The summer of 1936 was one of the hottest on record in Kansas City, with 53 days of 100 degree plus temperatures and a record high of 113 degrees. To this day, this remains the hottest day on record for Kansas City. Fortunately for the lawyers of Kansas City, the Jackson County Courthouse had been completed in 1934 with a specialized cooling system, a rarity for the time.
Ninety years later, we still struggle with hot summers, though not quite as hot as 1936, and we still use the same courthouse, though with updated air conditioning systems. Though much has changed in the past 90 years, our history is still with us. Also in 1936, a new group was taking shape in Kansas City, one that is still with us today. The Lawyers Association of Kansas City, or LAKC, was formed on December 18, 1935 with 189 lawyers agreeing to promote the welfare of the public in the bar, to advance the science of jurisprudence, to support the administration of justice, and to support the Supreme Court. The LAKC set about in that first year, 1936, by taking strong positions on pressing bar issues, including the formation of a robust section for junior lawyers to allow them to develop their leadership skills and have a place for their own activities.
Today, LAKC continues to promote exceptional jurisprudence, transform lawyers into balanced professionals, and develop leaders to serve our community. As in the first year, we continue to have a strong young lawyers section, YLS, that provides a valuable training ground for those new to the practice.
As in 1936, there is a great need for voluntary bar associations, particularly those that promote the ideal of lawyers as servants of the public. LAKC continues to provide a home for lawyers with an interest in public service – whether that’s supporting the homeless youth of Kansas City, providing learning opportunities for high school students interested in mock trial, or providing scholarships to pre-law students. Even with all of the opportunities for lawyers to network and connect in other ways, LAKC still provides a valuable association for lawyers.
None of this would be possible without the involvement and support of the lawyers and law firms in Kansas City and surrounding areas. Whether you are a current active member or someone who used to be active, I would encourage you to engage with LAKC in our 90th anniversary year. Help judge a mock trial competition. Attend a YLS service project or networking event. Send your summer law clerks on our annual court crawl and support the judicial reception afterward. Attend the IP symposium or our Opening Day CLE, returning this year for the first time since 2019.
Just as in 1936, there is a need for lawyers who view their avocation, whether in private practice, government, or otherwise, as an important calling meant to serve, support, and uplift the local community. Please join me in celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Lawyers Association of Kansas City.
Phillip Raine
2025-26 President
