Induction into the Gallery of Legal Pioneers

The BAMSL Minorities in the Legal Profession Section is proud to host a virtual awards ceremony in honor of Hon. Kathy A. Surratt-States, Chief Judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Missouri, and Hon. Lawrence E. Mooney, JAMS, retired from the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District of Missouri, as we induct them into the Gallery of Pioneers Wall of Fame for their accomplishments.

In conjunction with the awards ceremony, both judges will also be panelists for a lively discussion on cultural competency.

HISTORY
Although when formed in 1874 the Bar of Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL) barred African American Attorneys from obtaining membership, BAMSL acknowledges that once this discriminatory practice was eliminated it has enjoyed the benefit of countless African American and other racially deemed minority members. These diverse members have made tremendous contributions to the legal profession and the global community. To that end BAMSL began officially preserving the history of diverse Attorneys and Judges who were pioneering “famous firsts” and paved the way for countless others to achieve success in the Missouri Legal Community. The contributions of these diverse firsts were recognized by placing their photos on the Legal Pioneer Wall of Fame as an eternal reminder of their contributions. It is BAMSL's duty and privilege to continue recognizing Minority Legal Pioneers who have been historically discriminated against and whose accomplishments have served as hope and inspiration for future generations.