Judge Powell speaks of service while addressing Missouri Bar
By Benjamin Peters on November 17, 2017
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – “I’m adjusting as best as I can,” the Honorable W. Brent Powell said with a laugh while speaking at the Missouri Bar’s Fall Committee meetings.
“One of the more difficult parts of the job is that I don’t get to make decisions by myself anymore,” Powell said, with some chuckles from the audience. “You need four votes to get anything done. And no one told me that the new judge has to vote first and talk first. I wanted to hear what they had to say.”
As the newest member of the Supreme Court of Missouri, Powell was chosen to address the attendees.
“We have a lot of hard, tough discussions and we make a lot of hard, tough decisions that result in, sometimes, some tough votes,” he said.
Powell
But jokes aside, Powell’s topic of choice was the pride of being a lawyer and the importance of service.
“You’re here to improve our system of justice, our legal system, and our bar. You’re taking time away from your busy lives, your practice and personal lives to be here for something greater than yourselves,” he said. “That really, really makes me proud. I’m proud to be a Missouri lawyer. This profession has always been more than a job or career to me; it’s a way of life.”
Powell spoke of his first time presiding over the swearing in of new lawyers, saying it provided a chance to reflect on the life he has chosen, entering a profession of service.
“That’s what we are; we’re servants. We serve our communities. Lawyers have always stepped up, and will continue to step up to serve on school boards, churches, community councils and other civic and community organizations,” he said. “Lawyers provide the necessary guidance and leadership to support these community organizations. Lawyers put their client’s needs before their own. We put the interests of others before our own, and that makes me proud.
“That does not mean we are perfect. Unfortunately, we see injustice every day. We must ensure that everyone from all walks of life has the opportunity to be heard in our courts and gets a fair hearing or trial,” he said, followed by applause from the audience.
“As we continue to strive to make these improvements, we must continue to support and assist our communities and fellow Bar members. And that’s what you’re here to do,” he told the audience. “So do it proudly. I’m truly proud to be a lawyer, and I hope you are, too.”
Benjamin Peters was a reporter for The Missouri Times and Missouri Times Magazine and also produced the #MoLeg Podcast. He joined The Missouri Times in 2016 after working as a sports editor and TV news producer in mid-Missouri. Benjamin is a graduate of Missouri State University in Springfield.
