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Recent Articles from Spencer Farris
Commentary: Is there a mentor in the house?
Spencer Farris discusses the scarcity of mentors for young lawyers in Missouri and the impact on legal practice and professional development.
A Judge Walked into a Bar. He Should have Ducked.
Spencer Farris urges lawyers to defend judges against increasing public and political attacks undermining the rule of law in Missouri.
Mr. Bluebird is on my shoulder, and now I have to get my suit cleaned
Spencer Farris discusses how technology and changing work-life balance have improved legal practice in Missouri, including remote appearances and mediation.
Commentary: Traditions? We DO Need Some Stinking Traditions
Spencer Farris reflects on the importance of traditions in law and daily life, noting changes in courtroom customs and personal habits that provide comfort and professionalism.
Commentary: Please hold your applause till the end, and your compliments forever
A trial lawyer reflects on compliments, insultpliments, tenacity, and the quiet value of professionalism in law, from depositions to lunch counter calls.
Commentary: New Year, Similar Script.
Attorney Spencer Farris shares his candid thoughts on the uncertainties of the new year and outlines his resolutions for a more enjoyable and grateful legal practice.
Commentary: Losing the Impossible Loss? It Happens.
When a lawyer loses a case, we know that the client is the actual one who suffers. Yet the trial lawyer feels the loss as deeply, if not for as long.
Commentary: Never put off until tomorrow that which can be put off until the day after
Some lawyers thought that artificial intelligence would be the end of the legal profession, replacing attorneys with computers. It is more likely that the abandonment of the law itself will be our end.
Commentary: Sue One, Appeal One for Free
Attorney Spencer Farris reflects on law firm management, marketing conferences, and the business challenges of running a legal practice.
Commentary: They are called rules for a reason
Reflecting on legendary trial lawyer Gerry Spence, his impact on the Trial Lawyers’ College, and his lasting influence on generations of attorneys.
Were the good old days any good?
Trial lawyer Spencer Farris shares courtroom lessons, stories of mean judges, and tactics that shaped his career in Missouri litigation.
Commentary: Credit hours for reading. CLE what I did there?
CLE reporting and seminar fatigue frustrate many Missouri attorneys, as outdated courses and rigid rules clash with real-world legal learning.
Latest Opinion Digests
- Insurance-Interpleader-Competing Claims to Insurance Proceeds
- Employer-Employee-Discrimination-Hostile Work Environment
- Criminal Law-Rape-Oral and Written Judgments
- Torts-Defamation-Official Immunity
- Real Property-Adverse Possession-Oral Agreement for Sale
- Domestic Relations-Termination of Parental Rights-Parental Unfitness
- Criminal Law-Violation of Order of Protection-Scope of Cross-Examination
- Criminal Law-Resisting Arrest-Sufficiency of Evidence
- Criminal Law-Post-Conviction Relief-Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
- Domestic Relations-Dissolution-Property Division
- Criminal Law-Assault-Self-Defense
Top stories
- Dispute over property ownership remanded to circuit court
- Missouri grill settles federal sexual harassment, retaliation suit
- Federal judge trims Westport discrimination suit, allows claims to proceed
- SCOTUS News: 4th Amendment extended to cellphone location data
- Federal court remands dispute over insurance funds to state court
- SCOTUS News: State concealed-carry restriction violates 2nd Amendment
- $2.1M settlement reached for five educators injured in work-trip crash
- SCOTUS News: Court rules customs agents can turn back asylum seekers
