From the Section Chair –
It is gratifying to learn and see that our Section has resumed publication of the FLASH that includes articles by Section members about their work in the Section, articles about our Committees and substantive article of interest. On behalf of its co-editors, I encourage our members who have articles they have recently written or wish to write to contact the co-editors.
In conjunction with the article on human trafficking in this issue, I checked the latest data for Missouri and learned that my quiet Midwestern state ranks in the upper 2/3 of states stained with human trafficking. Between January 1 and June 30, 2018, there were 72 confirmed cases of trafficking in a field where statistics of such behavior is notoriously under reported. This is a field in which labor and employment attorneys can play a role by simply being aware of such crimes in your area and learning of the kind of conduct that might evidence suspicious behavior and how to report one’s suspicions. Thanks to our Immigration and Human Trafficking Committee for this important article.
In addition to publications of interest to our Section members, we are now headed into one of our busiest and compelling times of the year: when our thirteen standing committees hold their Midwinter Meetings. I urge all of our members to look at their calendars and find the time to attend one of these meetings where you will get to meet with lawyers from government agencies creating the law in our fields as well as with other lawyers in our fields in convivial surroundings. There you will find advocates with whom over time you will form firm and enduring friendships. So go to the Section website and consider taking some time away from the office to stimulate your brain and body.
Chris Hexter
Section Chair