Notices

The Missouri Bar

The Missouri Bar takes the safety and well-being of its members, the public and its employees very seriously. 

  • As of March 13, 2020, we are temporarily suspending all in-person events. Registrants and others directly affected will be notified of details. Learn about our upcoming virtual events here .
  • In addition, as of March 16, 2020, most Missouri Bar employees are working remotely, with services readily available to members and the public via phone and email. 

We will continue to monitor the situation and will continue to respond based on the advice of governments, public health authorities and medical professionals. The Missouri Bar is providing a number of resources and services to help Missouri lawyers continue to serve their clients and communities during the COVIC-19 pandemic. Thank you for your patience as we all work together to do what is best for everyone’s safety and well-being in these uncharted times. 

COVID-19 Information and Resources

Our Response Resource Center for Lawyers Free COVID-19 CLE Series Court Notices

Court Orders related to the pandemic

5/4/2020: The Supreme Court of Missouri issued an order and operational directives, effective May 16, to help courts statewide establish localized plans – recognizing the varying community health safeguards and court dockets, facilities and staffing levels across the state – for easing COVID-19 restrictions on in person proceedings.

4/17/20: The Supreme Court of Missouri extended through Friday, May 15 its statewide suspension of most in-person proceedings, subject to certain listed exceptions for urgent matters required under the constitution or state law or otherwise necessary to protect health or safety.

4/17/20: The Supreme Court of Missouri directs that any procedural Supreme Court or local rule that can be interpreted to require the personal appearance of a defendant at a criminal or ordinance violation hearing or proceeding is suspended .

4/6/20: The Supreme Court of Missouri suspends any local or Supreme Court rule to the extent it requires a signed return receipt of certified or registered mail by the addressee only.  The signature of the permitted postal service employee is sufficient.

4/6/20: The Supreme Court of Missouri has adopted changes to Regulation 18, extending for municipal judges the 2019-20 continuing education reporting year (now through Sept. 30) and reporting deadline (now Oct. 31).

4/1/20: In response to COVID-19, the Supreme Court of Missouri extended through Friday, May 1 its statewide suspension of most in-person proceedings, subject to certain listed exceptions for urgent matters required under the constitution or state law or otherwise necessary to protect health or safety.

3/30/20: In response to questions about the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in prisons and county and city jails , the Supreme Court of Missouri sent all state judges a letter calling attention to the various rules and statutes governing pretrial release of individuals charged with offenses but not yet found guilty as well as those governing release of individuals who have been found guilty and sentenced. 

3/25/20: The Supreme Court of Missouri enacted emergency procedures for administering oaths or affirmations during the pandemic. By suspending any state or local court rule that could be read to the contrary, the Court's action permits oaths or affirmations to be administered using videoconferencing, teleconferencing or other available technologies.

3/23/20:  The Supreme Court of Missouri has adopted changes to Rule 15, expanding the 2019-20 MCLE reporting year (now through Sept. 30) and reporting deadline (now Oct. 31). 

3/22/20: The Supreme Court of Missouri issued a new order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other directives, the order suspends – with certain listed exceptions – all in-person proceedings in all state courts through April 17 and authorizes local courts to determine the manner in which the listed exceptions should be conducted. Check the Missouri Court’s website anytime for information reported to OSCA about local circuit orders. To check the status of a particular proceeding, please check the case's docket entries in Case.net, ask your attorney or contact the local clerk's office.