BAMSL Receives LexisNexis Award for Pathway to Law Program Supporting Future Legal Professionals

ST. LOUIS – The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL) has received a LexisNexis Community & Educational Outreach Award from the National Association for Bar Professionals (NABE) in recognition of its Pathway to Law program, which helps students explore careers in the legal profession.

The legal profession can be difficult to navigate for students who lack family or professional connections in the field. The Pathway to Law program helps bridge that gap by providing direct access to attorneys, judges and law school professionals who can offer guidance, mentorship and insight into legal careers.

“Students may have some interest in a legal career, but they often have questions and may have no connections within the legal profession and not know where to go for answers,” said Susan McCourt Baltz, executive director of BAMSL. “The Pathway to Law program provides an introduction to law school admissions staff, judges and practicing attorneys who can answer questions and provide guidance regarding career options.”  

The program’s signature event is a summer Lunch and Learn, where students participate in roundtable discussions with judges, attorneys, and law school professionals. The event includes guided walking tours of local courthouses and law schools. Throughout the year, the students are invited to participate in BAMSL service projects that further enrich their exposure to the legal profession.

Since its launch in 2025, the program has connected students with more than a dozen judges, attorneys and law school professionals.

“We were encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive feedback from both students and volunteers,” said McCourt Baltz. “Students reported gaining valuable insight into law school and legal careers, while the judges, attorneys and admissions professionals were impressed by their engagement and thoughtful questions.”

For more information or to get involved with Pathway to Law, contact events@bamsl.org.

The LexisNexis Community & Educational Outreach Award recognizes outstanding bar association programs that advance public service and law-related education.

The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (www.bamsl.org), founded in 1874, is a Missouri not-for-profit corporation, the members of which are attorneys principally practicing in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Our mission is to maintain the highest professional standards among attorneys, to enhance the professional competence of attorneys, to improve the administration of justice, to serve the needs of members, and to provide law-related service and education to the public. 

Media Contact:
Gary Stevens     

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