Judges in Missouri: Terms and Roles

The Missouri Supreme Court

The highest court in Missouri has exclusive appellate jurisdiction in all cases involving: the validity of a treaty or statute of the United States or of a statute or provision of the Missouri Constitution; the construction of the state’s revenue laws; the title to any state office; and in all cases where the punishment imposed is death.

In addition to its decision-making powers, the court supervises all lower courts in the state. The Supreme Court also licenses all lawyers practicing in Missouri and disciplines those found guilty of violation of the legal Rules of Professional Conduct. Supreme Court judges must be at least 30 years of age, a U.S. citizen for 15 years, and a qualified Missouri voter for nine years. Supreme Court judges are retained for 12-year terms.

Court of Appeals

The Eastern District of the Court of Appeals sits in St. Louis and consists of fourteen judges. Eleven judges preside over the Western District in Kansas City, and seven judges sit on the Southern District bench meeting either in Springfield or Poplar Bluff. The Court of Appeals may issue and determine original remedial writs and has general appellate jurisdiction in all cases not within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. Cases may be transferred from the Court of Appeals to the Supreme Court when it is determined that a case involves an important issue that should be decided by the state’s highest court. Judges must be at least 30 years of age; a resident of their district; a U.S. citizen for at least 15 years; and a Missouri voter for nine years before their selection. Appellate judges serve 12-year terms.

Circuit Judges
Circuit judges are selected either through popular vote or by appointment under the Nonpartisan Court Plan. These courts have original jurisdiction over civil and criminal causes of action. All trials start at this level. Circuit court judges must be at least 30 years old, a resident of their circuit, and a U.S. citizen for 10 years and a Missouri voter for three years. Circuit judges serve six-year terms. The Constitution requires at least one circuit judge in each of Missouri’s 45 judicial circuits. Circuit 6 is Platte County; Circuit 7 is Clay County; Circuit 16 is Jackson County; Circuit 21 is St. Louis County; and Circuit 22 is St. Louis City.

Missouri Bar Judge Evaluations

Judge Evaluations

The Missouri Bar has been evaluating judges appointed under the Non-Partisan Court Plan and providing that information to voters since 1948. The Missouri Bar currently funds the review process, which was created in 2008 and revised in 2016 by order of the Supreme Court of Missouri. The Missouri judicial performance review process was developed after a committee studied model rules and best practices from the American Bar Association and more than 20 judicial performance evaluation systems in the nation. The current judicial performance review process in Missouri was adopted June 15, 2016, when the Supreme Court of Missouri issued an order making revisions to Rule 10 which expand the voices of non-lawyers in the review process, leaves judging the judges to the voters, and fosters consistency in the process with the implementation of one statewide review committee.

The complete performance review of each judge is available online at YourMissouriJudges.org.

The Missouri Plan

The Missouri Plan, otherwise known as the Non-Partisan Court Plan, is a model for the nation. Proposed and adopted to the state Constitution by Missouri voters in 1940, it continues to be right for the people of Missouri because it attracts high-quality judges in the least political way and ultimately gives the people the final say.

In the City of St. Louis, and in St. Louis, Jackson, Clay, Platte and Greene counties, judges apply for their positions on the bench and are selected on the basis of merit. This process is transparent to the public and accountable to the people.

In this judicial process laid out in the state’s constitution, judges who serve under the Missouri Plan have been nominated by a judicial commission and then selected by the governor. After their first 12 months on the bench and the end of each term, nonpartisan judges must go before the voters in a retention election. Voters are asked whether each of these judges should be retained. To be retained, each judge must receive a majority vote. If a judge does not receive a majority of votes, his or her judicial seat will become vacant at the end of its present term. The judicial commission will then nominate three candidates for the position and the governor will appoint one to fill the vacancy. The terms for appellate court judges are 12 years. Among trial judges, circuit judges serve six-year terms, while associate circuit judges serve four-year terms. (YourMissouriJudges.org)

On the Ballot in November 2026

MISSOURI SUPREME COURT

Hon. Paul Wilson MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Paul Wilson was appointed to the Supreme Court of Missouri in December 2012. He was Chief Justice from July 2021-June 2023. Prior to being appointed to the Supreme Court of Missouri, Judge Wilson served as a Circuit Judge for the 19th Judicial Circuit and was an Assistant Missouri Attorney General; an attorney at Van Matre, Harrison, Hollis, Taylor & Bacon; and an attorney at Sullivan & Cromwell. Judge Wilson earned a bachelor’s degree from Drury College and a juris doctorate cum laude from the University of Missouri School of Law. Judge Wilson clerked for Hon. Edward D. Robertson Jr., of the Supreme Court of Missouri, and Hon. Richard F. Suhrheinrich, of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit. Judge Wilson is a member of The Missouri Bar.

MISSOURI COURT OF APPEALS - EASTERN DISTRICT

Hon. Virginia Lay MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Virginia Lay was appointed to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, in November 2024. Prior to being appointed to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Judge Lay served as Circuit Judge of the 21st Judicial Circuit Court from November 2021-November 2024, served as Associate Circuit Judge of the 21st Judicial Circuit from April 2019-November 2021, was Special Assistant Circuit Attorney for the Missouri Division of Employment Security, and was an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Missouri. Judge Lay earned a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University and a juris doctorate from the Washington University School of Law. Judge Lay is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Missouri Supreme Court Trial Judge Education Committee, the St. Louis County Bar Association, the Women Lawyers’ Bar Association of Greater St. Louis, and the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis.

Hon. Rebeca Navarro-McKelvey MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Rebeca Navarro-McKelvey was appointed to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, in December 2023. Prior to being appointed to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Judge Navarro-McKelvey was elected in 2020 as Circuit Judge of the 11th Judicial Circuit Court and served from 2021-2023. She was elected in 2016 as Associate Circuit Judge of the 11th Judicial Circuit Court and served from 2017-2020. She was Sex Crimes Child Abuse Prosecutor at the St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and Chief Legal Counsel for the 11th Judicial Circuit Family Court Juvenile Office. Judge Navarro-McKelvey earned a bachelor’s degree and a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri. Judge Navarro-McKelvey is a member of The Missouri Bar, the St. Louis County Bar Association, the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, and the St. Charles County Bar Association.

Hon. Angela Quigless MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Prior to being appointed to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, Judge Quigless served as an Associate Circuit Judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court from 1995-January 2003, Circuit Judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit from January 2003-April 2012, and Special Supreme Court Judge in October 2003 and April 2010. She was Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, Assistant City Counselor for the City of St. Louis, Assistant Circuit Attorney for the city of St. Louis, and Assistant General Counsel for the Missouri Public Service Commission. Judge Quigless earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri and a juris doctorate from the Saint Louis University School of Law. Judge Quigless is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, the Mound City Bar Association, The Lawyers Association of St. Louis, and the American Bar Association.

MISSOURI COURT OF APPEALS - WESTERN DISTRICT

Hon. Lisa White Hardwick MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Lisa White Hardwick was appointed to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District, in May 2001. She was chief judge from 2010-2012. Prior to being appointed to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Judge Hardwick served as a Circuit Judge in the 16th Judicial Circuit from January 2000-May 2001, was a Partner at Shook, Hardy & Bacon from 1992-2000, an associate at Shook, Hardy & Bacon from 1985-1991, and an elected 2nd District At-Large Representative in the Jackson County Legislature from 1993-2000. Judge Hardwick earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri and a juris doctorate from Harvard Law School. Judge Hardwick is a member of The Missouri Bar, the American Bar Association, the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, the Jackson County Bar Association, and the Association of Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City.

MISSOURI COURT OF APPEALS - SOUTHERN DISTRICT

Hon. Matthew Hamner MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Matthew Hamner was appointed to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District, in April 2024. Prior to being appointed to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Judge Hamner served as Circuit Judge and Presiding Judge for the 26th Judicial Circuit Court; served as an Associate Circuit Judge for Camden County; was a shareholder at Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter & Welch, P.C.; and was president of the 26th Judicial Circuit Bar Association. Judge Hamner earned a bachelor’s degree and a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri. He clerked for Hon. William Ray Price Jr., of the Supreme Court of Missouri. Judge Hamner is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Kansas Bar Association, the 26th Judicial Circuit Bar Association, and the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association.

7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT (CLAY COUNTY)

Hon. David Chamberlain, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. David Chamberlain was appointed to the 7th Judicial Circuit Court in January 2019. Judge Chamberlain served as Presiding Judge of the 7th Judicial Circuit Court from 2021-2022. Judge Chamberlain served as an Associate Circuit Judge for the 7th Judicial Circuit Court from May 2008-January 2019 and was previously in private practice. Judge Chamberlain earned a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Missouri State University and a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. Judge Chamberlain is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, and the Clay County Bar Association.

Hon. Hon. Karen Krauser, Associate Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Karen Krauser was appointed to the 7th Judicial Circuit Court in January 2012. Prior to being appointed to the 7th Judicial Circuit Court, Judge Krauser was Clay County Deputy Chief Prosecuting Attorney and served as municipal judge of Excelsior Springs and municipal judge of Platte Woods. Judge Krauser earned a bachelor’s degree from Park College (now Park University) and a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. Judge Krauser is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Clay County Bar Association, the Missouri Municipal and Associate Circuit Judges Association, the Missouri Probate and Associate Circuit Judges Association, the Association of Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City, and the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association.

6TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT (PLATTE COUNTY)

Hon. Myles Perry, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Myles Perry was appointed to the 6th Judicial Circuit Court in January 2024 and is the current Presiding Judge for the 6th Judicial Circuit. Prior to being appointed to the 6th Judicial Circuit, Judge Perry served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and Trial Team Leader in the Platte County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office from January 2003 until January 2024. Judge Perry also retired from the United States Army Reserve in 2019, having been commissioned in 1990 as an Infantry Officer and later serving as a Judge Advocate both on Active Duty and in the Army Reserve, with two tours in Afghanistan. Judge Perry earned a bachelor’s degree from Park University and a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. Judge Perry is a member of The Missouri Bar and the Platte County Bar Association.

Hon. Susan Casey, Associate Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Susan Casey was appointed to the 6th Judicial Circuit Court in February 2024. Prior to being appointed to the 6th Judicial Circuit Court, Judge Casey was a Senior Law Clerk/Staff Attorney for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, primarily for Hon. Roseann Ketchmark; a Senior Law Clerk for Hon. Gary D. Witt of the Missouri Court of Appeals; and a Senior Law Clerk for Hon. Ronnie L. White of the Supreme Court of Missouri. She also served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Notre Dame. Judge Casey earned a bachelor’s degree and a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri. She also holds a master’s degree from the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign. Judge Casey is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Platte County Bar Association, the Association of Women Lawyers, the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, and the Missouri Association of Probate and Associate Circuit Judges and Commissioners.

16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT (JACKSON COUNTY)

Hon. Cory Atkins, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Cory Atkins was appointed to the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in September 2019. Judge Atkins served as an Associate Circuit Judge from 2018-2019, an Assistant Attorney General for the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, an Associate at the Accurso Law Firm, and an Associate at Langdon & Emison. He has served as coordinator for two National Courts and Sciences Institute events. Judge Atkins earned a bachelor’s degree from Rockhurst University and a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. He clerked for Hon. Zel M. Fischer, of the Supreme Court of Missouri. Judge Atkins is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Eastern Jackson County Bar Association, the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, Missouri Circuit Judges Association, and the National Courts and Sciences Institute.

Hon. Patrick Edwards, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Patrick Edwards was appointed to the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in November 2024. Prior to being appointed to the 16th Judicial Circuit Court, Judge Edwards was an Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri and an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Jackson County. Judge Edwards earned bachelor’s degrees from the University of Missouri and a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. Judge Edwards is a member of The Missouri Bar and the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association.

Hon. Kenneth Garrett, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Kenneth Garrett was appointed circuit judge of the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in October 2013. Judge Garrett served as an Associate Circuit Judge in Jackson County from 2010-2013, was Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, and was an Assistant Attorney General. Judge Garrett earned a bachelor’s degree, a juris doctorate, and a master’s degree in public administration at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Judge Garrett is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Kansas Bar Association, the Jackson County Bar Association, the Eastern Jackson County Bar Association, and the Missouri Association of Associate and Probate Judges.

Hon. Kevin Harrell, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Kevin Harrell was appointed to the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in July 2012 and has served as Presiding Judge. Prior to being appointed to the 16th Judicial Circuit Court, Judge Harrell was an Administrative Family Court Judge and Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office. Judge Harrell earned a bachelor’s degree and a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Judge Harrell is a member of The Missouri Bar.

Hon. Kea Bird-Riley, Associate Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Kea Bird-Riley was appointed to the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in December 2020. Prior to being appointed Associate Circuit Judge, Judge Bird-Riley was a Family Court Commissioner in 16th Judicial Circuit Court; an Associate Attorney at Krigel & Krigel, P.C.; a Staff Attorney at Jackson County CASA; and an Associate Attorney at Stauffer & Nathan, P.C. Judge Bird-Riley earned a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi College and a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Judge Bird-Riley clerked for Judge Charles E. Atwell, of the 16th Judicial Circuit of the State of Missouri. Judge Bird-Riley is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, the Jackson County Bar Association, and the Kansas Bar Association.

Hon. Abbie Rothermich, Associate Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Abbie Rothermich was appointed to the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in December 2023 and a special assignment: Criminal A Rotation in 2025. Prior to being appointed to the 16th Judicial Circuit Court, Judge Rothermich was Deputy Chief of Employment Litigation at the Missouri Attorney General’s Office from 2023-2024, an Assistant Attorney General at the Missouri Attorney General’s Office from 2016-2024, and an attorney at Legal Aid of Western Missouri from 2010-2016. Judge Rothermich earned a bachelor’s degree from Truman State University and a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri School of Law. Judge Rothermich is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, the Association for Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City, and the Eastern Jackson County Bar Association.

Hon. Mary Frances Weir, Associate Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Mary Frances Weir was appointed to the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in May 2013. She also presides over the criminal domestic violence diversion docket for all domestic violence diversion cases in Jackson County. Judge Weir clerked for the Hon. Christine Sill-Rogers of the 16th Judicial Circuit Court of Missouri upon graduation from law school. She then worked as an attorney for the Missouri State Public Defender System and then as a contract attorney representing survivors of domestic violence and their children in family court matters. She also worked as a contract attorney representing parents and children in abuse and neglect and delinquency proceedings at the Family Court in Jackson County, Missouri. In addition, she was frequently appointed to serve as a Guardian Ad Litem in family court matters. Judge Weir also worked as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law from 2001-2021. Judge Weir earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a juris doctorate from Washburn University School of Law. Judge Weir is Chair of the Missouri Supreme Court’s Commission on Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence. She is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, the National Judicial Network, the Association of Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City, Lawyers Encouraging Academic Performance (LEAP), the Independence Coordinated Community Council, and the Lee’s Summit Coordinated Community Council.

Hon. R. Travis Willingham, Associate Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. R. Travis Willingham was appointed to the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in December 2019. Prior to being appointed to the 16th Judicial Circuit Court, Judge Willingham was Chief Deputy County Counselor for Jackson County, Head of Litigation. Judge Willingham earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri and a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. Judge Willingham is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, the Eastern Jackson County Bar Association, and the Association of Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City.

21TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT (ST. LOUIS COUNTY)

Hon. Lorne Baker, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Lorne J. Baker was appointed to the 21st Judicial Circuit Court as a Circuit Judge in August 2024. He previously served the circuit as an Associate Circuit Judge beginning in 2018. Judge Baker serves on the court’s Access to Justice Committee and Surcharge Committee and is a former member of the Forms and Efficiency, ADA Compliance, and Criminal Justice committees. Judge Baker was appointed to serve as a judicial member of the St. Louis County Domestic and Family Violence Council in 2024 and was appointed to sit as a special judge to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District on two occasions in 2024 and 2025. Judge Baker’s judicial career began in 2016 when he was appointed as an administrative law judge for the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation. Prior to serving on the bench, he spent more than two decades practicing law with a focus on litigation across the public and private sectors, as well as working as in-house counsel for a large local non-profit organization. Judge Baker earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri–Columbia. Judge Baker is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, the St. Louis County Bar Association, and the Lawyers Association of St. Louis.

Hon. John Borbonus, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. John Borbonus was appointed as a Circuit Judge in the 21st Judicial Circuit Court in September 2018. Judge Borbonus served as Assistant Presiding Judge of the 21st Judicial Circuit Court from January 2021 through December 2022. Judge Borbonus served as an Associate Circuit Judge of the 21st Judicial Circuit Court from 2011-2018 and was an attorney from 1994-2011. Judge Borbonus earned a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University and a juris doctorate from the Saint Louis University School of Law. Judge Borbonus is a member of The Missouri Bar and the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis.

Hon. Ellen Dunne, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Ellen Dunne was appointed as a Circuit Judge in the 21st Judicial Circuit Court in March 2025. She is a past participant of the Supreme Court Committee: Leading Change, Criminal Justice Team Planning; a member of the 21st Judicial Circuit Rules Committee; a member and former Co-Chair of the Commissioner and Administrators Application and Review Committee; a member of the Family Court Committee; a member of the Juvenile Executive Committee; and a past member of the Mental Health Initiative Task Force. Judge Dunne served as an Associate Circuit Judge of the 21st Judicial Circuit from January 2017-March 2025, a Partner and Associate at the law firm of Blitz, Bardgett & Deutsch LC from 2000-2016, an Associate and Paralegal at Riezman & Blitz PC from 1985-1998, and an attorney at the Lowenbaum Partnership from 1998-2000. Judge Dunne earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri; completed paralegal studies at St. Louis Community College, Meramec; and earned a juris doctorate from the Saint Louis University School of Law. Judge Dunne is a member of The Missouri Bar, the St. Louis County Bar Association, the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, the Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater St. Louis, and The Lawyers Association of St. Louis.

Hon. Matt Hearne, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Matt Hearne was appointed as a Circuit Judge in the 21st Judicial Circuit Court in December 2023. Judge Hearne served as an Associate Circuit Judge for the 21st Judicial Circuit from October 2019-December 2023. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Hearne worked for the Missouri State Public Defender’s office for several years and then went into private practice for 25 years. Judge Hearne earned a bachelor’s degree from Hillsdale College and a juris doctorate from the University of Toledo School of Law. Judge Hearne is a member of The Missouri Bar.

Hon. Amanda McNelley, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Amanda McNelley was appointed as a Circuit Judge on the 21st Judicial Circuit Court in November 2024. She has served as Presiding Judge of the Associate Bench, Vice Chair of the Commissioner Review Committee, and was appointed to the Supreme Court Commission on Combatting Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence. Judge McNelley served as an Associate Circuit Judge for the 21st Judicial Circuit from November 2019-November 2024. She was Counsel and Team Leader of the Family Law Group at Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard, PC. Judge McNelley earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Louis University and a juris doctorate from the Washburn University School of Law. Judge McNelley is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater St. Louis, the St. Louis County Bar Association, the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, the Missouri Circuit Judges’ Association, and the St. Louis County Domestic and Family Violence Council.

Hon. Jeffery McPherson, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Jeffery McPherson was appointed to the 21st Judicial Circuit Court in May 2025. He is Chair of the Community Outreach Committee, a member of the Rules Committee, and a member of the Legal Update/Legislative Committee. Prior to being appointed to the 21st Judicial Circuit Court, Judge McPherson was a Partner at Armstrong Teasdale LLP from 2002-2025 and an Associate at Armstrong Teasdale LLP from 1995-2001. Judge McPherson was a Co-Chair of the Missouri State High School Mock Trial Competition from 2017-2025, was a member of the Board of Directors of the Missouri Lawyer Trust Account Foundation from 2023-2025, and has been a Trustee of the Missouri Supreme Court Historical Society since 2020. Judge McPherson earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University and a juris doctorate from the Saint Louis University School of Law. He clerked for Chief Justice Ann K. Covington, of the Supreme Court of Missouri. Judge McPherson is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Board of Governors of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, the St. Louis County Bar Association, the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association, American Academy of Appellate Lawyers, and has been listed in Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers.

Hon. Mary Elizabeth Ott, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Mary Elizabeth Ott was appointed as a Circuit Judge in the 21st Judicial Circuit Court in February 2018. She was Presiding Judge from August 2021-December 2024 and is a current member of the Supreme Court Committee on Criminal Instructions and Procedure and the Supreme Court Legislative Committee. Judge Ott served as an Associate Circuit Judge in the 21st Judicial Circuit from May 2008-February 2018 and was an Adjunct Professor at the Washington University School of Law from 2015-2018. Judge Ott earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College and a juris doctorate from the Saint Louis University School of Law. Judge Ott is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Saint Louis County Bar Association, and the Missouri Association of Probate and Associate Court Judges.

Hon. Richard Stewart, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Richard Stewart was appointed as a Circuit Judge in the 21st Judicial Circuit Court in May 2019. Judge Stewart served as an Associate Circuit Judge for the 21st Judicial Circuit Court from June 2016-May 2019. Judge Stewart was engaged in the private practice of law from 1994 until his appointment to the bench. Judge Stewart earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a juris doctorate from the Saint Louis University School of Law. Judge Stewart is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, and the St. Louis County Bar.

Hon. Chastidy Dillon-Amelung, Associate Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Chastidy Dillon-Amelung was appointed to the 21st Judicial Circuit Court in April 2024. She serves on the St. Louis County Budget Committee and St. Louis County Rules Committee. She formerly served on the St. Louis County Commissioner & Administrator Committee, Diversity & Inclusion Committee, Criminal Justice Committee, and Community Outreach Committee. She taught at the 2024 Judicial College. Prior to being appointed to the 21st Judicial Circuit Court, Judge Dillon-Amelung was a St. Louis County Commissioner, Senior Counsel for the Missouri Department of Revenue, Federal Criminal Justice Act Counsel, and Boone County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. Judge Dillon-Amelung earned a bachelor’s degree from Stephens College and a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri School of Law. She earned a master of laws in Taxation from the Washington University School of Law. She clerked for Hon. Bruce Thompson, of the New Haven Superior Court in New Haven, Connecticut. Judge Dillon-Amelung is a member of The Missouri Bar, St. Louis County Bar Association, the Women’s Lawyers Association, the Missouri Association of Probate and Associate Judges and Commissioners, and The Connecticut Bar Association.

Hon. Mondonna Ghasedi, Associate Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Mondonna Ghasedi was appointed to the 21st Judicial Circuit Court in October 2016. Hon. Ghasedi is Chair of the Case Management Oversight Team, an associate representative of the Executive Council of the Judicial Conference, and a member of the Missouri Supreme Court Associate Civil Committee. Judge Ghasedi was previously in private practice. Judge Ghasedi earned bachelor’s degrees from Southern Methodist University and a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri School of Law. Judge Ghasedi is a member of The Missouri Bar, president of the Missouri Association of Probate and Associate Circuit Judges and Commissioners, and a member of the Women Lawyer’s Association Foundation Board, the St. Louis County Bar Association, and the Bar Association of Missouri – St. Louis.

Hon. Nicolette Klapp, Associate Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Nicolette Klapp was appointed to the 21st Judicial Circuit Court in December 2023. Prior to being appointed to the 21st Judicial Circuit, Judge Klapp worked at The Buxner Law Firm from 2014-2024 and The Carson Law Firm from 2009-2014. Judge Klapp earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri and a juris doctorate from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School at Western Michigan University. Judge Klapp clerked for Hon. George Senyk, of the Veteran’s Appeals Court. Judge Klapp is a member of The Missouri Bar, St. Louis County Bar Association, Women Lawyers’ Association, Missouri Association of Probate and Associate Circuit Judges, and the Judicial Civic Education Committee.

Hon. Julia Lasater, Associate Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Julia Lasater was appointed to the 21st Judicial Circuit Court in December 2020. Prior to being appointed to the 21st Judicial Circuit Court, Judge Lasater was a St. Louis County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney from 2005-2020 and was in private practice from 1995-2005 handling both civil and family law matters. Judge Lasater earned a bachelor’s degree from Maryville University and a juris doctorate from the Saint Louis University School of Law. Judge Lasater is a member and past president of the St. Louis County Bar Association. She was also a previously elected member of the Missouri Bar’s Board of Governors and Young Lawyers Section Council. Judge Lasater is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Lawyers Association of St. Louis, the Women Lawyers’ Association, and the Italian American Lawyers of St. Louis.

Hon. Jason Lewis, Associate Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Jason Lewis was appointed to the 21st Judicial Circuit Court in December 2024. Prior to being appointed to the 21st Judicial Circuit Court, Judge Lewis was General Counsel to the Missouri Attorney General; Chief Counsel for Governmental Affairs for the Missouri Attorney General’s Office; Assistant Deputy Attorney General for Special Litigation for the Missouri Attorney General’s Office; and an Associate Attorney at Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale. Judge Lewis earned both his bachelor’s degree and juris doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis. Judge Lewis is a member of The Missouri Bar and the St. Louis County Bar Association, Chair of The Missouri Bar’s Administrative Law Committee, and an Adjunct Instructor at the Washington University School of Law.

Hon. Justin Ruth, Associate Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Justin Ruth was appointed to the 21st Judicial Circuit Court in February 2025. He serves on the Mediation & Parenting Coordination Oversight Committee, the Parent Coordinator Order and Process Subcommittee, the Forms Committee, and the Computer and Data Committee. Prior to being appointed to the 21st Judicial Circuit Court, Judge Ruth was a Partner at Riezman Berger PC, a Partner at Growe Eisen Karlen LLC, an Associate at Husch Blackwell LLP, and an Associate at Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal PC. Judge Ruth earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and a juris doctorate from the Washington University School of Law. Judge Ruth is a member of The Missouri Bar, the St. Louis County Bar Association, the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, The Lawyers Association of St. Louis, and the Missouri Association of Probate and Associate Circuit Judges and Commissioners.

Hon. Kelly Snyder, Associate Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Kelly Snyder was appointed to the 21st Judicial Circuit in April 2025. She is a member of the Criminal Justice Committee, the Judicial Training/Education Committee, and the Forms/Case Management/Weighted Workload Committee. Prior to being appointed to the 21st Judicial Circuit, Judge Snyder was an Assistant Attorney General for Missouri, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for St. Louis County, Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, and an Associate Attorney at HeplerBroom LLC. Judge Snyder earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a juris doctorate from the Washington University School of Law. She was a federal judicial clerk for Chief Judge David R. Herndon, of the United States District Court, Southern District of Illinois. Judge Snyder is a member of The Missouri Bar, the St. Louis County Bar Association, the Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater St. Louis, and the Missouri Association of Probate and Associate Circuit Judges and Commissioners.

22TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT (ST. LOUIS CITY)

Hon. Timothy Boyer, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Timothy Boyer was appointed as a Circuit Judge in the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court in November 2017. He is a member of the Personnel Committee and Budget Committee for the 22nd Judicial Circuit. Judge Boyer served as an Associate Circuit Judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court from 2016-2017, was an Assistant Circuit Attorney for the City of St. Louis from 2007-2016, was an Associate Attorney for Thompson Coburn from 2005-2007, and was an Associate Attorney for Stinson from 2003-2005. Judge Boyer earned a bachelor’s degree from Bradley University and a juris doctorate from the Saint Louis University School of Law. Judge Boyer is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, and The Lawyers Association of St. Louis.

Hon. Annette Llewellyn, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Annette Llewellyn was appointed to the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court in January 2018. Prior to being appointed to the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court, Judge Llewellyn was an Assistant Circuit Attorney and an Assistant Public Defender. Judge Llewellyn earned a bachelor’s degree from City University of New York Lehman College and a juris doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Law. Judge Llewellyn is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Mound City Bar Association, and the Lawyers Association of St. Louis.

Hon. Scott Millikan, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Scott Millikan was appointed as a Circuit Judge in the 22nd Judicial Circuit in March 2018. Judge Millikan served as an Associate Circuit Judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit from July 2017-March 2018 and was Court Administrator of the City of St. Louis Municipal Court. Judge Millikan earned a bachelor’s degree from Webster University and a juris doctorate from the Saint Louis University School of Law. Judge Millikan is a member of The Missouri Bar and the Missouri Circuit Judges Association.

Hon. Michael Stelzer, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Michael Stelzer was appointed as a Circuit Judge in the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court in July 2012. He was Presiding Judge from 2021-2022, Chairman of the Budget Committee from 2014-2020, and Criminal Assignment Judge in 2017. He has served as Administrative Judge of the Family Court Juvenile Division since 2024. Judge Stelzer served as an Associate Circuit Judge in the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court from January 2004-July 2012 and was at the City Counselor’s Office from 1993-2004. Judge Stelzer earned a bachelor’s degree from Augustana College and a juris doctorate from the Saint Louis University School of Law. He was a law clerk for Hon. Carl R. Gaertner, of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District. Judge Stelzer is a member of The Missouri Bar and The Lawyer’s Association.

Hon. Joseph Whyte, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Joseph Whyte was appointed to the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court in May 2018. Prior to being appointed to the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court, Judge Whyte was an Assistant Attorney General from 1990-1992 and in private practice from 1992-2018. Judge Whyte earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri and a juris doctorate from the Saint Louis University School of Law. Judge Whyte is a member of The Missouri Bar and The Lawyers Association of St. Louis. Judge Whyte serves on The Missouri Bar’s Lawyers’ Assistance and Well-being Committee and on its Missouri Lawyer Assistance Program (MOLAP) volunteer roster.

Hon. Madeline Connolly, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Madeline Connolly was appointed as a Circuit Judge in the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court in June 2019. She is a member of the Personnel and Rules Committees and is a past member of the Budget and Weighted Workload committees. She currently serves as a Diversion Court Judge. Judge Connolly was previously an Associate Circuit Judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court, an Assistant Circuit Attorney for the City of St. Louis, an Associate at Tucker Ellis LLP, and an Associate at Hepler Broom LLC. She is an Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy II at the Saint Louis University School of Law. Judge Connolly earned a bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University and a juris doctorate from the Saint Louis University School of Law. Judge Connolly is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, the Women Lawyers’ Association, and the Joint Commission on Women in the Profession.

Hon. Heather Hays, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Heather Hays was appointed as a Circuit Judge in the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court in August 2024. She is Chair of the Weighted Workload Committee and a member of the Family Court Committee. Judge Hays was appointed Associate Circuit Judge in November 2022. She was a Partner at Rynearson, Suess, Schnurbusch & Champion, LLC; an Associate at Tonkin & Mondl; and an Associate at Schuchat, Cook, & Werner. Judge Hays earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Louis University and a juris doctorate from the Saint Louis University School of Law. She clerked for Hon. Kathianne Knaup Crane, of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District. Judge Hays is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, the Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater St. Louis, and The Lawyers Association of St. Louis.

Hon. Elizabeth Hogan, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Elizabeth Hogan was appointed as a Circuit Judge in the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court in December 2012. She was presiding judge in 2023 and 2024. Judge Hogan served as an Associate Circuit Judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit from April 2005-December 2012. Judge Hogan was an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Jefferson County, an Assistant Circuit Attorney for the City of St. Louis, a Supervising Attorney for Voices for Children, and in private practice. Judge Hogan earned a bachelor’s degree from DePauw University and a juris doctorate from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Judge Hogan is a member of The Missouri Bar, the St. Louis Lawyers Association, and the Women Lawyers’ Association.

Hon. David Roither, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. David Roither was appointed as a Circuit Judge in the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court in April 2024. He is Chair of the Family Court Committee and serves on the Budget Committee and the Public Education Committee. Judge Roither served as an Associate Circuit Judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit from January 2018-April 2024 and was a Partner at Medler and Roither, LLC from 2005-2018; an Associate at Beard and Medler, LLC from 2000-2005; and an Associate at Hogan Law Firm, LLC from 1999-2000. Judge Roither earned bachelor’s degrees from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a juris doctorate from the Saint Louis University School of Law. He was a summer clerk for Hon. Jim Dowd, of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District. Judge Roither is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, and The Lawyers Association of St. Louis.

Hon. Calea Stovall-Reid, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain

Hon. Clinton Wright, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Clinton Wright was appointed to the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court in February 2018. Prior to being appointed to the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court, Judge Wright was in private practice with The Wright Firm; Roberts Law Firm; and Rosenblum, Schwartz and Rogers. He was previously a public defender. Judge Wright earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri and a juris doctorate from Washington University School of Law. Judge Wright is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Bar Association Metropolitan Saint Louis, the Clyde Cahill Library, the Court Continuity of Operations Committee, the Treatment Court Committee, and was the President of the Missouri Circuit Judges Association from 2024-2025.

Hon. Katherine Fowlern, Associate Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Katherine Fowler was appointed to the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court in October 2017. She is the Chairperson for the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court Budget Committee and was a member from 2017-2022, has served as a member of the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court Rules Committee since 2017, was a member of the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court Advisory Committee to the Presiding Judge from 2021-2022, and was a member of the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court Legislative Committee. Prior to being appointed to the 22nd Judicial Circuit, Judge Fowler was an Officer at Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, PC. She also served as founder and director of the Sr. Jackie Toben Legal Clinic for Let’s Start, a non-profit organization that aims to break the cycle of incarceration by working with formerly incarcerated women and their children. Judge Fowler earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton and a juris doctorate from the Saint Louis University School of Law. Judge Fowler is a member of The Missouri Bar, Chairperson of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for the 22nd Judicial Circuit, Chairperson of the Stigma Workgroup for the Missouri Bar Well-Being in the Profession Committee, Founder and Chairperson of the Trauma-Informed Courtroom Task Force, Co-founder and Co-chairperson of the Multi-Discipline Task Force on Gun Violence for the 22nd Judicial Circuit, Member of the Missouri Supreme Court Committee on Language Access, and Treasurer of the Law Library Association of St. Louis. She previously served as presidential liaison of the Board of Governors of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis and the Lon O Hocker Award Selection Committees for the Missouri Bar Foundation.

Hon. Michael Dauphin, Associate Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Michael Dauphin was appointed to the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court in December 2024. Prior to being appointed to the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court, Judge Dauphin was the Assessor of the City of St. Louis and an attorney at Foley & Mansfield. He clerked for Hon. Henry E. Autrey, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri. Judge Dauphin earned a bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University and a juris doctorate from the St. Mary’s University School of Law. Judge Dauphin is a member of The Missouri Bar and the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis.

31ST JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT (GREENE COUNTY)

Hon. Nathan Taylor, Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Nathan Taylor was appointed as a Circuit Judge in the 31st Judicial Circuit Court in November 2023. Judge Taylor served as an Associate Circuit Court Judge for the 31st Judicial Circuit from September 2023-November 2023, was in private practice with Taylor Stafford Clithero & Harris LLP from 2014-2023, and served as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Greene County from 2011-2014. Judge Taylor earned a bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University and a juris doctorate from the University of Tulsa College of Law. Judge Taylor is a member of The Missouri Bar and the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association.

Hon. Philip Fuhrman, Associate Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Philip Fuhrman was appointed to the 31st Judicial Circuit Court in March 2024. Prior to being appointed to the 31st Judicial Circuit Court, Judge Fuhrman was an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Greene County from 2009-2024 and was the First Assistant Prosecutor of the Major Crimes Unit from 2016-2024. Judge Fuhrman earned a bachelor’s degree from William Jewell College and a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. Judge Fuhrman is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Missouri Association of Probate and Associate Circuit Judges, and the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association.

Hon. Margaret Palmietto, Associate Circuit Judge MO Bar Recommendation: Retain Hon. Margaret Palmietto was appointed to the 31st Judicial Circuit Court in November 2015. Prior to being appointed to the 31st Judicial Circuit Court, Judge Palmietto was an Administrative Law Judge for the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation from 1994-2015, serving as Chief Administrative Law Judge from 1994-2005 and 2009-2015. She was Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Greene County from 1990-1994 and was in private practice at Schroff Glass and Newberry from 1988-1989. Judge Palmietto earned a bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University and a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri School of Law. Judge Palmietto is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association, the Missouri Association of Probate and Associate Circuit Judges and Commissioners, and the Southern Missouri Women Lawyers Association.