Cordonnier Named SMBA Distinguished Attorney

More than 200 SMBA members and their guests attended today's Salute to Judges special event.  Event Chair Ryan Frazier began the festivities recognizing the generous sponsors and dignitaries in attendance.

The seven retired/ retiring honorees were Judges Nancy Rahmeyer, Gary Lynch and Bill Francis from the Southern District, and Judges Michael Cordonnier, Jason Brown, Thomas Mountjoy and Calvin Holden from the 31st Circuit.  There were a number of dignitaries present as well, including 28 judges from state and federal courts in addition to the honorees.  The state court judges in attendance included Judges Patricia Breckenridge and Brent Powell from the Supreme Court of Missouri who made the trip to Springfield to join the festivities.  There were also officers and directors of the Missouri Bar present to help us honor our judges.

Each of the retiring judges was acknowledged with a resolution read in their honor.  Replica resolutions were available for all to sign as a memento for the honorees.  Thank you to the authors of those resolutions: Jeff Bauer, Andy Bennett, Daniel Wooten, Derek Ankrom, Stacie Bilyeu, The Honorable Todd Myers and Grant Rahmeyer.

The event culminated with the presentation of the SMBA Annual Awards. 

The Equal Access to Justice Award  presented by Legal Services of Southern Missouri went to Nate Dunville and Scott Pierson for their extensive work in helping people get access and information through the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Foundation Clean Slate Clinics.

The Liberty Bell Award went to Missouri Senator Lincoln Hough for his successful efforts to acquire additional judicial resources for the 31st Judicial Circuit.

The Judicial Excellence Award was presented to The Honorable Jason Brown in recognition of his nearly 20 years on the bench in Greene County and significant contribution to both community and professional volunteer service.

The Distinguished Attorney Award, the highest honor bestowed by the SMBA was presented to the Honorable Michael Cordonnier.  Judge Cordonnier was nominated unanimously by a committee of previous recipients for his exemplary career both as lawyer and judge.  Special note was made of his service during pandemic which managed to keep the doors to the courthouse and those who work and visit there as safe as possible. Judge Cordonnier accepted his award noting the previous recipients and how honored he was to be in their company.  He concluded his remarks with a keen sense of audience, notifying those present that due to inclement weather, the courthouse would be closed Thursday and Friday. 

Event Program