Public Invited to Meet Missouri Bar Attorney Gathering Input on Community Legal Needs

By Echo Menges

 

EDINA, Mo. — The The Missouri Bar is asking residents to share their thoughts on access to legal services, with a local meeting set this week in Edina.

Andy Briscoe, an attorney and director of government relations for the Missouri Bar, will meet with area residents beginning at 9 a.m. Wednesday and will remain available as long as there is interest. The Circuit Clerk’s Office inside of the courthouse will direct visitors on where to meet with Briscoe during his visit.

The visit is part of a broader effort to better understand challenges people face when trying to find a lawyer or get legal help.

“Across Missouri, we are hearing real concerns about access to legal services in rural communities,” said Shelly Dreyer, past president of the Missouri Bar. “While we know there are challenges, we don’t yet fully understand the scope of the issue.”

Statewide Survey Open

In addition to local meetings, the Missouri Bar has launched a statewide survey for residents in rural areas.

The survey asks simple questions about finding a lawyer, how far someone would travel for legal help and whether they would use virtual appointments. It takes about five minutes to complete.

Responses are anonymous and will not be made public. Officials say the information will help guide future efforts to improve access to legal services in rural Missouri.

The committee leading the effort was formed in 2025 and includes more than 30 attorneys from across the state. Dreyer is co-chairing the group alongside Corey Moon, 2nd Circuit associate judge for Lewis County.

Residents can take the survey online at SurveyMonkey.com/r/RuralLegalSurvey.