Missouri Court of Appeals Judge Joins Shughart Thomson & Kilroy, P.C.

Kansas City, MO-Judge Edwin H. Smith of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District, joins the law firm of Shughart Thomson & Kilroy, P.C. after more than 29 years as a judge in various jurisdictions in Missouri. When he retires from the bench on July 6, Judge Smith will join the firm as a partner and practice corporate law at the firm’s St. Joseph office.

“My entire adult life has been spent serving the people of the state as a judge,” said Judge Smith. “It has been an honor, a privilege and a joy. I want to thank the people of this state for allowing me to serve them. Throughout my nearly three decades of service, I have been blessed to serve with some of the finest judges and court personnel in the country. I want to thank them for allowing me to serve with them and to be their friend. I look forward to my new career with the very fine law firm of Shughart Thomson & Kilroy, and being an advocate for the people I have served for so long.”

Judge Smith is highly regarded in the legal community. During his 12 years on the Court of Appeals, Judge Smith, who served as the Court’s Chief Judge from July 1, 2004, to June 30, 2006, authored nearly 800 opinions. Fellow judges commend him on his exemplary career on the bench, which began at age 26, one of the youngest judges ever elected in Missouri. Judge Victor C. Howard, Chief Judge of the Court, says Judge Smith will be missed.

“He is unique among Missouri judges having served not only as a long-time appellate judge, but as a long-time circuit and associate circuit judge. He is experienced and is knowledgeable in almost every aspect of the law, making him invaluable to our court,” said Judge Howard.

Shughart Thomson & Kilroy President and CEO Jack Kilroy, Jr. says Judge Edwin Smith brings a unique perspective to the law firm and will be a great addition.


“Judge Smith will be an outstanding addition to the St. Joseph office and will bring many talents to the benefit of the clients of Shughart Thomson & Kilroy firm-wide. Still, it is unfortunate that financial considerations make it so difficult for our outstanding judges to remain on the bench. The citizens of Missouri benefit by retaining our judges, and that benefit exceeds the cost of more reasonable judicial salaries,” said Kilroy.

Managing Partner Dan Bouleware of the St. Joseph office is looking forward to bringing Judge Smith on as part of his team.

“I have known Judge Smith for years. We feel fortunate to be able to make his experience and expertise available for our clients. Everyone who knows him recognizes the energy and commitment he brings to our profession,” stated Bouleware.

Voters elected Judge Edwin Smith in 1978 as an associate circuit judge of Andrew County. Ten years later he was elected circuit judge, Division 2, 5th Judicial Circuit, and served as the Presiding Circuit Judge until his appointment by Governor Mel Carnahan to the Missouri Court of Appeals in 1995.

Judge Smith earned his A.B. in Sociology and his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law. He is a member of the Missouri Bar, the Kansas City Metro Bar Association, past president of the Missouri Association of Probate and Associate Circuit Judges, the American Judicature Society and past Chairman of the Board of Certified Court Reporter Examiners.

Judge Smith belongs to various civic and charitable organizations. One of his passions is coaching AAU girls’ basketball for the Herzog Starzz, an elite travel team for aspiring college players. He resides in St. Joseph with his wife, Deborah, of 29 years and his two daughters, Maddison and Jensen. He also enjoys raising Boxer show dogs, baking, landscaping, and sports.

About Shughart Thomson & Kilroy, P.C.
Founded in 1940, the Kansas City-headquartered law firm of Shughart Thomson & Kilroy, P.C. (www.stklaw.com), is a full-service, client-focused business law firm with more than 175 attorneys in six offices: Kansas City, Springfield and St. Joseph, MO.; Overland Park, KS.; Phoenix, AZ., and Denver, CO. Serving corporate, institutional and individual clients regionally, nationally and worldwide, Shughart Thomson & Kilroy is known for successfully applying forward-thinking strategies for both straightforward and complex legal matters.

Author: R. Dan Boulware
Firm: Shughart Thomson & Kilroy, P.C.

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