SMBA to install new officers

The Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association is scheduled to install a new slate of officers Jan. 15 during the 43rd annual Passing of the Gavel banquet.

Robert Palmer of The Law Offices of PalmerOliver PC will serve as 2016 president. He follows outgoing President Mark McQueary of Neale & Newman LLP.

Palmer has represented litigation clients in more than 60 jury trials as lead attorney in over 34 states, according to the firm’s website. He has obtained verdicts and judgments for his clients in excess of $100 million, including a verdict in Missouri for $21 million.

He is past president of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys and of the Attorneys Information Exchange Group, a certified civil trial advocate of the National Board of Trial Advocacy and a member of the American Association of Justice, American Board of Trial Advocates and International Society of Barristers.

Other 2016 SMBA officers are:
    •    Ginger Gooch, Husch Blackwell LLP, president elect;
    •    Ashley Twibell, Greene County assistant prosecuting attorney, secretary; and
    •    Emily Kembell, Carnahan Evans Cantwell & Brown PC, treasurer.