13 November 2019

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Sixteenth Circuit Judicial Commission is accepting applications for the position of associate circuit judge, Division 27 of the 16th Judicial Circuit (Jackson County), beginning November 13, 2019. This position is created by the retirement of Judge Gregory B. Gillis, effective December 31, 2019. Judge Gillis has served the people of Jackson County for more than 20 years, first as a drug court commissioner and then as an associate circuit judge. Pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 10.26, the commission is authorized to nominate candidates to fill a vacancy, which will occur at a definite future date, up to 60 days before the vacancy occurs.

All applications (including references) previously received by the commission for the 16th Judicial Circuit, Division 26 associate circuit judge vacancy will be treated as applications for both the Division 26 and the Division 27 vacancies, unless an applicant informs the commission, in writing, that he or she does not wish to apply for the Division 27 vacancy. Only those potential applicants who have not submitted an application for Division 26 need file an application for Division 27.

Citizens are encouraged to nominate well-qualified candidates for the commission’s consideration. Article V, section 21 of the Missouri Constitution requires that an associate circuit judge be at least 25 years old, licensed to practice law in Missouri, a qualified voter of Missouri, and a resident of the 16th Judicial Circuit. Nominations should be submitted to the contact person listed below.


Applications and instructions are available below:


The commission must receive all completed applications for the Division 27 vacancy by 4:30 p.m. Friday, December 6, 2019.

Only one set of interviews will be conducted for those applicants who apply for both Divisions 26 and 27.  The commission will schedule a date for public interviews of those applicants who apply only for the Division 27 vacancy.

Members of the Commission are Karen King Mitchell, chief judge of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District; attorney Phyllis Norman; and lay members Connie Cierpiot and Damon Daniel. The second lawyer member position is currently vacant.

Contact: Susan C. Sonnenberg, Clerk of the Court
Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District
1300 Oak Street
Kansas City, MO  64106
Susan.Sonnenberg@courts.mo.gov
(816) 889-3600