Hon. Russell E. Steele

Russell E. Steele has served as the presiding circuit court judge for Missouri's 2nd Judicial Circuit since his appointment in December 1997, with subsequent elections in 1998, 2000, 2006, and 2012. A University of Missouri alumnus, Steele earned his A.B. in economics in 1974 and his J.D. from the University of Missouri School of Law in 1977. Prior to his judicial tenure, he practiced privately as an attorney from 1977 to 1997. Throughout his career, he has been recognized by the Missouri Bar, the Adair County Bar Association, and the American Bar Association, and he was re-elected unopposed in 2012. His service has been marked by a commitment to judicial integrity and community service.