Supreme Court Approves Expansion of Board of Governors
Three New District-Wide Members to Represent Diverse Elements of Bar

The Supreme Court of Missouri recently adopted changes to Rule 7, paving the way for the election of three new district-wide members of The Missouri Bar Board of Governors in February.

The Missouri Bar's Board of Governors proposed the rule change to allow for the election of three additional members of The Missouri Bar who have unique experience and knowledge or who represent diverse elements of the bar within the State of Missouri, including but not limited to age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, geography and areas and types of practice.” Nominating petitions are due January 10, 2008.

Procedures for Nomination and Election of District Wide Members of the Missouri Bar Board of Governors

The Missouri Bar Board of Governors established the following procedures and mechanisms for the nomination and election of three new Board members.

• Nominating Petitions and Statement Detailing Nominee's Unique Experience, Knowledge and Qualifications to Represent Diverse Elements of the Bar
  Nominating petitions, signed by not less than 10 member of The Missouri Bar in good standing enrolled and entitled to vote in the nominee's Court of Appeals district, must be received by the Executive Director of The Missouri Bar no later than January 10, 2008. A statement describing the nominee's unique experience, knowledge and qualifications to represent diverse elements of the bar must be attached to the nominating petition. (Download Nominating Petition)
• Selection of Slate of Candidates to Stand for Election
  Board members from each Court of Appeals (Western, Eastern and Southern) district will select a panel of at least two nominees from that district as a slate of candidates. The selections will be made by February 1, 2008.
• Electronic Ballots Will Be Sent by E-mail on February 1, Online Voting Ends February 28
  Ballots containing a link to vote online will be disseminated electronically to members of The Missouri Bar in each Court of Appeals district by February 1, 2008. You must have a valid e-mail address in your official record with The Missouri Bar to receive the electronic ballot. Electronic voting can begin with the receipt of the e-mail and will end at midnight on February 28. While electronic voting is encouraged, members can contact The Missouri Bar by mail, telephone, fax or e-mail to request a paper ballot. Contact The Missouri Bar at:

The Missouri Bar
P.O. Box 119
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Telephone: 573-635-4128
Fax: 573-635-2811
mobar@mobar.org

Completed paper ballots must be received by the Executive Director of The Missouri Bar no later than 10 a.m. on Friday, February 29, 2008.

• Initial Terms for Newly Elected District Board Members
  The three board members chosen in this initial election will serve staggered terms. Future elections will be for terms of two years and members can be elected for no more than two terms. In addition, the Board will discuss the continuing need for the election of Board members under Rule 7 at least every six years.