Member Spotlight
Saint Louis Bar Foundation
This month, we are excited to feature the Saint Louis Bar Foundation (SLBF), the charitable arm of The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL), in our Member Spotlight. The Foundation has been a cornerstone of legal and community service in the St. Louis region since its inception. With a mission to promote justice, professional excellence, and community welfare, the Foundation channels the generosity of its members into impactful programs that educate, inspire, and uplift. From fostering the next generation of legal minds to honoring those who uphold the rule of law, the Saint Louis Bar Foundation is a vital force for good.
Mock Trial Competition
Missouri High School Mock Trial Competition
One of the Foundation’s flagship initiatives is its partnership with BAMSL to administer the Missouri High School Mock Trial Competition, a program that engages over 500 students from more than 100 schools across Missouri. This dynamic program introduces high school students to the legal system through simulated courtroom trials, mirroring real-world legal procedures. Local judges and attorneys volunteer as coaches, judges, and evaluators, guiding students as they develop critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork skills. The state champion team earns the opportunity to represent Missouri at the National High School Mock Trial Championship, with St. Louis set to host the prestigious event from May 13–15, 2027—an exciting milestone for the Foundation and the region.
Mock Trial courtroom drama
Local judges and attorneys volunteer as coaches, judges, and evaluators.
Recognizing Excellence
Beyond education, the Foundation recognizes excellence in the legal community through its Spirit of Justice Awards. These annual awards honor lawyers, non-lawyers, and organizations who demonstrate leadership, integrity, and a commitment to advancing the rule of law. By celebrating those who improve the administration of justice, the Foundation inspires others to follow in their footsteps.
The Foundation also supports aspiring legal professionals through initiatives like the Women in the Legal Profession (WILP) Scholarship. Awarded annually to a law student interning with a qualified metropolitan-area organization, this scholarship nurtures talent and promotes diversity in the legal field.
Motion For Kids
Saint Louis Bar Foundation Motion For Kids
A program unique to the Bar Foundation is the annual Motion for Kids holiday party for children whose lives have been affected by the justice system. Over 30+ years, the Foundation has facilitated granting more than 40,000+ kids holiday presents. In 2024, more than 2,000 children participated. The organization works with various organizations and law firms who provide the first names and wish lists of children. Members of the legal industry purchase items from the individual list to be gifted to the children at the party.
Motion For Kids grants more than 40,000+ kids holiday presents.
Strength, Understanding, and Inclusiveness
Through these efforts, the Saint Louis Bar Foundation not only strengthens the legal profession but also fosters a deeper public understanding of justice. Its commitment to education, recognition, and opportunity ensures that the St. Louis legal community remains vibrant and inclusive. As the Foundation looks ahead to hosting the 2027 National High School Mock Trial Championship, it continues to build bridges between the law and the community it serves, creating a lasting legacy of impact and inspiration.
For more information about the Saint Louis Bar Foundation and its programs, visit www.bamsl.org/?pg=BarFoundation