Governor Eric Greitens announced several judicial appointments this week. They are as follows:
Kevin Walden, of Carrollton, will replace the retired Honorable David Miller as Circuit Judge for the 8th Judicial Circuit, which covers Carroll and Ray Counties.
Judge Kevin Walden has been an Associate Circuit Court Judge for Carroll County since 2005 where he has presided over more than a thousand cases. Before serving on the bench, Judge Walden was the prosecuting attorney for Carroll County and a private practitioner.
“Kevin Walden’s breadth of experience and familiarity with the circuit make him well-qualified to serve as a circuit judge for the 8th Judicial Circuit,” Greitens said. “He will serve with distinction and respect, and I am proud to appoint him.”
Lynne R. Perkins, of St. Louis, replaces Judge Theresa Counts Burke as Associate Circuit Court Judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit, which covers the City of St. Louis.
For twenty years, Lynne Perkins served in the United States Air Force. After concluding his military service, he graduated from the Washington University School of Law and served as a public defender. Throughout his career, Perkins represented thousands of clients throughout all phases of litigation. He has tried 40 jury trials to conclusion.
Katherine (“Katie”) M. Fowler, of St. Louis, takes over as Circuit Court Judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit, following the retirement of the Honorable Edward Sweeney.
Katie Fowler is an Officer at Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. She brings to the bench more than 17 years of experience specializing in complex civil litigation. Fowler has defended businesses in numerous complex civil cases, ranging from pharmaceutical, medical malpractice, product liability, environmental, and class action litigation. She received her law degree from Saint Louis University and her undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton.
Brouck Jacobs, of Columbia, will replace the retired Judge Christine Carpenter as Circuit Judge for the 13th Judicial Circuit, which covers Boone and Callaway Counties.
Brouck Jacobs has been a prosecuting attorney for almost a decade. Since 2013, Jacobs has served as an assistant prosecuting attorney for the Boone County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Before that, he had a career in private practice. Throughout his career, Jacobs has tried more than 40 jury trials to conclusion.
Melissa Lawyer, of St. Joseph, takes over as Circuit Judge for the 5th Judicial Circuit, which covers Andrew and Buchanan Counties, replacing the Honorable Randall Jackson, who retired earlier this year.
Melissa Lawyer is the Deputy City Attorney for the City of St. Joseph where she manages the City’s litigation. She previously served as a staff attorney for Legal Aid of Western Missouri and as an adjunct professor at Missouri Western State University. Lawyer holds a J.D. and a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Missouri.
