The Missouri Bar's Disaster Response Plan is intended to provide victims of tragedy with vital legal information and to dissuade those who would further the victims' misery through unscrupulous business practices. The Missouri Bar is interested in making sure that the legal rights of victims and their families are protected until such time as they feel ready to make an informed decision regarding legal representation. At the request of then-President Maurice B. Graham, the Board of Governors of The Missouri Bar in 1986 authorized the creation of a Catastrophe Intervention Committee to develop a plan for The Missouri Bar's response to a major disaster. The committee's plan, updated regularly since its inception, is designed to provide helpful information to the victims of disasters and their families, and to protect them from those who might wish to take advantage of their misfortune for personal gain. The committee also developed a brochure, Mass Disaster Victim's Guide , for distribution to those affected by such disasters.
Questionable contacts occur in both the plaintiff and defense arenas.
In the event of a major disaster, The Missouri Bar's Executive Committee would consider whether to implement the organization's Disaster Response Plan. If such action is deemed necessary, a team composed of bar officers and staff would assemble near the disaster site. The team will monitor the conduct of lawyers at or near the scene of the tragedy and attempt to verify any instances of unwelcome solicitations or other unethical behavior. If such reports are verified, an ethical investigation would be initiated by the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel, the investigatory arm of the Supreme Court of Missouri. On behalf of the Court, the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel investigates ethical complaints filed against attorneys and, if there appears to be a basis for the complaints, begins a hearing procedure.