Courthouse Connection - June 2009 - Western District of Missouri

In June, the Western District celebrated the legacies of District Judge D. Brook Bartlett and Bankruptcy Judge Frank W. Koger. Despite busy schedules and hot temperatures, lawyers swarmed the Whittaker building for the 9th Annual Bartlett Lectures and 2nd Annual Koger Symposium, enjoying great speakers, great fellowship and local BBQ.

Magistrate Judge Knox to Retire

Whether appearing before Magistrate Knox in Jefferson City or answering questions from Professor Knox in Columbia, lawyers across Missouri have enjoyed the legal prowess, professionalism and good humor of Bill Knox.

Bankruptcy for Commercial Litigators?

Do you want trial experience? Are you looking for an opportunity to volunteer in your community? Have we got a deal for you - the Pro Bono Program for Bankruptcy Litigation. "This program will not only help pro se debtors, but it provides an excellent opportunity for young lawyers to “first chair” cases in federal court," according to Dan Blegen of Rouse, Hendricks, German, May PC .

Federal Courts Advocates – A New Approach to a Federal Practice Organization in Metropolitan Kansas City

In the fall of 2008 and after dialogue with federal judges from both Missouri and Kansas, area practitioners joined with the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association to create the new Federal Courts Advocates Section of the KCMBA.

Clerk's Corner

The Western District welcomed many visitors to the Whittaker Courthouse last month, hosting a wide array of CLE offerings for lawyers rushing to earn those last few hours. As usual, ethics hours were at a premium, and I wanted to use the Clerk’s Corner to share two tips.

Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Luncheon on CLE Program

The Western District of Missouri hosted its 2nd Annual CJA Luncheon in Kansas City on June 3, 2009, for appointed attorneys and those desiring to be appointed for defendants under the Criminal Justice Act. Over 50 attorneys participated and enjoyed lunch from Jack Stack Bar-B-Que. The purpose of the luncheon was to thank attorneys for their continued support of the CJA program and offer the opportunity for free CLE credit.

District Court Highlights

Did you know that the District Court requires all proposed orders be e-mailed to the courtroom deputy for the presiding judge in the case in WordPerfect format?

Bankruptcy Court Highlights

Did you know that CM/ECF offers a SEARCH feature in the blue menu bar for those times when you just can't seem to locate the correct event?

Continuity of Operations Plan Exercise (COOP)

Being prepared to serve our customers, under any circumstances, is something the Western District of Missouri does not take lightly. Rest assured the United States Courts of the Western District of Missouri are ready to serve their customers under any conditions.

Jefferson City Courthouse Update

Construction continues on the new Court House in Jefferson City. A 150 foot blue tower crane now marks the site and can be seen crossing the Missouri River Bridge.

Recent Court Events

Newly admitted Missouri Bar Members had an opportunity to be sworn into the Western and Eastern Districts of the Federal Court on May 1, 2009.

About Courthouse Connection

Court Executive

Ann Thompson

Managing Editor

Lori Carr - District Operations, Western Division

Editorial Contributors

Laura Bax - District Operations, Central Division

Stephanie Brown - Finance
Beth Graham - Bankruptcy
Diana Diaz - Administration
Robin Jones - District Operations, Western Division
Kelly McIlvain - Article III Chambers Representative
Dorothy Myers - Magistrate Chambers Representative
Michele Nelson - Human Resources
Kelsee Pierce - Jury Administration
Kathy Popejoy - Human Resources
Deborah Showalter-Johnson - 8th Circuit Library
Debbie Stark - Early Assessment Program
Katie Wirt - Court Reporter

Web Design

Lori Carr - District Operations, Western Division
Diana Diaz - Administration

Courthouse Connection
is published by the U. S. Distrtict Court — Western District
Kansas City, Missouri — 816-512-5000