Robin Ransom
Historic appointment as the first African-American woman to the Supreme Court of Missouri in 2021. She assumed office on June 8, 2021. Her current term ends on December 31, 2034.
Education:
Juris Doctorate, 1991, University of Missouri-Columbia School of LawBachelor of arts, political science and sociology,1988, Douglass College–Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Prior Employment:
Staff attorney, October 1996 to December 2002, St. Louis County family court; handled juvenile delinquency cases, care and protection cases, and termination of parental rights mattersAssistant prosecuting attorney, fall 1995 to 1996, St. Louis County prosecuting attorney’s office assistant public defender, 1992 to 1995, St. Louis County public defender’s office; assigned primarily to cases in the family court – juvenile division. Professional memberships and activities: Member, The Missouri BarMember, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL) Frequent presenter to school groups and organizations interested in juvenile laws, juvenile justice, and the courts and legal system in general.
Awards and honors:
Theodore McMillian Service Award – Black Law Students Association, Saint Louis University School of LawWomen’s Justice Award for Public Service – Missouri Lawyers Media, 2019 Clarence Darrow Award – Public Interest Group, Saint Louis University School of Law, 2008 Additional information:Born and raised in the city of St. LouisGraduated from Rosati-Kain High School in St. Louis
SYNOPSIS
Early Life and Education Born on July 21, 1967, in St. Louis, Missouri, Robin Ransom’s journey to becoming a prominent legal figure began with a strong foundation. Her father’s role as a firefighter and social worker instilled in her a sense of community and service.Ransom’s educational path led her to Rosati-Kain High School and Rutgers University–New Brunswick’s Douglass Residential College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and sociology in 1988. In 1991, she furthered her academic pursuits by obtaining a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law.
Career
Robin Ransom’s legal career commenced in 1992 as a public defender in St. Louis County. Her commitment to justice and her community led her to transition to a prosecutor’s role in St. Louis County in 1995. In 2002, she assumed the position of a juvenile family court commissioner in St. Louis, further enhancing her experience in the legal field.In a significant move, Governor Bob Holden appointed her as an associate justice in 2002, a position that marked the beginning of her notable judicial career. On September 11, 2008, she received another gubernatorial appointment, this time to the St. Louis Circuit Court. In 2018, her peers on the court unanimously elected her as the presiding judge, making history as the first African-American woman to hold this esteemed position. Governor Mike Parson recognized her exceptional legal acumen and appointed her to the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Eastern District in 2019, showcasing her growing influence in Missouri’s judicial system. However, her most groundbreaking achievement came on May 24, 2021, when Governor Parson appointed her to the Supreme Court of Missouri. This historic appointment made her the first African-American woman to serve on the state’s highest court. She emerged as the selected candidate from a competitive field of 25 applicants, chosen from a shortlist of three candidates presented by a nonpartisan commission, as per the Missouri Plan. Governor Parson’s swift decision highlighted Ransom’s qualifications and expertise. Former Missouri Chief Justice Michael A. Wolff praised Ransom’s selection, acknowledging the significance of her appointment.
Personal Life
Beyond her legal career, Robin Ransom possesses talents and passions that enrich her life. She is an avid and competitive bowler, having honed her skills since the age of 11. In March 2021, she achieved the remarkable feat of bowling a perfect 300.Ransom’s dedication to her community extends to tutoring children in a local church’s literacy program. She is also actively involved in various organizations, including the Juvenile Officer Performance Standards Work Group and the Missouri State Foster Care and Adoption Board. Additionally, she serves as a mentor for the nonprofit organization, The Literacy Project. Robin Ransom’s multifaceted life, from her legal achievements to her talents and community engagement, showcases her as a trailblazing figure in Missouri, breaking barriers in the legal field while making a positive impact beyond the courtroom.