Judge Francis Retirement

Judge Bill Francis has notified the SMBA of his retirement, effective July 31, 2022.  

Judge Francis is a graduate of Missouri State University and Missouri University School of Law.  He was in private practice from 1977 until his appointment to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District in 2010. 

Fellow Missouri Court of Appeals Judge Don Burrell who was appointed two years prior said "One of the biggest gaps in my knowledge and experience was workers compensation cases.  When Judge Francis joined our court, he was always available and willing to help prevent me from accidentally screwing up the law when I drew one of those appeals, whether he was on the panel or not. He is also the best joke-teller on our court."

Throughout his career Judge Francis has been active in work to serve the profession and community.  He is a past president of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association and was a founding member of the SMBA Bench and Bar Committee. Chief Judge of the Southern District, Gary Lynch reflected on that contribution and said "Judge Francis has been a wonderful court colleague and a good friend.  I will miss working with him."