Missouri Law Matters

How does someone become a judge in Missouri? What role does civic education play in helping the public understand the courts? And what can students learn from a judge who did not start with every advantage?

In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner chats with Judge Jeffrey McPherson about his path from a small college to the Supreme Court of Missouri, private practice and the bench.

Judge McPherson shares what it was like to become the first person in his family to graduate from college and law school. He also reflects on attending a high school with limited opportunities, working hard in the classroom and building a legal career that included clerking for the Supreme Court of Missouri and nearly 30 years in private practice before becoming a judge.

The conversation also explores the importance of civic education, why courts matter in everyday life and how students can begin to see a place for themselves in the legal system.

This episode is a reminder that there is no single path to a legal career. Hard work, curiosity and public service can open doors, even when the starting point looks different than expected.

Listen to Missouri Law Matters for conversations about Missouri courts, civic education, the legal profession and the people who help make the justice system work.

In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner talks with Senior Judge Gary Lynch about Missouri courts, court technology and the role of Case.net in helping the public access court information.

The conversation explores how Missouri developed a statewide court automation system, why court technology matters and how tools like Case.net support public access to justice. Judge Lynch also discusses his service as a trial judge, appellate judge and senior judge, along with the importance of public service, mental health initiatives and the future of artificial intelligence in the justice system.

For anyone searching for Case.net Missouri, Missouri court records, Missouri courts online, Missouri court case search or how Missouri courts use technology, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people and systems working to serve the public.

What really happens inside Missouri’s Associate Circuit Courts?
Judge Denise Childress of St. Charles County joins host Judge Matt Hamner to share what everyday justice looks like - from orders of protection and child support to family law and landlord-tenant cases.

She talks about handling hundreds of cases a week, working with people who represent themselves, and why keeping courts open and accessible matters to every Missourian. Judge Childress also reflects on her journey from public defender to the bench, the mentors who guided her, and how teaching and fairness shape her approach to the law.

Topics include:
– What to expect in Missouri’s Associate Circuit Court
– Orders of protection and family law cases
– Child support, small claims, and landlord-tenant disputes
– The role of mentorship and education in the judiciary
– Why open courts build public trust

About Missouri Law Matters
A podcast from the Supreme Court of Missouri, sharing conversations with judges and court professionals about how the law works in real life - and how Missouri’s courts serve the public every day.

In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner speaks with Joseph Goff, Jr, private practice attorney and former judge, about his unique journey through Missouri’s legal system — from prosecutor to judge to advocate for civic education.

Together, they explore how civic education builds public trust, why judges should connect with their communities, and how young lawyers can help demystify the court system through outreach and engagement.

👉 Key Topics:

Missouri law and the judicial system

Civic education and community engagement

Legal careers and professional development

Trust and transparency in courts

The role of judges and lawyers in public education

📍 Chapters
00:00 Personal Experiences in the Legal Field
01:43 The Influence of Sports on Legal Careers
13:00 Exploring the 24th Circuit: Counties and Culture
14:28 Judicial Responsibilities: A Day in the Life of a Judge
16:53 Transitioning to the Bench: Expectations vs. Reality
19:53 Civic Education: The Role of Judges in Community Engagement
25:11 Civic Education Committee: Goals and Initiatives
32:59 The Importance of Civic Education for Young Lawyers
37:06 From Judge to Lawyer: Navigating Career Transitions

💬 “Civic education is incredibly important. We only have the trust of the people.” — Joseph Goff

Follow the Supreme Court of Missouri to learn more about Your Missouri Courts

# missouri supreme court

In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner sits down with Judge Corey Moon to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing rural Missouri: legal deserts.

What happens when there are fewer than one lawyer for every 1,000 people? Many rural counties in Missouri have only a judge and a prosecutor - leaving residents without meaningful access to legal help.

Together, Judge Hamner and Judge Moon explore:

Why rural areas struggle to recruit and retain attorneys

How community service and engagement impact legal access

Incentive programs from other states, like South Dakota

The growing role of technology in law and virtual hearings

Why access to justice matters for every Missourian

This conversation highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions and ongoing efforts by Missouri courts and the Missouri Bar to address gaps in access to justice.

🔗 Watch more Missouri Law Matters episodes here: https://bit.ly/4kSekXO