Jefferson City - On October 4, 2024, Governor Mike Parson announced judicial appointments to the 11th, 25th, and 29th Judicial Circuits.

William M. Byrnes, of Wentzville, will be appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 11th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Byrnes owns Byrnes Law Firm. He holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Southeast Missouri State University and a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He will fill the vacancy created by the election of the Honorable Matt Thornhill as Circuit Judge who is unopposed in the 2024 general election.

Denise L. Childress, of St. Charles, will be appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 11th Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Childress owns Childress Legal, LLC. She holds a Bachelor of Science in justice systems from Truman State University and a Juris Doctor from St. Louis University. She will fill the vacancy created by the election of the Honorable Dwayne Johnson as Circuit Judge who is unopposed in the 2024 general election.

Peter A. Lassiter, of New Melle, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 11th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Lassiter owns St. Thomas Legal, LLC. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from St. Louis University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Columbia. He will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Erin S. Burlison as Circuit Judge.

Brendon Fox, of Rolla, will be appointed as Circuit Judge for the 25th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Fox is the Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and art history from Stanford University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri­–Columbia. He will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable John D. Beger.

Nicole M. Carlton, of Carthage, will be appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 29th Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Carlton owns Carlton Law Firm, LLC. She holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration and a Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas­–Fayetteville. She will fill the vacancy created by the election of the Honorable Joseph L. Hensley as Circuit Judge who is unopposed in the 2024 general election.