City, State – Missouri’s six nonpartisan circuit courts have recently welcomed new lawyer members to their judicial candidate selection bodies. These members were elected through local elections held in November, replacing lawyers whose terms expired at the end of last year. The circuit commissions consist of two elected lawyers, two nonlawyer members appointed by the governor, and the chief judge of the Court of Appeals district associated with the circuit.
Among the newly appointed members is Scott Campbell, a criminal defense and family law practitioner based in Platte City. He now joins the 6th Circuit Judicial Commission, responsible for selecting candidates for the Platte County Circuit Court. Campbell succeeds Mark M. Ferguson.
Ben Schmitt, from the Schmitt Law Firm in Kansas City, is another addition to the judicial commissions. He takes over from Kate E. Noland on the 7th Circuit Judicial Commission, which chooses candidates for vacancies on the Clay County Circuit Court.
Thomas Porto, a lawyer at The Popham Law Firm in Kansas City, has been elected to the 16th Circuit Judicial Commission. This commission assists in filling vacancies on the Jackson County Circuit Court. Porto replaces Phyllis Norman.
Michelle Spirn, practicing at Spirn Family Law in Clayton, has joined the 21st Circuit Judicial Commission. This commission nominates judicial candidates for the St. Louis County Circuit Court. Spirn replaces William P. Grant.
Erica Slater, of The Simon Law Firm in St. Louis, has been elected to the 22nd Circuit Judicial Commission. Slater will participate in selecting candidates for the St. Louis Circuit Court, taking over from J. Brent Dulle.
Kurt Larson, from Larson & Miller Injury Law in Springfield, has been re-elected to the 31st Circuit Judicial Commission. This commission is responsible for choosing candidates for vacancies on the Greene County Circuit Court. Larson’s previous six-year term concluded on December 31.
These new appointments bring fresh perspectives to Missouri’s circuit court judicial selection bodies, ensuring a diverse representation of legal professionals in the decision-making process. By infusing a range of experiences and backgrounds, the aim is to enhance the fairness and effectiveness of the judiciary in the state.
In conclusion, Missouri’s nonpartisan circuit courts have welcomed new lawyer members to their judicial candidate selection bodies. These fresh appointments aim to foster a more inclusive and diverse decision-making process within the state’s judiciary.