Parson appoints Christian County associate circuit judge

Photo courtesy ElectJessicaKruse.com

Jessica Kruse

Gov. Mike Parson is making the call ahead of the November election: Jessica Kruse is the next associate circuit judge for Christian County.

Kruse, a partner in Springfield-based Ozarks Elder Law LLC, won the August primary election running as a Republican — with 63.3 percent of the votes to defeat Republican Ron Cleek — and is running unopposed this November, according to a news release from the governor’s office. The appointment is effective today, said Kelli Jones, spokeswoman for Parson’s office.

Kruse succeeds Judge Larry Luna, who retired from his post, according to the release.

Jones said Parson’s appointment of Kruse runs through Dec. 31. The November election would put her in the position for a four-year term.

Kruse’s position as Division III associate circuit judge presides over civil and small claims, according to Courts.ChristianCountyMo.gov.

A 2013 member of Springfield Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, Kruse previously told Springfield Business Journal her law partner would continue the Ozarks Elder Law practice if she won the judgeship.

Kruse also was selected as an upcoming honoree for SBJ’s 2018 Most Influential Women awards in October.

At Ozarks Elder Law, Kruse focuses on elder law, probate and estate planning.

She announced her candidacy for the judgeship early this year.