Saint Louis Bar Foundation Announces 2026 Spirit of Justice Award Recipients

ST. LOUIS – The Saint Louis Bar Foundation acts as the charitable arm of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL). The Foundation proudly announces the recipients of its 2026 Spirit of Justice Awards. The organization will honor these recipients on Saturday, February 21, 2026. This celebration takes place at the Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza in St. Louis.

Honoring Commitment to the Rule of Law

The Spirit of Justice Award recognizes lawyers, non-lawyers, and various organizations. These recipients demonstrate significant accomplishment, leadership, and integrity. Furthermore, they foster the rule of law. They also facilitate and promote improvements in the administration of justice.

Morgan Murphy, Esq., president of the Saint Louis Bar Foundation, commented on the importance of the event.

“The Spirit of Justice Award honors individuals and organizations that represent the best of our legal system and our shared commitment to fairness,” Murphy said. “We are proud to recognize these four honorees who lead with integrity, strengthen the rule of law, and improve access to justice for their communities.”

Meet the 2026 Spirit of Justice Honorees

The 2026 class features four distinguished Spirit of Justice Award recipients.

Bill Bay

Bill Bay demonstrated exceptional leadership and integrity during his tenure as president of the American Bar Association. He focused heavily on fostering and maintaining the rule of law. Additionally, Bay served as a past president of BAMSL. He was also a member of The Missouri Bar Board of Governors. During that time, he chaired several key committees.

Currently, Bay is a partner at Thompson Coburn. He also co-chairs the Supreme Court of Missouri’s Commission on Racial and Ethnic Fairness. Furthermore, leadership has selected him to co-chair several statewide commissions. These groups focus on vital issues. For instance, they work to increase opportunities for women attorneys. They also strive to achieve equal access to justice for litigants regardless of race or ethnicity. Finally, they explore the future of the legal profession in Missouri.

Fathers & Families Support Center

The Fathers & Families Support Center (FFSC) demonstrates sustained leadership through its comprehensive programming. This mission-driven organization strengthens families and advances equity. Moreover, they create a tangible impact on the administration of justice.

FFSC frequently partners with BAMSL. Together, they ensure the success of the annual Motion for Kids holiday party. However, FFSC does more than serve families. It strengthens the justice system itself. The organization achieves this by fostering accountability, healing, and opportunity for both parents and children.

Harris-Stowe State University

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) has played a vital role in assisting the local legal community since 2022. Specifically, they help BAMSL and the Saint Louis Bar Foundation host the annual Motion for Kids holiday party. This event serves approximately 2,000 children. These children are currently in foster care or have been impacted by the criminal justice system.

The administration at HSSU acted generously when they learned of the program. They immediately offered the Emerson Performance Center at no charge. In addition, HSSU donates event security and complimentary parking. They also provide student volunteers and custodial services for the event.

Migrant and Immigrant Community Action Project

The Migrant and Immigrant Community Action (MICA) Project has grown significantly. Consequently, they help an incredible number of immigrants and refugees. They help these individuals find a new beginning, safety, and a sense of calm.

MICA members work tirelessly to ensure others respect the rights of migrants and immigrants. To achieve this, the MICA Project utilizes several tools. These include legal services, organizing, advocacy, and education. Ultimately, they promote the voice and human dignity of immigrant communities.

About the Saint Louis Bar Foundation

The Saint Louis Bar Foundation operates as a separate legal entity and a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It promotes the Rule of Law and the administration of justice. This mission applies to both our society and the legal profession.

Furthermore, the Bar Foundation seeks to improve the administration of justice in our community. They achieve this through law-related education directed to citizens. They also engage in various charitable undertakings. Finally, the Bar Foundation commits to strengthening the legal profession. They encourage attorneys to practice with the highest level of professionalism and civility. Additionally, they encourage attorneys to engage in meaningful community service.

BAMSL Spirit of Justice Awards /

Photo Captions:
Bill Bay, a partner at Thompson Coburn, is a recipient of the Spirit of Justice Award presented by the Saint Louis Bar Foundation.  (Photo Credit: Thompson Coburn) 

The Father’s & Families Support Center is a recipient of the Spirit of Justice Award presented by the Saint Louis Bar Foundation.  

Harris-Stowe State University is a recipient of the Spirit of Justice Award presented by the Saint Louis Bar Foundation.  

The Migrant and Immigrant Community Action Project is a recipient of the Spirit of Justice Award presented by the Saint Louis Bar Foundation.  

Media Contact:
Gary Stevens

#SaintLouisBarFoundation #BAMSL #SpiritOfJusticeAwards #StLouisEvents #LegalCommunity #MissouriNonprofits #JusticeLeaders #StLouis2026