University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law

The urban public law school with a small liberal arts feel

The Inns of UMKC Elmer N. Powell (1870-1946)   Elmer Powell was born in Delaware and attended John Hopkins University in Baltimore. He was one of the original founders of the Kansas City School of Law and served as secretary and treasurer before becoming Dean of the school. In 1904 he was named assessor and collector for the city water department. During his tenure he reorganized the water department and fought for cheaper water rates. In 1928 he went to London to study the famous Inns of Court and the British legal system. When he returned he lectured on English and European courts. He served as president of the Kansas City Bar Association from 1915-1916. He was a federal referee in bankruptcy during the 1920s and Special Master in Chancery in the 5th Federal District.