of the Judicial Article. Various members of the Board of Governors noted the comments that had been received to date regarding potential changes to the Judicial Article and commented on the various materials enclosed.

Following extensive discussion, the Board of Governors resolved that the president of The Missouri Bar should appoint a commission to review all aspects of the status of the Judicial Article following discussions between the officers of The Missouri Bar and all of the judges of the Supreme Court.

8. Officers’ Report:

A. Executive Director’s Report

Mr. Birkes reported on the Board of Governors’ election, new Board members’ orientation, the lawyers’ assistance program, upcoming Board meetings and pending annual meeting contracts. Recent staff directors’ analysis of current programs and activities was also reviewed.

B. Vice-President’s Report

Mr. Harris reviewed possible sites for the 2008 Midyear Seminar in the Bahamas.

There was an extensive discussion of returning to the Bahamas for a meeting. It

was noted that the cost for hotel rooms and air transportation would be only

slightly higher than domestic locations. Specifically, a proposal from the Hotel

Atlantis was recommended, and the Board of Governors approved the contract

with Atlantis for the 2008 Midyear Seminar.

C. President-Elect’s Report

Mr. Baird reported on his civic education initiative, including plans in connection

with Constitution Day on September 17. Mr. Baird also indicated that the Online

Legal Research Committee, which he chairs, will meet again before the Annual

Meeting and is progressing toward making a recommendation to the Board of Governors regarding a company to provide online legal research to all members of The Missouri Bar.

D. President’s Report

Mr. Copeland reported on the following items:

(1) Policy Regarding the Use of Email Addresses by Members of the

Board of Governors

Following discussion of this matter, Mr. Copeland indicated that a revision

to the policy will be brought back to the Board of Governors at the

September meeting for consideration in order to allow appropriate use of

email addresses by members of the Board of Governors.

(2) State Public Defender System

Mr. Copeland reviewed the successful effort to increase funding for the

state public defender system and ongoing activities in order to further

increase funding and ensure the most efficient operation of that system.

(3) Supreme Court Pro Se Implementation Committee

Mr. Copeland reviewed activities in this area and indicated that Mr. Lori

Levine, chair of that committee, will be present at the September meeting

to further report.

(4) Unbundled Legal Services

Unbundled legal services were reviewed and, again, Mr. Copeland

indicated that Mr. Gallas, the chair of that committee, will report at

the September Board meeting.

(5) Congressional Visit

Mr. Copeland reviewed the results of a recent visit by the officers of

The Missouri Bar to all members of The Missouri Bar’s congressional

delegation in Washington, D.C. Those visits produced good discussions

on all federal legislative issues of interest to The Missouri Bar.

(6) HJR 55

Public attitudes regarding HJR 55 and the funds approved by the Board

of Governors to assist the Court in polling/focus groups on this topic

were reviewed. It was noted that the focus groups and polling have not

occurred as yet.

(7) Media Coverage

Mr. Copeland referred members of the Board to the various media

coverage that The Missouri Bar has received during the last several

months.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

_______________________________________

Keith Birkes, Secretary