On March 4, 2025, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe announced the appointment of two judges to positions in the 9th and 21st Judicial Circuits.
Adam Warren, from Chillicothe, was appointed as the Associate Circuit Judge for Sullivan County in the 9th Judicial Circuit. Ellen W. Dunne, of Des Peres, was appointed as the Circuit Judge in the 21st Judicial Circuit.
Adam Warren Associate Circuit Judge for Sullivan County
Professional Background
Adam Warren has served as the Livingston County Prosecuting Attorney since 2011. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Restaurant Administration from Missouri State University.
Warren also owned and operated Warren Law Office, LLC, and served in the Missouri Army National Guard from 2004 to 2011 before receiving an honorable discharge. He fills the vacancy left by the passing of Judge Tracey Mason-White.
Ellen W. Dunne: Circuit Judge in the 21st Judicial Circuit
Professional Background
Ellen W. Dunne has served as an Associate Circuit Judge for the 21st Judicial Circuit since 2017. She earned her Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Missouri.
Prior to her judicial service, Judge Dunne practiced law for over two decades, handling various civil matters.
She is an active member of several legal associations, including the Missouri Bar Association, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, Lawyers Association of St. Louis, Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater St. Louis, and St. Louis County Bar Association.
Judge Dunne fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Nancy M. Watkins McLaughlin.
Judicial Selection Process in Missouri
Missouri employs the Missouri Plan, a merit-based system for selecting judges. Under this system, a nonpartisan commission reviews candidates for judicial vacancies and submits a list of qualified candidates to the governor, who has 60 days to make an appointment.
If the governor does not act within this timeframe, the commission selects the judge. After serving one year, judges must stand for retention in the next general election.
Governor Mike Kehoe’s recent judicial appointments aim to enhance the judicial system in Missouri’s 9th and 21st Judicial Circuits.
Adam Warren and Ellen W. Dunne bring extensive legal experience and commitment to public service, ensuring that the courts continue to operate effectively and fairly for the citizens of Missouri.