“Only a small percentage of lawyers are admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court,” said Paula F. Baker, Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer. “This is an exciting honor for Dwight, and we are extremely proud of his accomplishments.”
To qualify, applicants must be admitted to practice in the highest court of a state, commonwealth, territory or possession, or the District of Columbia for at least three years. He or she must have a clean disciplinary record during that time and be deemed as having good moral and professional character. The U.S. Supreme Court also requires a letter of good standing from the state’s highest court and two sponsors.
Douglas was presented to the U.S. Supreme Court in person by Lyrissa Lidsky, University of Missouri School of Law Dean. Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. accepted the nomination, and Douglas was sworn in during open session.
Douglas began contract work for Freeman in 2000 and has served as general counsel for more than eight years. Previously, the Neosho native had a private practice in Neosho for 40 years.
About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2017, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. The Leapfrog Group awarded Freeman the highest grade possible in the Spring 2017 Hospital Patient Safety Score. With more than 300 physicians on staff representing more than 70 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.