Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association Celebrates Law Day 2025

Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association Celebrates Law Day 2025

The Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association (SMBA) held its annual Law Day Luncheon on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Hickory Hills Country Club.

The theme for this year’s Law Day was “E Pluribus Unum – Out of Many, One.” The keynote address was delivered by Tony Simones, whose inspiring remarks reflected on history, unity, and civic responsibility.

Following the address, awards were presented in four categories: Distinguished Attorney, Judicial Excellence, Equal Access to Justice, and the Liberty Bell Award.

Curtis Garner received the Equal Access to Justice Award, which recognizes individuals who provide significant pro bono services to clients of Legal Services of Southern Missouri. Since 2012, Garner has accepted 224 cases, helping low-income residents across southern Missouri meet their legal needs.

Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams was honored with the Liberty Bell Award. This award is presented to a non-lawyer who has made outstanding contributions to the administration of justice. Williams was recognized for his high level of community engagement and his efforts to promote collaboration, efficiency, and respect for the legal system.

Judge Douglas Harpool received the Judicial Excellence Award. The SMBA’s Judicial Excellence Award honors judges who exemplify the highest legal and ethical standards and who serve the community both within and beyond the courtroom. In presenting the award, Judge Michael Cordonnier highlihted Harpool’s lifetime of public service, noting, “Judge Harpool’s service as a State Representative and his exemplary performance as a District Judge make him uniquely qualified for this award.”

Richard Schnake was presented with the Distinguished Attorney Award, the highest honor bestowed by the SMBA. In his nomination, Schnake was praised for his professional excellence, mentorship and contribution to the improvement in the administration of justice. “Neale & Newman is very proud of Rick for receiving the Distinguished Attorney Award,” said Managing Partner Daniel Wooten. “Rick has been recognized many times for his high achievement in appellate and intellectual property law, but I know that receiving this award is especially meaningful because it comes from the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association.”

This year’s theme, “E Pluribus Unum,” also inspired nearly 70 entries in the SMBA Law Day Poster Contest. An awards ceremony and exhibit opening to celebrate the young artists was held on October 17, 2025, at the Library Center.

Links

2025 Sponsors – Thank You!

2025 Law Day Program

Photo gallery - Poster Contest Ceremony