Gov. Jay Nixon today appointed Jennifer M. Phillips as Circuit Judge for the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, which covers Jackson County. She will fill a vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Edith L. Messina.
Phillips has served with the Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney's Office since 2002, and currently holds the position of Chief Trial Assistant over the violent crimes unit, where she supervises seven trial attorneys. Phillips has played a significant role in Kansas City's No Violence Alliance, a collaboration between federal, state and local law enforcement, the faith-based community, social service agencies, and city leaders to reduce violent crimes and provide social services to offenders who want to choose a different path.
Before joining the Prosecuting Attorney's Office, she was legal counsel for the Missouri Department of Revenue. Phillips obtained both her law and undergraduate degrees from the University of Missouri.
"As an assistant prosecuting attorney in Jackson County, Jennifer Phillips has demonstrated her dedication to public service, as well as her ability and experience in the courtroom," Gov. Nixon said. "I am pleased to appoint her as Circuit Judge from a well-qualified panel."
Phillips was one of three applicants submitted to Gov. Nixon for consideration by the Sixteenth Circuit Judicial Commission under the Missouri Nonpartisan Court Plan.