JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Edward R. (Ted) Ardini has been appointed to fill the vacancy on the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District created by the retirement of Judge Joseph M. Ellis, Gov. Jay Nixon announced Friday.
Ardini has served as Counsel to the Governor since January 2009 where his roles included conducting legal reviews on legislation, drafting veto messages, drafting executive orders and drafting other legal documents.
“There are few people who possess as keen of an understanding of the executive, judicial and legislative branches of Missouri state government and of Missouri civil and criminal law as Ted Ardini,” Nixon said. “He will be an outstanding appellate judge, and I am pleased to select him from the well-qualified panel presented to me.”
Ardini served as Counsel to the Attorney General from 2003 to 2009 when Nixon held that office and before that served as chief counsel in the attorney general’s Public Safety Division. He has trial experience in capital litigation, cases against public officials, and a federal RICO action.
Ardini graduated from the New England School of Law in 1994.
Ardini also helped plan Nixon’s response to natural disasters. In 2014, he received the Patrick Henry Award from the National Guard Association of the United States, presented to civilians in a position of responsibility who have distinguished themselves with outstanding and exceptional service to the U.S. Armed Forces or the National Guard.
