Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis

The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1874 by approximately 100 members of the St. Louis bar and bench. The founding meeting took place at the historic Old Courthouse in St. Louis, a site known for being where Dred Scott filed his first state court action seeking freedom[1][2]. Originally known as the Bar Association of St. Louis, the organization was renamed to its current form in 1967[5].

Purpose and Mission

BAMSL's mission focuses on maintaining high professional standards among attorneys, enhancing their professional competence, improving the administration of justice, and providing law-related services and education to the public[3]. The association also promotes social relations among its members and is deeply involved in community service and social networking[3].

History

Since its inception, BAMSL has played a significant role in the legal community. Two of its early presidents, James O. Broadhead and Henry Hitchcock, were instrumental in founding the American Bar Association (ABA) in 1878. Broadhead became the ABA's first president, while Hitchcock served as its twelfth president in 1889. St. Louis has contributed multiple presidents to the ABA, including James Hagerman, Frederick W. Lehman, Guy A. Thompson, Jacob M. Lashly, and John C. Shepherd[2].

BAMSL was also pivotal in the establishment of the Missouri Bar Association in 1880, which later became a mandatory membership organization for all Missouri lawyers and judges[2]. Additionally, the association has been a strong advocate for merit selection of judges, which culminated in the adoption of the nonpartisan court plan in Missouri's Constitution in 1940[1][2].

Legal Aid and Public Defense

The association has a long history of promoting legal aid. It supported the creation of the Legal Aid Society in the early 20th century, now known as Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. This organization provides legal assistance to indigent individuals. In the 1920s and 1930s, BAMSL promoted a Voluntary Defenders plan, leading to the establishment of public defender systems in St. Louis City (1936) and St. Louis County (1963), and eventually a statewide system in 1972[1].

Current Status

Today, BAMSL has over 5,600 members and is one of the largest bar associations in the United States. It comprises a vast network of committees and sections that support its mission to serve both the legal community and the public[1][5]. The association continues to focus on legal education, community service, and maintaining high standards in the legal profession[3].