February 4, 2011

Gov. Nixon appoints Associate Circuit Judge Thea Sherry as new Circuit Judge in St. Louis County

JEFFERSON CITY - Gov. Jay Nixon today appointed Associate Circuit Judge Thea Sherry as a new Circuit Judge for the 21st Circuit, which encompasses all of St. Louis County. She will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable John Kintz.

Judge Sherry has served as an Associate Circuit Judge for the circuit since 1998. During that time, she has presided over both criminal and civil cases, including complex bench and jury trials. Prior to her appointment to the bench, she operated a private practice for 17 years and served with the St. Louis County Public Defender's Office for three years. Judge Sherry currently is an adjunct professor of law at Washington University School of Law.

"I am pleased to name Judge Sherry as the newest Circuit Judge for St. Louis County," Gov. Nixon said. "She has a wealth of experience in all facets of the law that will enable her to continue her capable service to the people of her county in this new position."

From 2004 to 2008, Judge Sherry was co-chair of the Missouri Task Force on Children's Justice. The task force worked with both the Department of Social Services and the courts to review and recommend improvements to the system in providing assistance for children who have been victims of neglect and abuse. She also has served on several other boards addressing issues of child abuse and neglect, domestic and family violence, and the use of science and technology in the courts.

Judge Sherry was one of three applicants submitted to the Governor for consideration by the 21st Circuit Judicial Commission under the Missouri Nonpartisan Court Plan.