From Springfield, Missouri to the State Supreme Court

This year, southwest Missouri is leaving its mark on the state’s highest court. Two judges on the Missouri Supreme Court have Springfield roots and ties to the University of Missouri School of Law.

Chief Justice W. Brent Powell began his two-year term in July in a role that will guide Missouri’s judiciary through challenges like criminal justice reform, access to affordable legal representation and the integration of new technology in courtrooms. Powell, first appointed to the Court in 2017, brings a background as both prosecutor and circuit judge. “Growing up here taught me the importance of community and stepping up to help those in need,” he says.

Judge Ginger Gooch joined the Supreme Court in 2023 after two decades as a partner at Husch Blackwell in Springfield, where she built a respected civil litigation and appellate practice. She previously clerked for Judge Ann Covington, the Court’s first female justice, and later served on the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District. For Gooch, impact comes down to clarity and consistency: “Success looks like writing clear and timely opinions, treating people with respect, and fairly addressing the arguments before us.”

Both Powell and Gooch are active in the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association and remain connected to the region. Gooch still lives in Springfield with her family, while Powell maintains ties to the local legal community despite dividing time between Kansas City and Jefferson City.