WLA Statement in Support of Equal Branches of Government

In response to the events surrounding the cancellation of the 2026 State of the Judiciary Address, and in line with our Mission and Endorsement Policy, the Board of the WLA has voted to issue the following statement:

Due to the inaccuracies stated regarding the Missouri Bar, the Supreme Court of Missouri, and the role of Missouri’s Non-Partisan Court Plan, the WLA affirms the Missouri Bar's January 28, 2026 statement opposing any effort to diminish the role of the judiciary as a co-equal branch of government.

As an equal branch of government, the Missouri Supreme Court is charged with the responsibility of ensuring the laws passed by the Missouri State Legislature and brought before the Court comply with the Missouri Constitution.

The oath of office of the Court requires each of its members to uphold the Missouri Constitution with impartiality. Since 1940, Missouri has selected an independent judiciary through its Non-Partisan Court Plan to promote merit-based appointments to the state judiciary to ensure the impartial application of the rule of law rather than politics in the courtroom. The Plan continues to be right for the citizens of Missouri as it produces a fair and impartial Supreme Court.

Thank you,
WLA Board of Directors

Celebrate WLA’s 50th Anniversary — Call for Submissions!

We’re thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity to commemorate WLA’s 50th Anniversary! Karen Tokarz and Andrea Katz at Washington University School of Law are curating a special anniversary volume of the Washington University Journal of Law & Policy, and WLA members are invited to be part of this historic publication! This is a wonderful opportunity to share your voice and experience while honoring WLA’s legacy and impact. This commemorative volume will reflect on five decades of WLA’s leadership, impact, and advocacy in advancing gender equity in the legal profession, while also looking ahead to the important work still to come. We excitedly encourage all our members to participate!

Did you know? In 2022, the Journal published “Celebrating the MCBA Centennial: Looking Back, Leading Forward” for MCBA’s 100th Anniversary, featuring a dozen essays and articles—most authored by MCBA members. Learn more

Submission Details:

• Essays: 3,000–4,000 words (including footnotes)
• Articles: Up to 10,000 words (including footnotes)
• Up to 12 submissions to be selected
• Deadline: August 1

Please reach out to Karen Tokarz tokarz@wustl.edu and  Andrea Scoseria Katz andrea.katz@wustl.edu to contribute or ask questions.

 SEND US YOUR SHOUT OUTS!  

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Tornado Crisis Response

WLA is proud to support the Crisis Center at Annie Malone Children & Family Services in its response to the recent tornado devastation. As one of the longest-standing social service agencies in St. Louis, Annie Malone provides critical resources for children, families, and older adults in crisis. Its Crisis Center is now offering free food, essential supplies, and on-site case management to help families access long-term support. To learn more about Annie Malone and its work, visit:

https://www.anniemalone.org/about-us

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WLA 2024-2025 Annual Report

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