Six SMBA Members Named Women of Justice

Six SMBA members will be honored in the 2026 class of Women’s Justice Awards recipients.  These awards recognize women across Missouri who have demonstrated leadership, integrity, service, sacrifice and accomplishment in improving the quality of justice and exemplifying the highest ideals of the legal profession. The awards will be presented by Missouri Lawyers Media on Thursday April 16, 2026, at Ameristar Casino & Resort in St. Charles, Missouri.  Congratulations to:

Corporate

• Rachael Dockery, Missouri State University

Public Service

• Jacqueline Ledezma-Ruelas, Greene County Prosecutor’s Office

• Judge Kirsten Poppen, 31st Judicial Circuit

Transactional

• Lillian Sweeney, Neale and Newman

Mentor

• Charity Elmer, Cox Health

Woman of the Year

• Betsy Ledgerwood, Clerk of the Court, Missouri Supreme Court