Several Missouri attorneys reflected on April 10 about the habits they formed early in their legal careers that have continued to serve them well over time. Their insights were shared as part of a feature by The Missouri Bar, which serves as the integrated professional association for all practicing attorneys in Missouri, according to the official website.
The topic highlights how foundational habits can influence long-term success and professionalism within the legal field. The Missouri Bar contributes to both its members and the broader community by providing resources, supporting fair practices, and bolstering justice for residents across the state, according to its official website.
Vanessa Starke, owner and attorney at Starke Law Offices, LLC in Blue Springs, said: “If a task will take you five minutes or less, do it right away. Even if it is something small, like scheduling a doctor’s appointment, etc., not having it on your mind or to-do list will free up energy that you can dedicate to something more substantial.” Mark Rudder from St. Louis emphasized punctuality: “Be early for every single court date or deposition, etc. Being on time is being late. I learned it in the military.”
Joy Holley of Ameren Services Company recounted advice from law school orientation: “It takes years to build a reputation for integrity, and only one poor decision to damage it… It instilled in me the habit of pausing to consider the long-term impact of my words and actions — and to consistently choose integrity.” Other lawyers stressed timely communication with clients and colleagues. Jeanne Foster said: “Return all calls within 24 hours.” Kathleen Bird added that prompt responses foster good client relations and expedite case management.
Hurley D. Mahan noted: “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today for tomorrow will bring its own deluge of things… big projects need to be timely calendared/scheduled for specific dates.” The importance of these practices reflects broader efforts by The Missouri Bar—which operates under a 45-member Board of Governors representing districts—to support ethical standards among lawyers statewide according to its official website.
The Missouri Bar also provides continuing education opportunities through conference rooms at The Bar Center and offers public resources such as lawyer directories while partnering with educators since its establishment by the Supreme Court of Missouri in 1944 according to its official website.
As part of ongoing engagement with members about skills essential for legal practice today, readers are invited by The Missouri Bar Journal team to share their thoughts on underrated skills via email or an online form.
