Mission

The mission of LAKC is to provide lawyers opportunities to volunteer in the community, improve the administration of justice and develop balanced professional lives. We accomplish this mission through service projects, legal education, social events and forums addressing current issues impacting our judicial system or legal profession.

History

The Lawyers Association had its beginnings in the rough and tumble days of the 1930's. The Association was formed with 189 lawyers on December 18, 1935, at the Hotel Kansas Citian. At the first meeting Henry A. Bundschu was elected President; John B. Gage, Vice President; Edgar Shook, Treasurer; and Frank H. Terrell, Secretary.

Although the formation of the Association represented a break from the Kansas City Bar Association, Mr. Bundschu stated in his acceptance speech that the Association was not antagonistic to the KCBA. But differences did exist.

According to the newspapers of the time, many lawyers had become dissatisfied with KCBA in the previous year. The issue which brought things to a head was how to handle the disciplining of attorneys. The Supreme Court of Missouri had recently set up a new system of supervision which provided for a state disciplinary committee. The Court appointed other committees in each judicial circuit.

As a result of the Court's action, a movement was launched in the KCBA which sought a return to the old system under which control over ethical standards would be left to local bar associations. There was talk of "cleaning one's dirty laundry behind closed doors". The movement eventually died out, but when the KCBA announced it would only "cooperate" with the Supreme Court, there was a strong feeling a more definite statement of support should have been made.

The Lawyers Association evidenced its support for the Missouri high court in its first meeting and in its first constitution. The constitution stated the Association was formed to promote cordial relations among its members; to promote the welfare of the public in the bar; to advance the science of jurisprudence; to support the administration of justice; and to support the Supreme Court.

Board of Directors

Kirk Doan, President
Heather Humphrey, Vice-President
Kristi Kingston, Secretary
Steve Kyle, Treasurer

Eric Barton
Rick Bien
Max Carr Howard
Mara Cohara- YLS President
Richard Fritz
Jim Humphrey
Heather Jones
Bryant Lamer
Todd McGuire
Renee Parsons
Jeffrey E. Thomas
Terence J. Thum
Eric Vernon
Scott Vincent
Kay C. Whittaker
Kurt Williams
Becky Yocum

Past President: Kent Erickson

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