February 2, 2021 - springfieldbar.com

Earlier today Missouri Chief Justice George Draper delivered the first virtual "State of the Judiciary." In his address, available at this link, Chief Judge Draper noted the formation of our judicial system two hundred years ago when Missouri became a state, and he reflected on the challenges and successes of very recent history, as our courts and legal profession responded to global pandemic. Two local courts were mentioned in the speech; Christian County for hosting the first hybrid jury trial, and Greene County for conducting the state's first off site jury trial at the White River Conference Center complete with gigantic taxidermied bear. Chief Judge Draper concluded his address commending the service and acknowledging the March 8, 2021 retirement of Judge Laura Stith.

Millsap takes the Bench - First thing Monday, February 1, the Honorable Mark Millsap took his oath and joined the 31st Circuit as Commissioner of the Family Court Division and immediately got to work. Please join the SMBA in welcoming Commissioner Millsap.

ICYMI, this week the 31st Circuit advanced to Phase Two. Judge Cordonnier's order as well as a notice on procedures Springfield Municipal procedures can be found on the SMBA COVID-19 Webpage.

News from the 39th Circuit - Last Week Governor Mike Parson appointed David Cole as Circuit Judge of the 39th Circuit, filing the vacancy created when Judge Jack Goodman was appointed to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District.

Thank You Sustaining Members - 2021 List