What does it take to become a judge in Missouri? In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Jalilah Otto of the 16th Judicial Circuit in Jackson County shares her path to the bench, the work judges do each day, and how Missouri’s nonpartisan court plan shapes judicial selection in Kansas City and beyond.

Judge Otto talks about growing up in Kansas City, discovering the law almost by accident, and building a career as a prosecutor at the state and federal levels before becoming an associate circuit judge, then a circuit judge. She also explains how Missouri circuit courts work, why civic education matters, and what people should know before stepping into a courtroom.

This conversation is designed for Missourians searching for:

About Missouri Law Matters

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What really happens inside Missouri’s Associate Circuit Courts?

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:

About Missouri Law Matters

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

📍 Chapters

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

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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

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

Ever had a question you wish you could ask a judge? In this special Ask a Judge episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner answers Missouri’s most-asked court questions.

From how to become a judge to what really happens in the courtroom, Judge Hamner offers clear, practical insights on the legal process. He shares what law school is like, how the bar exam works, why ethics are essential, and what to expect if you have a case in court.

Whether you’re a student, a lawyer, or just curious about Missouri’s justice system, this episode gives you a candid, behind-the-scenes look at how our courts work.

Takeaways

To become a judge, one must first be a lawyer.

Judges must adhere to strict ethical guidelines.

It's important to communicate concerns with your attorney.

The court's decisions are reflected in written opinions.

Public perception of court decisions can be misleading.

Law school requires significant dedication and effort.

Bar exam preparation is crucial for success.

Maintaining personal interests is important during law school.

Distractions are common during the bar exam.

Understanding courtroom procedures can alleviate anxiety.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setup

00:21 Understanding Judicial Ethics and Impartiality

03:20 Judicial Decision-Making and Public Perception

12:09 Courtroom Realities vs. Media Portrayals

15:11 The Art of Legal Strategy and Preparation

15:24 The Art of Cross-Examination

15:51 Understanding Elected Judges in Missouri

17:37 Balancing Law and Public Opinion

19:44 The Role of Judicial Decisions

19:57 Understanding Appellate Courts

20:11 The Role of Appellate Courts

21:23 Mentorship in Legal Careers

25:06 Advice for Aspiring Judges

28:30 Navigating Attorney-Client Relationships

39:35 Preparing for Court Appearances

47:59 Surviving and Thriving in Law School

Keywords

Missouri judicial system, becoming a judge, judicial ethics, public questions, attorney-client relationships, guardians ad litem, courtroom drama, court preparation, law school tips, bar exam preparation

What does it take to run Missouri’s highest court behind the scenes?

In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner sits down with Betsy Ledgerwood, Clerk of the Supreme Court of Missouri, to explore her journey from small-town Missouri to the center of statewide judicial administration.

They cover:

• The evolving role of the court clerk

Whether you're in the legal field or just curious about how the court system really works, this episode offers insight into public service, the challenges of access to justice, and the people who keep the wheels turning at the Supreme Court of Missouri.

📍Chapters

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more conversations from inside Missouri’s legal system.

#SupremeCourt #LegalProfession #AccessToJustice #CourtAdministration #JudiciaryTransparency #MentorshipInLaw #MissouriLawMatters # Missouri Supreme Court

On his first day as Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court, Brent Powell sits down with Judge Matt Hamner to discuss Missouri’s legal system and the path that led him to its highest bench.

This episode of Missouri Law Matters covers:

Chief Justice Powell also shares personal insights about growing up in Springfield, the influence of his family and mentors, and the values that guide his work on and off the bench.

Listen now to learn how Missouri’s courts are working to deliver justice for all.

Keywords: Missouri Supreme Court, Chief Justice Brent Powell, access to justice, pro se, treatment courts, Missouri legal system, criminal justice reform, Missouri courts, public service, Missouri law podcast

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Chief Judge

01:54 Path to the Law

08:18 Transitioning to Prosecution

14:40 Becoming a Judge and Access to Justice

16:53 Empowering Pro Se Litigants

20:10 The Evolving Role of Courts

26:11 Transitioning to the Appellate Bench

33:48 The Chief Justice's Responsibilities

36:49 Access to Justice Initiatives

39:34 Improving Criminal Justice Administration

44:27 Looking Ahead: Goals for the Future

In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, host Judge Matt Hamner talks with Heather Officer, Circuit Clerk for Laclede County, about the vital but often overlooked role of court clerks in the Missouri legal system. Heather shares what it really takes to manage court operations, from cross-training staff to navigating technology shifts.

They explore how court clerks support judges, litigants (including those representing themselves), and the public - all while facing staffing shortages and high expectations. With 24 years of experience, Heather offers an inside look at what keeps the court system running smoothly and why community awareness of the clerk’s office matters more than ever.

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In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, host Judge Matt Hamner sits down with Judge Kevin Hillman to explore the unique connection between military and civil law in Missouri - especially in communities surrounding Fort Leonard Wood.

Judge Hillman shares his path from active-duty service to associate circuit judge, highlighting how Veterans Treatment Courts support military members and their families. He also discusses:

• Common legal issues facing service members

This episode is essential for anyone interested in Missouri courts, military legal issues, Veterans Court, and the role of technology in modern justice.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with Missouri’s legal leaders.

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#MissouriLawMatters #law #JudgeHillman #MilitaryLaw #FortLeonardWood #CivilLaw #MissouriCourts #legal #Tech #Court #Judge #veteran #nationalguard

Missouri Family Law Explained: Child Custody, Mediation & Parenting Court with Commissioner Sherrill Roberts

In this in-depth episode of Missouri Law Matters, host Judge Matt Hamner is joined by Commissioner Sherrill Roberts, a respected Family Court Commissioner, to explore the evolving landscape of family law in Missouri. Together, they unpack the realities of family court — one of the most common ways people encounter the legal system — and share insight into the work happening behind the scenes to support families in crisis.

From the rise in pro se litigants (individuals representing themselves) to the increased use of mediation in resolving child custody and support disputes, this episode sheds light on how courts are adapting to better serve families. Commissioner Roberts also highlights the groundbreaking Parenting Court program, which helps parents re-establish and strengthen connections with their children.

The conversation goes beyond courtrooms to emphasize the importance of mentorship in the legal field, the emotional complexity of family law cases, and how commissioners approach their role with empathy and fairness. Whether you’re a parent navigating family court, a legal professional, or a policy advocate, this episode offers valuable insight into the challenges and innovations shaping Missouri family law today.

Topics Covered:

• The role of Missouri family court commissioners

🔗 Learn more about Missouri’s court programs and explore additional resources at https://www.courts.mo.gov/.

🗣️ Subscribe and share to stay informed about how Missouri’s legal system is working to serve its communities — one case at a time.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Family Law and the Role of a Commissioner

03:34 Understanding the Family Court System

11:47 The Journey to Becoming a Commissioner

20:11 Navigating Family Law Cases in Clay County

23:25 The Importance of Mediation in Family Law

27:32 Evolution of Family Law Practices

31:50 Rise of Pro Se Litigants

35:28 Innovative Parenting Court Program

46:13 Balancing Fairness in Family Law Decisions

49:20 Advice for Navigating Family Law Cases