JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Rep. Bruce DeGroot has been honored with two legislative awards for his work to improve how justice is dealt with in the state of Missouri.
DeGroot was recognized by both the Missouri Bar and the Missouri Judicial Conference for his work during the 2019 legislative session. He was recognized for service to Missouri and the state’s judiciary at the Judicial Conference of Missouri during their annual ceremony, which was held in conjunction with the annual meeting of The Missouri Bar at the Hilton Branson Convention Center.
Supreme Court of Missouri Chief Justice George W. Draper III honored DeGroot for his contributions to protecting and improving the administration of justice in Missouri. Chief Justice Draper is a constituent of House District 101, and before assuming legislative duties, DeGroot practiced law before Draper’s wife, the Honorable Judy Draper, whom he affectionately referred to as Judge Judy.
DeGroot was also recognized with a 2019 Legislative Award from The Missouri Bar during the same week. The award was presented by Ray Williams, 2018-19 president of The Missouri Bar, the statewide organization of 30,000 licensed Missouri lawyers.
Each year, The Missouri Bar presents Legislative Awards to elected officials who have made significant contributions that affect the administration of justice and the integrity of the judiciary. Williams commended DeGroot, a lawyer-legislator, for his commitment to public service.
“Rep. DeGroot works to improve the lives of Missourians by building public trust in our legal system and respect for the rule of law,” Williams said. “He is a leading example of lawyers making a difference through public service, having been active as an elected official in the Capitol and his local community. In the Judiciary Committee and on the floor of the House, Rep. DeGroot brings a valuable perspective on legislation by drawing directly on his legal experience.”
The Missouri Bar is a statewide organization that is dedicated to improving the legal profession, the law and the administration of justice for all Missourians. Created in 1944 by order of the Supreme Court of Missouri, it serves all 30,000 of Missouri’s practicing lawyers. The Missouri Bar provides a wide range of services and resources to its members, as well as the media, educators and the citizens of Missouri. To learn more about The Missouri Bar, visit www.mobar.org and www.MissouriLawyersHelp.org.
